The British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) will be thrusting British wool and the Board’s activities in to the spotlight at this year’s NSA Sheep Event, Malvern of which BWMB is a mainline sponsor.
As part of the BWMB activities at the event the Board’s stand will showcase the work being done on behalf of wool producers to increase returns and BWMB staff will be on hand to answer producers questions, said BWMB chairman Ian Buchanan.
"Despite the current pressures in the wool market BWMB is extremely active in its marketing and promotion of British wool and this, combined with the work of the Campaign for Wool, is helping maintain demand for our fibre.
"Producers marketing their wool through the Board can be confident they are supporting a collaborative organisation which is doing its best to maximise the value of their wool."
Naturally producers will have questions they’d like answering and BWMB representatives will be on hand throughout the event to talk to producers and answer any queries, added Mr Buchanan.
Supporting the next generation
Gareth Jones, BWMB Producer Communications Manager said: "For the first time this year the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs will be joining the Board on its stand to highlight the work the two organisations are doing together.
"BWMB has for many years supported the next generation through its shearing training and other activities.
"Recent work with NFYFC has helped its members understand the Board’s role in more detail and focussed on explaining the wool supply chain to young farmers."
Sarah Palmer, agriculture officer for NFYFC said the organisation’s relationship with BWMB was an important one and had provided a unique insight in to wool marketing.
"With BWMB being the last remaining central marketing board it provides a great contrast to how other agricultural products are marketed and this is experience invaluable for our members as they pursue careers in agriculture."
The joint BWMB and CfW iconic three metre high installation will again form the stunning centrepiece of the BWMB's stand.
'Perfect reflection' of the British wool industry
Gareth Jones said: "The 'WOOL' installation is a dramatic statement piece covered in different wool applications which has drawn enormous attention wherever it has been shown before.
"The nature of the piece means it is very much a touch and feel piece as well as a stunning visual display
"The piece is a perfect reflection of the British wool industry, showcasing a wide variety of uses for wool from the massive range of breeds and types farmed across the world."
Also featuring on the stand will be an identify the breed competition with visitors challenged to identify different breeds from various wool types.
BWMB’s South Molton depot manager, Mike Berry will take on the task of judging the event’s fleece competition with the champion fleece automatically qualifying for the recently launched BWMB National Golden Fleece competition.
Useful advice, information and displays on fleece presentation will also be a feature throughout the day.
Away from the BWMB stand Mr Buchanan will be one of the speakers in an event seminar entitled ‘Adding Value by Maximising the Marketplace’.
He said the event’s theme of ‘Adding Value’ fitted perfectly alongside BWMB’s own aims which were always to deliver maximum value back to producers.
Importantly BWMB operates wool depots across the UK, collecting wool from every sheep farmer no matter the type of sheep or the size of flock, added Mr Buchanan.
"As such, and as the only agricultural commodity board still operating in the UK, BWMB should be highly valued by all wool producers.
"It doesn’t cherry pick producers or wool types, but finds a buyer for every fleece delivered to it, always aiming to achieve the best possible returns for the producer," he said.
