British Wool celebrated record-breaking shearers at its AGM and annual conference, spotlighting exceptional achievements in the field. Nick Greaves, from Staffordshire, set a world lamb shearing record by shearing 764 lambs in eight hours, breaking New Zealand's 50-year hold on the title.
Scottish shearer Una Cameron surpassed the women’s solo strong wool ewe record by 59 sheep, while Welsh shearer Meirion Evans broke a British record by shearing 791 sheep in nine hours.
The trio received Harris Tweed Hebrides caps made from 100 per cent British wool and vouchers for the British Wool Shop.
British Wool CEO Andrew Hogley praised the shearers and highlighted the recent 25 per cent rise in wool prices, achieving their highest levels in over five years. He emphasized continued efforts to further improve farmer returns.
Hogley also showcased marketing efforts, including a Shaun the Sheep campaign promoting wool carpets through over 1,000 UK retailers. Collaborations with figures like Patrick Grant and Joe Lycett have bolstered consumer awareness of British wool products.
Speakers Gary Hurlstone from NextGen Tree Shelters and Mark Hogarth from Harris Tweed Hebrides stressed British wool's importance to their businesses. Delegates also toured the Harrison Spinks factory, a major user of traceable British wool, recently honored with the King’s Award for Sustainable Development.
