Ulster Wool has confirmed that farmer member returns for the 2025 clip year are set to hit their highest level in 10 years.
The organisation said that average returns per kilogram are 70% higher than last year, with prices increasing across all wool types.
The average payment for the 2025 clip year stands at 68p/kg, compared with 40p/kg a year ago.
Cheviot wool is returning 85p/kg, with many core grades of Mule, Texel, Romney, Hill and Cheviot Cross paying between 70-75p/kg.
Ulster Wool
Ulster Wool said the prices reflect “strong market demand and increased competition at the auctions”, with multiple buyers “actively competing”.
The organisation said this highlights the importance of the auction system to help drive prices for Northern Ireland sheep farmers.
Around 3,000 sheep farmers are currently working together through Ulster Wool.
According to the organisation, “the strength of collective selling continues to play a central role in securing improved returns for wool”.
Demand is also being driven through supply chain development and marketing initiatives.
British Wool, a partner of Ulster Wool, works with more than 180 licensees.
Last year, sales of fully traceable wool increased again, with buyers paying a premium above auction prices.
Prices
Brendan Kelly, Ulster Wool chair, said the 2025 clip year was “a strong result for our members and a clear sign the market is moving in the right direction”.
“Prices are up across all wool types because there is real competition at auction, and that only happens when farmers sell together through us.
“The auction is where prices are made. The more wool that comes through us, the stronger the returns will be for everyone.
“This is exactly what collective selling is designed to do, as we saw in 2021 after the Covid pandemic, working together to strengthen the market, deliver better value for wool produced in Northern Ireland, and maximise returns to our members,” he added.
Outlook
Kelly said that Ulster Wool is “optimistic” about the outlook for the 2026 wool season.
Based on recent auctions, it is expected that returns for the 2026 clip could increase by a further 25-30p/kg.
Several core types could potentially return more than £1/kg to Ulster Wool members.
The organisation has scheduled several shearing and wool handling courses for 2026, helping ensure clips are presented to the highest possible standard.