Northern Ireland World Championship Team
Graeme Davidson – Machine Shearer
Graeme Davidson, 33, is from Gleno, Co. Antrim, and works by trade as a mechanical engineer. Through years of graft and consistency, Graeme has earned his place on the world stage, finishing as a World Teams finalist in 2024 and becoming an eight-time Six Nations and international test team member. Each selection reflects his quiet determination and commitment to improving year on year. Now given the chance to represent Northern Ireland, Graeme is proud to pull on the jersey and test himself against the best in the world. He doesn’t take the opportunity lightly and is keen to show that the work done at home stands up at the highest level, doing right by the place and people he represents.
Alex Butler – Machine Shearer
Alex Butler, 26, is from Ballycastle. Alex works on his family-run farm in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, and spends the summer months shearing at home and over in New Zealand. Farming and shearing are all he’s ever known, and he’s lucky to make a living at it. Alex was the 2024 Antrim Open Champion and has taken part in numerous test matches for Northern Ireland over the years against France, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Being selected for the Northern Ireland World Championships team in his first Open season is a real honour and his biggest achievement to date. Alex is looking forward to getting up on stage, giving it his best, and learning along the way.
Rachel Murphy – Wool Handler
Rachel Murphy, 29, is from Shane’s Castle, Co. Antrim, where farming is part of everyday life and hard work comes as standard. Alongside working as a retail assistant, she remains heavily involved in farming at home. Rachel has proudly represented Northern Ireland on the world stage three times, with this year marking her fourth World Championships. She has been selected eight times for Six Nations teams and has competed across novice and open tests, winning the national title twice and the Open Woolhandling section on six occasions. This year is extra special as she represents Northern Ireland alongside her sister Ellen, something she is very proud of and hopes to do their wee country proud.
Ellen Murphy – Wool Handler
Ellen Murphy, 25, is from Shane’s Castle, Co. Antrim, where she was raised farming at home and developed a strong work ethic from an early age. Alongside farm work, she also worked in retail before travelling to New Zealand earlier this year to take part in their shearing season. Ellen has represented Northern Ireland as part of several 6 Nations Teams and Development Tests, most recently winning the Development Test at the Royal Highland Show 2025. She has enjoyed success in competition, winning the Open Woolhandling in France in 2023 and again at Clonmany Show in 2024. This year is especially meaningful as she represents Northern Ireland alongside her sister Rachel, an experience she is proud to share.
Chris Coulter – Blade Shearer
Chris is 34, from Ballyclare, and works as an engineer by trade, but farming and shearing are in his blood. He’s spent many a hard day on the land and a fair few good seconds on the board too. Chris has taken a few seconds at the Nation Blades at Balmoral, along with a few thirds in the Open Blades there, and this year he was proud to place third at the Royal Highland. It’s a big honour for Chris to represent his country. He always aims to do his best, enjoy the work, and meet people, especially those outside the shearing world.
Sam McConnell – Blade Shearer
Sam McConnell is 38 and from the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down. A farmer and shearer by trade, Sam is no stranger to hard work or competition. This will be his fourth World Championships representing Northern Ireland, a proud achievement built on years of dedication. He previously made the World Blade Shearing final in France, finishing a strong 6th. It feels great for Sam to once again represent his country and work hard alongside his teammates to do the best they can in New Zealand. He’s most looking forward to catching up with old friends from past championships and attending his first Goldies.
Q&A with Adam Noble, Muckamore Depot
Adam Noble is Depot Intake Supervisor and Wool Grader at our Muckamore depot and has been with Ulster Wool since 2018. He started out as a trainee wool grader before progressing to his current role, and is also the depot H&S Champion.
Tell us more about your role.
In my role I oversee the intake process ensuring that all data is entered correctly, also dealing with any problems that occur with members. I am a grader and grade wool to the British Wool standard, also assisting with the depot health and safety procedures.
What are your key responsibilities?
