NSA Next Generation and British Wool Wool Symposium
Opportunities and threats to the UK wool sector in the spotlight at NSA and British Wool event
Enthusiastic young sheep farmers were given an insight into the wool processing sector during October 2024 as part of the National Sheep Association (NSA) Next Generation Wool Symposium.
In partnership with British Wool, the group of next generation sheep farmers were invited by NSA to British Wool Headquarters in Bradford, West Yorkshire for the two day event that included the opportunity to see first-hand what happens during wool processing journey, from arrival at a grading depot to transformation at the scouring plant into a pristine fibre and the sale process at a British Wool auction.
As well as the insightful tour those joining the symposium also joined a round table discussion on the future of the wool industry covering issues faced by both producers and British Wool.
The discussion identified and considered threats to the industry such as supply difficulties as fewer farmers send their wool for processing and the issue of others seeking a move to shedding sheep rather than the traditional woollen breeds. The group then moved on to learn more about the current work of British Wool to counteract these and to strengthen demand for the fibre at home and on a global market.
Nicola Noble, NSA Project Manager, joined the group and comments: ““It was an interesting two-day event filled with open discussion and a fantastic opportunity to engage with a group of passionate, young sheep farmers with the drive to understand, innovate and educate within the wool sector. I’ve no doubt the event has inspired them to be future wool ambassadors in their local farming scene, spreading positive messages and de-bunking myths.”
Claire Jenkins, Member Administration Manager with British Wool adds: “British Wool representatives thoroughly enjoyed this interaction with the members of the NSA Wool Symposium. British Wool is committed to supporting the next generation who are a key group within our industry. The young farmers’ profound passion for wool was evident and greatly appreciated. We found it interesting to hear that they didn't realise how detailed the process from farm to garment actually was. The best quote we received was that all our members should attend a Wool Process Tour to appreciate the work involved in the activity.”
Those joining the group travelled from across the UK and brought with them a wide range of experience within the sector from those involved in shearing to sheep farmers seeking to do more with their flock’s wool crop.
Steph Harrison travelled to Bradford to join the event from Dumfries and Galloway and says: “Thank you to British Wool for opening its doors and giving us a behind the scenes look at their operation, and also to NSA for supporting the next generation, putting on events like this.
From a deep dive into marketing and innovations, to market volatility and competition, no topic was off limits. The transparency in their operations was refreshing. Overall the symposium was a brilliant way to engage with the next generation.”
Tilly Abbot from Suffolk also attended and adds: “I feel proud to send my wool to British Wool and to be part of such an amazing farm cooperative, what they do behind closed doors to gain and improve value of our wool is outstanding and world leading and this trip gave me a great insight to this.
“Through training shearers to meet our needs, adding value by making our wool traceable, to creating a valuable outlet for less desirable wool which also meets sustainability goals, I feel confident that our wool has a strong position in future markets and exiting growth within both value and demand”.
The NSA Wool Symposium is an initiative run by NSA in its support for the future of the UK sheep sector. To find out more about NSA Next Generation please visit www.nsanextgeneration.org.uk
