British Wool indicates solid start to sale season
There has been a solid start to the 2026 wool selling season, according to British Wool.
With the first four auctions complete, the organisation has sold 3,000t of new season wool at an average price of £1.70/kg.
The volume of wool sold this season to date is slightly ahead of last year.
The average price achieved is 70p per kilo higher than in the first four sales last year.
All core types are selling at significantly higher prices, while clearances in the last three sales have averaged close to 90%, indicating that demand remains strong.
According to British Wool, the average price at auction is currently 35p ahead of the overall average for the 2025 season which supports a positive outlook for sheep farmers.
Wool market
CEO of British Wool, Andrew Hogley said the latest results demonstrate that the market's recovery is continuing.
“British Wool has seen a significant price recovery over the last nine months with global demand for cross bred wool competing for supply.
"Auction prices are around 70% higher than 12 months ago in both the UK and in New Zealand.
"It is very encouraging to see consistent demand for British wool and the market holding steady at this much higher level.
"This improvement was much needed, especially for our members, but we acknowledge that it has been challenging for some manufacturers in the supply chain to absorb."
According to Hogley, the last few sales saw "good clearances and solid demand" for all core types of British wool, which he said confirmed the organisation's view that the market is in a "much stronger position than it has been for years".
He added: "We are confident that this should translate into a further improvement in returns for British Wool’s members this season."
The organisation said it continues to work with manufacturers, end brands and consumers to drive demand for British wool.
Hogley said: "We need to ensure demand is sustained and that brands continue to specify British wool in their products at these improved price levels.
"Our work is having an impact, with more brands than ever choosing to use British wool in their products.
"It is also particularly encouraging to see growth in demand for fully traceable British wool."
British Wool's intake for the 2026 clip year is currently running slightly ahead of last season, which it said indicated renewed confidence amongst farmers to sell their wool through British Wool’s collective marketing scheme.
With demand remaining robust, clearances staying high, and prices continuing to strengthen, the outlook remains positive for UK sheep farmers.
