British Wool prices have reached a twenty five year high and the promise of much better returns to the producer , will be the clear message from the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB) at the NSA event to be held at Stantor Barton Farm, Marldon, Paignton on Tuesday (14th June 2011).

Brian Dallyn, South West Board Member will be delivering a seminar titled - The Campaign for Wool and Improvements in Prices - at 2pm on Tuesday. In advance of the meeting, Mr Dallyn says, “We feel the time is right for wool, and our auction prices are showing this to be correct”

Wool prices at auction have increased substantially since October 2009, and the result is that the 2010 Wool Clip Value is double that of 2009 and three times that of 2008. “These values will be reflected in the 2011 Wool Cheques and I''m sure producers will welcome the significant increase this year”. All producers have now received the new layout Price Schedule and personalised estimated Wool Cheque. “Which I’m sure will make pleasant reading” Mr Dallyn added.

As the Board did last year it is projecting average producer clip values based on the end of season actual auction sales results between January and April. On this basis the projected average 2011 producer Clip Value of the Suffolk breeds is anticipated to achieve £1.20/kg along with Texel/Lleyn at £1.30 and Mule/Cross at £1.38/kg “With over 94% of the 2010 clip already sold the current level of prices are expected to be maintained this calendar year” says Mr Dallyn.

The Wool Board is exhibiting at the event and will be running a Fleece competition as part of their stand. “Entrants for the Fleece Competition are encouraged to bring their exhibits to the stand on the day” said Gareth Jones, the BWMB’s Producer Relations Manager. The competition is being judged by Mike Berry, Manager of the South Molton depot. Mr Jones also added “We hope this will encourage wool producers to come along to the stand and look at the various displays and demonstrations we''re staging”. Both Mr Jones and Mr Berry will be on hand throughout the event to meet with and answer any questions from producers.

Alison Gould, Shearing Co-ordinator for the South of England will also be displaying information on a range of shearing and other land based courses available through British Wool Training Ltd.