My responsibilities include co-ordinating with team members, maintaining accurate records and supporting efficient workflow within the depot. I report directly to Stephen Preston, and with a strong focus on organisation and quality control, I strive to maintain high standards and contribute to the overall success of the team.
Tell us a bit about your experience in the wool industry.
I have plenty of experience in the wool industry, having worked with sheep and Ulster Wool for many years. I have seen firsthand the process from sheep to packed bale ready for auction. My background includes owning my own sheep, which has given me a deep understanding of the entire process from sourcing to grading. As a wool grader, I developed expertise in assessing quality, texture, and fibre characteristics to ensure the highest standards are met. I can use this experience to help other farmers understand the process of what Ulster Wool do and how we can maximise profits from our wool.
What other areas do you cover in your role?
In addition to my role, I grade wool, handle administrative tasks, manage wool intake, assist with packing, collect wool from farms, and operate the forklift to ensure smooth and efficient depot operations.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am married to Victoria and have a son named Peter. I keep a small pedigree flock of Bleu du Maine sheep, which reflects my passion for livestock and quality breeding. In addition to managing my own flock, I often lend a hand on neighbouring farms and I’m a keen Liverpool supporter.
We are proud to launch Ewe and Your View in collaboration with the Young Farmers’ Club of Ulster (YFCU) an exciting new competition designed to give young farmers a platform to share their voice. Open to YFC members aged 18–30, this competition invites young farmers to create a short video of up to two minutes exploring their thoughts and experiences within the wool industry.
Entrants can choose from a range of engaging themes, including what Ulster Wool (the organisation) means to them, how the shearing course discount supports young farmers, ways to promote Ulster Wool to the next generation, or why supporting the wool industry is so important. These topics encourage creativity while highlighting the vital role wool plays in UK farming and rural life.
The competition launches on 7th January, giving young farmers the chance to plan, film, and submit their entries. The closing date for entries is Friday 23rd January, so participants are encouraged to get involved early. Videos will be judged during the week commencing 26th January, with winners announced in the week commencing 2nd February via Ulster Wool’s farm social media channels.
Ewe and Your View is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to showcase passion, pride, and innovation within the agricultural community. Participants may enter more than one video, giving them multiple opportunities to express their ideas and stand out.
There are fantastic prizes on offer. The overall winner will receive a cash prize, while standout entries could earn a free place one of our shearing courses and be featured across our social media channels, offering valuable exposure within the industry.
Entries will be judged by Emily from Farmers Guardian and Cammy Wilson of The Sheep Game, both respected voices in UK agriculture. Their expertise ensures the competition will celebrate originality, authenticity, and a strong message.
If you’re a young farmer with a story to tell, Ewe and Your View is your chance to be heard and help shape the future of Ulster Wool.
This competition reflects our continued commitment to supporting the next generation of farmers. In February for the eighth year in a row, we will also continue to offer 50% off any shearing course to all young farmers, reinforcing its dedication to skills development, education, and the future success of the wool industry.
Competition Terms & Conditions
1. Promoter
The promoter of this competition is Ulster Wool,
2. Eligibility
- The competition is open to members of Young Farmers Clubs aged 18 years or over.
3. Competition Period
The competition opens on the 7th January and closes on the 23rd January. Entries received outside this period will not be considered.
4. How to Enter
- To enter, participants must create a 2-minute video on the themes described.
- You are permitted to submit more than one video.
5. Prize
- The prize is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and no cash alternative is available.
6. Winner Selection & Notification
- The winner(s) will be selected by judging criteria from all valid entries received during the Competition Period.
- The winner(s) will be notified via social media w/c 2nd February.
7. Publicity
By entering, participants agree to the use of their name and/or entry for promotional purposes without additional compensation, unless prohibited by law.
8. Data Protection
Personal data provided will be used solely for the purposes of administering the competition and in accordance with the Promoter’s privacy policy.
Alwyn McFarlane, Ulster Wool Regional Committee Chairman
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in the wool industry?
