'Depot open as usual' says Gareth Jones, Head of Producer Marketing at Ulster Wool

‘Depot open as usual’ says Gareth Jones, Head of Producer Marketing at Ulster Wool:

Despite the recent challenges facing the wool sector and the economy in general as result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ulster Wool depot and collection sites across Northern Ireland are fully operational, receiving and collecting wool as usual.

Given the current circumstances, this in itself is quite an achievement and all sites are following Government guidance relating to Covid-19.  These protocols are in place to ensure the safety of producers as well as Ulster Wool staff. 

With a warm and dry spring many areas have had a good start to the shearing season.  Empty wool sheets, string and labels are available as usual in the normal way - if you are unsure, or require additional sheets, please contact our Muckamore depot 028 94 462 131.

Once shearing is completed then you are ready to make arrangements to deliver your wool, please contact the Muckamore depot or your local collection site.  Arranging a convenient day and time is key, especially as we operate within Covid-19 guidelines to ensure we keep everyone safe and well.  As always, Ulster Wool takes all types of wool, lowland and mountain types. If you aren’t sure where your nearest collection site is please click here to check on our depot network

After the wool has been delivered, every fleece is individually graded which determines the grade and quality.  Grading every fleece adds value as this separates the better quality from the poorer, with the better quality wool achieving a higher price which is then returned to the producer.  All wool sent to Ulster Wool is independently tested for micron, colour and dry yield (the latter is the weight left after the wool is scoured & washed) before it can be sold at auction. 

Continuing to provide producers with a high level of service is important and will always be a key focus for us as a business.  All wool producers, and the Northern Ireland sheep sector, should have the confidence they can continue to rely on Ulster Wool as a trusted partner in representing the best interests of producers and in increasing wool returns in the long term

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