Fleece deliveries to Ulster Wool Group grading depot at Muckamore in Co. Antrim are ahead of this time last year, according to the co-op’s chairperson Brendan Kelly.
However, Kelly added: “It’s still very early on in the season.
“Most sheep have been clipped by this stage. So we are expecting a significant increase in deliveries to all our depots over the coming weeks.”
Meanwhile international wool prices have stabilised after the introduction of new and enhanced trading tariffs on China by the US.
Kelly said: “There is currently a six-week gap in the timing of wool auctions hosted by Bradford.
“So, we will have to wait until the end of July to fully assess how wool markets are reacting to the trading conditions that are now in play.”
Ulster Wools Group had a major presence at the recent Sheep NI event, held on the outskirts of Dungiven in Co. Derry.
Kelly highlighted: “We are a farmer-owned co-op established with the sole purpose of delivering the best possible prices back to wool producers.
“Ulster Wool Group is offering the best possible prices fleeces at the present time – proven fact.
“So, before looking at any other option, I would strongly urge sheep farmers to contact Muckamore to get a real sense of the price that can be achieved for the types of wool they are selling.”
Ulster Wool Group collects and grades 70% plus of the fleeces produced across Northern Ireland. And the co-op is committed to growing this figure.
“Wool is increasingly regarded as an elite quality, natural product with an intrinsically high value,” Kelly said.
“And Ulster Wool Group’s unique relationship with British Wool is helping to make this a positive reality for local sheep farmers.”
Meanwhile, payments for 2024 wool deliveries are being made to sheep producers directly following receipt of their 2025 clips.
Kelly explained: “Payments to Ulster Wool Group members are up 70% year-on-year.
“This is clear evidence that the co-operative marketing approach we take is working on behalf of sheep farmers.”
Wool throughput is a key factor in determining the costs that are passed on by Ulster Wool Group to its farmer-suppliers.
“The more wool we handle, the lower the handling charge per fleece that we have to factor in,” Kelly commented.
“Sheep numbers have dropped by around 4% over the past 12 months. And, obviously, this will impact on the total volumes of wool available in 2025.
“This trend is equally apparent across all the region of the UK and Ireland.”