Farming has always been in my blood. As a third-generation farmer, I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of my father and grandfather. Shearing time has been a highlight of every summer for as long as I can remember – from helping with the gather to rolling wool when I was young. I first began shearing at just nine years old with hand shears. It was always a real team effort to get the wool gathered and delivered to my great uncle Willie McFarlane’s, which has been a collection centre long before my time.
How did you become involved with Ulster Wool, and what drew you to the role of committee member?
I recognised a real opportunity to step forward, strengthen what wasn’t working, and give farmers in my area a stronger, more effective voice.
What does being a committee member involve, and what areas do you personally focus on?
It’s important for me to represent the farmers in my area, and to support all farmer members who produce wool. Encouraging farmers to become a part of Ulster Wool by trying to help them to understand that they will get better returns for their wool in how it’s collectively graded, sold & marketed.
From your perspective, what makes Ulster wool unique compared to other fibres?
It ticks all the environmental boxes – it’s renewable, sustainable and doesn’t pollute the planet.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the wool industry?
As synthetic fibres continue to place increasing pressure on our environment – from microplastic pollution to fossil fuel dependency – natural fibres are emerging as a credible and forward-thinking solution for the 21st century.
Renewable, biodegradable and inherently circular, they offer a lower-impact alternative that aligns with growing demands for sustainability, transparency and responsible production.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth or innovation in the next few years?
If each of us makes a conscious decision to buy even a small amount of wool, the cumulative impact can be significant. Consumer demand directly influences supply chains, product development, and retail priorities. By choosing wool over synthetic alternatives, we help stimulate investment in natural fibres, support farming communities, and reinforce more responsible manufacturing practices.
Small, individual purchasing decisions scale quickly at a collective level. When more people prioritise renewable, biodegradable materials, it signals to brands and policymakers that sustainability is not a niche preference but an expectation. In doing so, we help accelerate the transition toward a more resilient, circular and environmentally responsible future — one considered choice at a time.
How can farmers and the public best support the wool industry?
Something as simple as everyone buying a pair of wool socks or a wool pillow could make a huge difference.
What do you enjoy most about being part of Ulster Wool?
We have a great team of people working together with a shared goal of doing our very best for our farmer members
Do you have a favourite memory or standout moment from your time on the committee?
Like any good farmer, I believe in plain speaking and getting to the point.
Finally, if you had to describe Ulster wool in three words, what would they be?
Simply the best
Richard Spencer Judges in the USA
Can you share a bit about your background and how you’re involved in the wool industry?
I’m a fourth-generation farmer, with the fifth and sixth generations already following in our footsteps. Like many of my generation, my introduction to sheep came early—on a medium-sized Midlands farm with a bit of everything. One of my first jobs, at around age four, was to bottle-feed the lambs.
In the early 1970s, I studied Agriculture at Reading University, where my interest in sheep really took hold. I was fascinated by the new and emerging breeds and crossbreeds, names like ABRO Damline and Colbred (now gone), and Finn, Friesland, Cambridge, and Meatlinc, the latter developed by Henry Fell and now successfully continued by his son and grandson, George. It was an exciting time, though my focus back then had to remain on our dairy herd rather than sheep.
That changed in 2009 when the dairy herd left the farm, giving me time to direct my energy toward new interests. Sheep replaced cows, and as I began reading the annual publications from Ulster Wool partners British Wool, I noticed there was no Derbyshire County representative at the Central Region. One thing led to another, I became Chairman of the Central Region and, much to my surprise, am now a Board Member. Having seen first-hand the consequences of the Milk Marketing Board’s demise, I’m determined to support wool and protect our industry from a similar fate.
What inspired your trip to the USA, and what were your main goals for going?
The trip to the USA wasn’t planned at all. Through organising local Sheep Fairs to promote the sheep industry in all its forms, I met an excellent Cheviot breeder, James Metcalf, who had been invited to judge at the inaugural North American Hill Sheep Show in 2024. Their aim is to breed UK-type sheep, and for the 2025 show, they were looking for a judge for the “Any Other UK Breed” category.
