NSA statement on British Wool prices
2nd June 2020
The National Sheep Association (NSA) is disappointed to see the impact of Covid-19 on wool prices.
NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker comments: “ It’s not fully clear how the reduced value of the remainder of the 2019/20 clip will affect the overall value of a farmers wool delivered last year but it would be easy to assume total fleece values might be down by 50%. Cash flows will be affected, and many farmers will be faced with a bill from their shearing contractors but with no income to offset that. Although there are plenty of sheep farmers who do get real value from their wool most will at least expect it to cover shearing and wool handling costs. A fall of 50% of total value would, for most, mean total income not clearing costs.”
“NSA is very disappointed although we understand fully the reasons behind this situation. A lot of work has gone into increasing demand and values for wool and this will set things back. We are disappointed that British Wool, being treated as a Government Arm’s Length Body, has reportedly been unable to access the Governments Covid-19 support schemes and this will have had a big bearing on British Wool’s decisions.”
