Seeking the golden fleece

While Jason and the Argonauts might not be involved, the quest for the Golden Fleece has been launched once again by the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB).

The competition, which aims to showcase the exceptional quality of British wool and highlight to producers the importance of fleece presentation to maximise the value of their wool, will see heats take place at 18 agricultural shows across the UK during 2019.

Farmers registered with the BWMB can also enter the competition via British Wool’s network of 11 grading depots.

Judging for the 2019 competition will take place across two stages, with eight finalists invited to the board’s headquarters in Bradford during December, all receiving a £125 voucher from JG Animal Health.

The overall winner judged to be the 2019 National Golden Fleece Champion will receive a competition salver and £1,000 prize money while the reserve champion will receive £500.

British Wool chairman Trevor Richards said that it was important to flag up the high-quality of British wool – both to raise awareness amongst the textile trades and to encourage producers to make the best of their wool crop:

“Being selected as one of the best exhibiting fleeces in your country is something to be immensely proud of, but taking home the title of National Golden Fleece Champion really is the ultimate accolade of superb quality British wool,” said Richards.

Last year’s winning fleece was from well-known Shetland sheep breeders and Highland show exhibitors, Robin and Margaret Mcewen-king from Lanark.