The invitation came as a complete surprise. I accepted with both excitement and a fair amount of trepidation, but with a firm resolve to judge by UK standards.
How would you describe your experience while you were in the USA?
We the four judges invited were treated with extraordinary hospitality, truly “like royalty.” One evening, around 10 p.m., while walking back to our condo, we passed a members’ club and were invited in by two men, one of whom turned out to be the mayor of Escanaba. He insisted that drinks were on his tab all night!
That level of generosity and kindness continued throughout the week. We always had a car and driver available, often from one of the large local families. Many families in the area live simply, no TV, no mobile phones until the children are working and with an average of around ten children, all homeschooled. It was inspiring to see so many polite, hardworking, and confident young people who were eager to talk and engage.
Escanaba, on the northwest coast of Lake Michigan, is a rural area with modest farms and strong support for Donald Trump. The sheep we judged over three days were, with very few exceptions, of a remarkably high standard, many would have held their own against serious competition in the UK.
There are about five million sheep in the USA, but lamb and mutton remain unpopular. The story goes that during the world wars, American troops stationed in the UK were fed poorly cooked mutton, and that bad experience still lingers. Attendees travelled anywhere from 3 to 48 hours to reach the show, which had a wonderfully social, friendly atmosphere quite different from most shows in the States.
What key takeaways or positives did you bring back from the trip?
Wool, for many in the USA, is something of an embarrassment. Many exhibitors process their own wool at home, it’s a small-scale, cottage-style industry, often run by family members. Despite that, the quality of the yarns and the natural dyes they produce were impressive.
There’s real potential for a gradual introduction of British genetics to help improve carcass quality in American flocks. Thanks to John Royle of the NFU, I’m now in regular contact with John Wilkes of AHDB in the USA and have reconnected with Cody Heinke, one of the key figures driving progress in their sheep sector.
How do you see your experience influencing your work in the wool industry moving forward?
The biggest takeaway for me, as a Board Member, was the reminder of how fortunate we are in the UK to have a functioning auction system, where buyers actively compete for our wool, recognising its quality. As Cody said, rather ruefully, in the US much of their wool is simply “left in a corner until I can find a use for it.”
That contrast has strengthened my resolve to continue standing up for and promoting Wool. We have an incredible product and a system worth protecting.
Recent auction sales have seen strong competition for wool and a significant increase in prices. All of the main buyers of Ulster Wool partners British wool have been active, with UK, European, and Chinese-focussed buyers competing to secure wool supplies. All core types are now trading at significantly higher levels than we saw last season. Indeed, prices are at the highest levels for almost a decade, which should help support returns for Ulster Wool’s members this season if higher prices can be sustained.
The index has increased by 27% over the last two months and the average auction price reached £1.21 per kg in the sale on 4th November. Sale prices last season averaged £1.00 per kg.
The trend mirrors the price rises that have been seen in New Zealand, with global demand for quality cross-bred wools outstripping supplies.
Ulster Wool depot is still open to receive wool this season. The greater the volume of wool handled by your cooperative the lower the overall operating costs per kilo will be at year end.
Andrew Hogley, CEO:
“Following some very positive conversations with the trade, our sales team is confident the strong demand will continue throughout the selling season. Sales in New Zealand over the last few weeks have also been very competitive with global market demand for quality cross-bred wools outstripping supply.”
This season’s wool is also generally of a higher quality than last season’s wool. The dry spring and summer resulted in whiter wool this season with more of the clip being classed as a No. 1 grade.
Andrew says:
“Test results for new season wool continue to be significantly better than last year for colour and continue to produce a greater proportion of No.1 grades in the core types.”
We have received a large quantity of wool from new and returning members this season, but the overall volume handled to date is running around 2% to 3% below last year.
“Improved prices in the 2024 season encouraged many farmers who had been holding onto their wool, or using it on-farm, to present it for sale this year.”
