Supporting Ulster Wool is key to growing long-term value for wool

As we head into September and the busy breeding sales season and autumn on the horizon, the Chairman of Ulster Wool, Brendan Kelly highlights the important role Ulster Wool has in supporting the Northern Ireland sheep industry and encourages any farmers with wool still on the farm to deliver this into their local Ulster Wool drop off site.

Mr. Kelly said: “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.”

“Ulster Wool exists as a farmer co-operative to represent the best interests of Northern Ireland sheep farmers with the sole focus being on maximising the value of 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 150 brands 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.

Mr. Kelly continued: “I know we all need to see wool prices increase but we can only build long-term value by sticking together and the only way sheep farmers can achieve better returns and receive the true market value for their wool is by supporting Ulster Wool.”

“You only need to look at the government support we secured for Northern Ireland farmers for losses on their wool due to Covid (in 2020) to see the benefits of 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 the Northern Ireland agricultural industry.”