Better coordination of Ireland’s wool output on an all-island basis could represent a win/win scenario for Irish sheep farmers.
This is according to Ulster Wool Group chair, Brendan Kelly.
He explained: “We need to look at issues of scale that will have a real impact on the prices flock owners receive for their wool.
“One of these is the grading of the fleeces sent to market.
“There is significant potential to grade additional wool at Ulster Wool’s depot at Muckamore in south Co. Antrim.”
Kelly sees the Irish Wool Council as the organisation that can actively address the issues that lie at the heart of the Irish wool debate.
The Ulster Wool Group chair made these comments in the wake of the recent European Wool Day.
“Wool has such a tremendous story to tell. It is such a versatile and wholly natural fabric,” Kelly said.
“This is in total contrast to the imagery associated with synthetic fibres and their specific link to micro plastic-related pollution of water courses.
“Yes, wool is more expensive. But it represents tremendous value for money.”
The Ulster Wool chair noted that wool is also a “carbon negative fibre”.
“Carbon is the main chemical element contained in wool, which decomposes naturally in ways that enrich the environment.”
Meanwhile international wool prices have eased slightly following strong gains made since the beginning of the year.
“The war in the Persian Gulf will not have an influence on wool production costs per se,” Kelly stated.
“However, it will have an impact on the processing sectors. Scouring, in particular, is a very energy intense process.
“So the final costs of wool purchased by consumers and woollen garments may well increase during the period ahead.”
75th anniversary
May 1 represents the beginning of a new sheep shearing season. And 2026 is significant in this context as it marks the 75th anniversary of Ulster Wool Group.
The farmer-owned cooperative represents and supports sheep farmers across Northern Ireland.
The organisation works to maximise the value of wool through quality assurance, expert services, and strong market connections.
Kelly said: “News on how we plan to celebrate this milestone in the history of the co-operative will be forthcoming as the new wool season progresses.
“The organisation continues to play a key role in maximising the value of the wool supplied by flock owners.
“This is a good news story for the sheep sector as a whole.”