“As a co-operative, we seek to maximise the returns for all sheep farmers. With prices having shown a further improvement over recent weeks, we encourage any members who still have wool on farm to send it in before the winter.”
“If you still have wool on-farm, please contact us to arrange delivery to one of our collection centres or arrange to have it collected. By collectively marketing the clip, we can continue to promote wool and drive demand to deliver improved prices.”
Brendan Kelly, Ulster Wool Chairman
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in the wool industry?
I farm in County Antrim in partnership with my two brothers. We have a breeding flock of around a thousand sheep and around 200 cattle. My journey in the wool industry began at the age of 16 when I attended my first British Wool shearing course — and I’ve never looked back.
In 1988, I travelled to New Zealand, which was a real turning point. Working there opened my eyes to the true value and care placed on wool — I still remember shearing a sheep and being told even the tiniest spot of black wool had to be picked out by hand. The attention to detail was meticulous and left a lasting impression.
Following that experience, I went on to become one of the largest shearing contractors in Ireland for over 10 years. While my roots have always been in shearing, my passion for the wider wool industry has grown over the years. That early exposure to best practices abroad really shaped how I’ve approached wool and shearing ever since.
How did you become involved with Ulster Wool, and what drew you to the role of board member?
I became involved with Ulster Wool after a long-standing board member, who had served for 30 years, decided to retire. He approached me and encouraged me to consider the role, believing that my background in shearing and practical knowledge of the wool industry would make me a good fit.
As a farmer and livestock trader, the role naturally aligned with my day-to-day work — everything complemented each other. I’ve now been a board member for eight years, and it’s been a rewarding experience to help represent producers and support the development of the wool industry in our region.
What does being a board member involve, and what areas do you personally focus on?
While the role is officially set at around 30 days a year, in reality, it’s closer to 45 days, given the level of involvement and the importance of the work. I sit on several committees, which allows me to contribute to a wide range of decisions across the organisation.
At home, my personal focus is very much on the intake of wool and the shearing side of the industry. Intake, in particular, is something I believe will become an increasingly important issue, especially as we face a reduction in sheep numbers across the country. Ensuring we maintain efficient and accessible intake processes will be vital for supporting producers in the years ahead.
From your perspective, what makes Ulster wool unique compared to other fibres?
Ulster Wool – and wool in general – stands out as a natural, sustainable product with a whole range of unique properties. It’s fire-retardant, biodegradable, and acts as a form of carbon capture, making it an excellent eco-friendly by-product of the sheep industry.
Wool has been undervalued in recent years, especially with the rise of synthetic fibres like nylon and polyester. But none of those can match the natural benefits of wool – it’s warm in winter, cool in summer, and incredibly durable. It really ticks all the boxes in terms of performance, sustainability, and environmental impact.
What are the biggest challenges currently facing the wool industry?
One of the biggest challenges is the rising cost of labour, particularly when it comes to shearing. It’s a physically demanding job, and attracting and retaining skilled shearers is becoming more difficult.
We’re also seeing a decline in sheep numbers, which means less wool is being produced overall – that’s a concern for the future of the industry.
Another major issue is that the unique properties of wool are often overlooked in regulation and policy. Wool is a natural, fire-retardant, biodegradable fibre – but it’s not always recognised for these qualities in government or environmental standards. If regulations focused more on sustainability, wool could really stand out.
For example, a government policy requiring wool carpets in public buildings would be a huge boost – it would support farmers, reduce environmental impact, and promote the use of natural materials over synthetics.
Where do you see the biggest opportunities for growth or innovation in the next few years?
There’s huge potential for growth in areas like insulation, wool carpets, and composite materials where wool can be combined with other materials for new applications. While there are already a few promising developments out there, we’ve only scratched the surface. There’s real scope for universities and research institutions to play a bigger role in driving innovation.
Interestingly, some of the best opportunities may come from going “back to the future” — revisiting traditional uses of wool and improving them with modern technology and thinking. For instance, around 90% of our wool currently goes into the carpet sector, but there’s room to expand and diversify that market.
