New early years scheme open to sheep enterprises

Eligible producers will be given 100% of their clip value for their first two years

British Wool has opened applications for its new entrants support scheme.

The scheme, which launched last year, gives eligible producers 100% of their clip value as an up front payment for their first two years.

Thereafter they will transition on to the standard payment scheme over the next three years by way of adjusted balancing payments.

British Wool chief executive officer Joe Farren said: “Investing in the future of the industry is an essential part of our strategy and we want to play a key role in encouraging young farmers into the industry.”

He said the scheme benefited more than 500 producers last year with a combined clip of more than 100,000kg of wool.

“I urge anyone that’s new to the industry to make contact so you can also benefit from this important scheme,” added Mr Farren.

“Through this initiative, we hope to appeal to young farmers to market their wool through us, and thus safeguard the long-term future of British Wool for the benefit of all our members.

“Eligible producers will be paid exactly the same prices as all other British Wool producers.

Dumfriesshire farm manager Stuart Neish, who manages a new flock of 680 Suffolk crosses and Mule ewes at the Cowhill Trust Estate, near Thornhill, participated in the scheme last year.

He said: “When I saw the scheme, I felt it was ideal both for me and the farm as it was aimed specifically at new entrants.

“I contacted British Wool, described our new sheep enterprise, and quickly realised this was something we should take advantage of.

“Financial support is always very important when you are just starting out, and what attracted me was knowing that we would get the return on our wool immediately.”

He said the estate’s first shearing took place in June last year, and the sheep clipped well with all wool sent to the British Wool depot in Galashiels.

To be eligible for the scheme, a producer must not have previously been registered with British Wool and have kept sheep for fewer than five years.

More information about the scheme, including application forms and further details, can be found by contacting the British Wool producer services team on 01274 688666 or emailing newentrants@britishwool.org.uk

British Wool chief executive officer Joe Farren.