British Wool and the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (NFYFC) have enjoyed a strong relationship and collaborated in many different areas over the years, including for the fourth year in 2022, with the YFC training offer. 

As in previous years, British Wool’s training offer is offering young farmers an opportunity to attend a beginner shearing course, enabling YFC members to work towards a Blue Seal award.  The course will be over two days, covering all the essential aspects of achieving a successful shearing season, including health and safety, the use of shearing equipment and hands-on shearing practice to develop your technique.

This British Wool offer is open to YFC members who have not previously attended a British Wool shearing course.  The exclusive price YFC members will pay for this training offer is £87.50 (plus VAT) – the normal cost for this course would be £175 plus VAT.

Excellent fleece presentation starts at shearing but equally important is the work of the wool handler in ensuring the wool is presented correctly and to a high standard.  British Wool is therefore extending its training offer to YFC members to also participate in its wool handling course. This one-day course will be delivered by a successful competitive wool handler at a discounted price for YFC members of only £50 plus VAT.

Richard Schofield, Shearing Manager, British Wool, said: “We are once again delighted to be working with Wales YFC in supporting the training and development of the next generation of shearers and wool handlers which is crucial to a thriving UK sheep sector and for ensuring the highest standards.  We look forward to welcoming young farmers onto our courses again this year and would encourage any interested YFC member to make contact before the 31^st March closing date.”

Elizabeth Cornforth, Thirsk YFC Secretary, said:  "I attended a British Wool Machine Shearing course to add an additional skill to my farming career after finishing college. The course not only helped me build skills and meet likeminded people but also my confidence from the handling of the sheep and wool to the machine mechanics and maintenance. I found this course through Young Farmers and took the advantage of the YFC discount on such courses."

Lucy Robson from Northumberland and Jack Wilkinson from Barnard Castle, both former students at Newton Rigg College added:  “Last year we attended a British Wool sheep shearing course that was organised by our college lecturer.  There were 25 of us on the two day course which gave us an insight into areas such as the preparation of the sheep, equipment and learning shearing techniques.  The British Wool instructors were fantastic and gave us all a lot of encouragement.”

For more information or to register your interest please contact:

Emma Jagger – 01274 688666 – [email protected]

Richard Schofield – 07966 291618

More information can be found at www.britishwool.org.uk