We also need to shift public attitudes. A wool carpet might cost more upfront, but it will last 20 to 25 years, compared to just 5 for many synthetic alternatives. The same goes for wool in clothing — we need to move away from fast fashion and disposable household goods, and instead invest in quality, sustainable products that stand the test of time.
This September marked the start of our depot open days – why do you think it’s important for people to see the wool grading and handling process first-hand?
The open days are a great opportunity for farmers and visitors to see the full journey of their wool once it leaves the farm. It helps people understand why there are operational costs involved, and more importantly, how these processes add value to the final product.
Seeing the grading process up close really helps clarify a common misunderstanding – grading isn’t based on the breed of sheep, but on the type and quality of the wool. Each fleece is assessed and placed into a grade that best fits its characteristics and end-use.
Not all farmers are aware of just how much work goes on behind the scenes. With wool prices having been so low for so long, it’s important to show that things are turning a corner – auction prices are improving, and events like this are a great way to share that positive message and rebuild confidence in the value of wool.
How can farmers and the public best support the wool industry?
The best way farmers can support the industry is by sending their wool to Ulster Wool. As a cooperative, we work on behalf of producers to maximise the value of every fleece — not just through fair pricing, but by strategically marketing wool over a 12-month period, rather than selling it all at once. This approach helps ensure farmers receive the true market value for their wool.
It’s also important that farmers and the wider public understand the cooperative model. Every kilo of wool sold outside the system impacts the overall returns and increases costs for everyone else. By staying within the Ulster Wool network, producers are not only supporting themselves but also strengthening the wider industry.
We also have passionate people working hard to promote the value and benefits of wool, but we need continued support — from choosing wool products, to raising awareness, and backing Northern Irish wool as a sustainable, high-quality material.
What do you enjoy most about being part of Ulster Wool?
What I enjoy most is being able to make a difference. While wool prices are still not where I’d like them to be, we’ve made real progress — and being part of that positive change is incredibly rewarding.
Working alongside organisations like the NSA and the Ulster Farmers’ Union, there’s a strong sense of shared purpose. We’re all working together to support farmers and strengthen the wool industry.
For me, the biggest satisfaction comes from doing my best to help others in the industry — whether it’s securing better returns, promoting the value of wool, or simply making sure members feel supported.
Do you have a favourite memory or standout moment from your time on the board?
One standout moment was during Covid and the period just after, when the wool market had completely shut down. It was an incredibly uncertain time for everyone in the industry.
Despite the challenges, Ulster Wool, working closely with the Ulster Farmers’ Union, was able to secure £1.27 million in support for sheep farmers across Northern Ireland.
It was a real example of what can be achieved when we pull together as an industry, and it reinforced why organisations like Ulster Wool are so important — especially in times of crisis.
Finally, if you had to describe Ulster wool in three words, what would they be?
Accommodating, Ambitious, and Hard-working.
That’s more than three words — but sure, that’s an Irish statement for you!
The World Shearing & Wool Handling Championships, held every few years in different countries, is the pinnacle event for the World of Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling. The most recent championship was held at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland in 2023, with New Zealand hosting the next event in March 2026. The competition includes individual and team events for machine shearing, blade shearing, and wool handling.
The championships take place in Masterton, New Zealand, between the 4th and 7th March 2026.
Gareth Jones, Head of Member Engagement, said:
“On behalf of Ulster Wool, congratulations to all the shearers and wool handlers who have qualified for next year’s World Championships. This outstanding achievement reflects your exceptional skill, dedication, and professionalism. Wishing you every success as you represent your country on the world stage.”
Graze will be meeting and publishing a profile of the four teams in the months running up to the Championships.
The teams will be:
After a summer of strong competition, the teams representing England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in 2026 have now been confirmed.
Meet The Team Depot Ops
We recently caught up with the Depot Operations team at Ulster Wool, Billy Hewitson, Head of Operations, Colin Jarvis, Area & QHSE Manager, and David Swinton, Area Manager. Collectively, Billy, Colin, and David have worked over 100 years in the wool sector.
