The wool trade is once again generating money after a long period of unprofitability. The price of British wool has reached a 25 year high as a result of an increase in demand from China. Whereas over the last few years it has cost farmers more to shear their sheep than they make in return from wool, British farmers are now cashing in on the global demand for wool.

Martin Curtis, a Bradford-based wool buyer, explained that the recent price rise is due to a shortage of wool which has developed over the past few years, particularly because returns to farmers from both wool and meat have been so low. This has resulted in farmers taking less care over the end product in the case of wool, as it is seen as a by-product of the meat industry.

After outlining the situation, Mr Curtis said, “Demand has stayed relatively stable, but this has caused a tightening of supply and prices have risen.” Farmers have seen the money they make rise from £1 to 2.10 per fleece, a significant increase when shearing costs stand at around £1.20 per fleece.

Wool is a worldwide product; 70 per cent of UK wool is exported and it is put to many uses. The UK produces “robust, bouncy, springy wool” used for carpets and upholstery fabrics, while the lanolin (wool grease) is widely used in soaps, face creams, lipsticks and even fish food on shrimp farms. Those in the wool industry say the product looks set to increase in value as it is viewed as an ecologically sound and durable fabric.

Curtis said farmers have begun taking more notice of the wool quality their sheep breeds produce, although, as the biggest return for the farmer is still from lamb meat, this factor more than the quality of wool still plays a deciding role when choosing a breed.