Supporting Ulster Wool is key to growing long-term value for wool and representing the best interests of members writes Brendan Kelly, Chairman, Ulster Wool.

As we head into September and the busy breeding sales season and autumn on the horizon, I wanted to write in this month’s Graze to highlight the important role Ulster Wool has in supporting the Northern Ireland sheep industry and encourage any farmers with wool still on their farm to deliver this into their local Ulster Wool drop off site.

As a sheep farmer myself, I appreciate that wool returns in recent years have been disappointing. Indeed, wool prices globally have been challenged, with farmers in countries such as New Zealand and our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland in the same situation - we are all aware that we operate in a competitive environment for wool.

What is unique, however, is that Ulster Wool exists as a farmer co-operative to represent the best interests of you, our farmer members. Our sole focus is on maximising the value of your wool in the short and long term. This contrasts with direct purchasers. As well as focusing on growing demand for wool produced in Northern Ireland to create value over the long-term, there are many other unique ways that Ulster Wool supports the industry, such as:

• Providing a service to all sheep farmers regardless of wool type, volume, or location.
• Having more than 25 drop off sites located across Northern Ireland.
• With partners British Wool, working with more than 160 brands/manufacturers helping to create valuable demand for your product for the future
• Providing certified shearing and wool handling training courses in Northern Ireland every year.
• Supporting innovation such as our recent announcement on our strategic partnership with Next Gen Tree Guards - a fantastic new product.

I know we all need to see wool prices increase but we can only build long-term value by sticking together. Every kilo of wool that Ulster Wool handles, makes a vital contribution to ensuring this work and high level of service continues. Our sole objective is to see wool prices at auction - and consequently your return from wool - increase. If wool is marketed through Ulster Wool rather than sold direct from farm, then it increases the demand at our auctions and supports these improved prices.

By working together and using our collective strength, Ulster Wool can continue to build on the good work being done to grow long-term value for wool by representing the best interests of members and of the Northern Ireland agricultural industry.

For more information on your local Ulster Wool site please visit:

www.ulsterwool.com/ulster-depot-network