British Wool has published a statement clarifying its position on producer payments. They said:

“As the shearing season gathers pace, British Wool wish to reiterate to all sheep farmers they continue to operate under COVID-19 government guidance and are open, receiving wool and providing a high level of service to producers as they do every year. British Wool will be paying all producers their balance for last season’s wool clip as normal. The announcement of the payment level will be made, as it is every year, at the end of May.”

Livestock board chairman Richard Findlay commented:

“We have been in conversation with British Wool and are aware they have not been able to sell some of their stock this year due to COVID-19 but it is welcome news that they will continue to pay producers the balance on lasts years wool clip. British Wool continue be an crucial part of the British sheep industry supplying the incredibly important collection service and processing and selling our wool to markets around the world.”

Hear more from Richard Findlay: A message from the NFU livestock board chairman