AT this month's NSA Sheep 2014, being held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, visitors will have the opportunity to gain a detailed understanding of the work done on behalf of UK sheep farmers by the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB).

The BWMB, a main sponsor of the event, will display information on the latest wool prices while illustrating the various parts of the organisation’s work, including marketing and promotion and the work it does training new shearers.

Examples of that shearing action can be seen in the Open and YFC Shearing competitions being held in the Shearing Shed at the event, next Wednesday.

The BWMB will be staging a Wool Clinic on its stand in Wye Hall 4 throughout the day, providing advice to producers on improving wool clip presentation and quality. Additionally, wool from a variety of sheep breeds will be judged by Stephen Spencer, BWMB wool marketing manager at the show’s fleece competition.

A three-metre high installation will form the centrepiece of the BWMB's stand, which is being organised jointly with the Campaign for Wool (CfW).

“The centrepiece of the stand, the wool installation, is a dramatic statement piece, covered in different wool applications, which has drawn enormous attention wherever it has been shown before," said BWMB chairman and Northumberland sheep farmer Malcolm Corbett.

"The nature of the piece means it is very much a touch and feel piece as well as a stunning visual display.

“The piece is a perfect reflection of the British wool industry, showcasing a wide variety of uses for wool from the massive range of breeds and types farmed across the world."

In terms of prices and the current global market for wool, the last 12 months had seen demand for British wool increase again and, as a result, prices achieved at BWMB wool auctions had also increased, Mr Corbett added.

"While producers will naturally always want to see higher wool prices, the levels we've seen wool trading at in the last year are very welcome and show signs of continuing for the coming season," he continued.

The BWMB collects, grades and markets wool for all UK sheep farmers and provides a service to all producers, regardless of the type or amount of wool produced.

Mr Corbett said farmers should recognise that it was "the BWMB’s unique involvement at all levels of the supply chain which, together with its competitive auction system, puts it in such a strong position to be able to help the UK sheep industry extract the maximum value for its wool".