Firstly, introduce yourselves to us:
Billy:
I’m from Paisley in Renfrewshire and have worked for Ulster Wool partners British Wool for 40 years. I started working for Scottish, English, and Welsh Wool Growers in 1985 at the main depot in Paisley.
Colin:
I grew up in a small village just outside Stamford. I first started in the wool industry in 1990 at Central Wool Growers (CWG), an independent grading depot, as a seasonal temporary worker. I was only planning on staying for a couple of months before starting college, but soon realised how much I enjoyed the business and was interested in pursuing it further.
After working through the first busy summer season, I was offered a 5-year trainee Grader apprenticeship, which I gladly accepted. I had grown up with the agricultural industry, my father working on Arable farms all his life, and before that, my grandfather was a shepherd in Norfolk. I feel I was always destined for a career in agriculture!
David:
I was brought up and spent all my life in the Tweed Valley. I lived on a farm up to the age of 12 and then moved to the local mill town of Innerleithen. My family has a Fencing Contracting business in the area, which gives me a good knowledge of how farming works and the challenges involved.
When did you join Ulster Wool partners British Wool?
Billy:
I started working in 1985 at the main depot in Paisley. We then moved to Hillington in Glasgow in 1986, where I performed every job at the depot, from sweeping the floor, intake, packing, and grading. We were taken over by the British Wool Marketing Board in the mid-1990s and moved to Irvine in the early 2000’s where I progressed to head grader. I then moved on to depot supervisor and depot manager, a short time later.
Colin:
I was with CWG for 31 years until 2021, when it closed as part of the British Wool restructure. After completing my apprenticeship, I worked as a grader until 2003, when I was promoted to Head Grader. From 2013, I co-managed the depot until its closure. In 2021, I joined British Wool as a Quality Control Manager for Southern England & Wales, which gave me responsibility for overseeing the grading and technical standards at our depots. It had always been an ambition of mine to reach this position.
David:
I started my career on my 16th birthday in May 1984 on a 4-year apprenticeship at Stewart & Ramsden in Galashiels (part of the British Wool group) Following qualification, I then spent the next 18 years as a wool grader not only in Galashiels but also working at the Carlisle and Irvine grading depots and Ulster Wool in the late 90s and early 2000s.
I then became Assistant Manager at Galashiels in 2006, and then Depot Manager between 2009 – 2017. I also managed the wool sorting side of the business. I have done 41 years of service to British Wool.
What did the role of being a Depot Manager entail? Describe a typical week in the role.
Colin:
My role was very hands-on, I was still part of the grading team while also managing the day-to-day warehouse operation. Over the years, I did all the different jobs in the warehouse, which helped in managing the staff. I was also involved in recruiting and managing the staff and ensuring we were working to grading and quality standards.
David:
A typical week as a manager is organising the workflow for the grading team, making sure the wool is also managed into the depot during the busy summer months. Galashiels was the biggest depot in Scotland, and we managed the intake of wool from Northumberland, South Scotland, Fife, and Perthshire. I loved the challenge of always getting as much wool to the door, which could be as much as 1,000 sheets per day during the peak of July and August.
Tell us more about the role you are currently in and what this entails.
Billy:
As the years progressed and different management took over, my job changed. Firstly, I took on the role of Wool Sales and Quality Control for the UK and Northern Ireland. After a couple of years, in 2021, I took on my current role of Head of Operations, where I oversee the depot network, purchase our consumable stock, deal with any day-to-day issues at our sites, amongst other jobs!
Colin:
I am still involved in ensuring our quality standards are being met and ensuring our trainee graders are meeting our requirements. My role has moved into managing Operational activities across the network with Billy & David. I also work with our depots to ensure we are meeting our own Health & Safety requirements, adhering to our legal obligations, whilst also looking at new ways to update and streamline our processes.
David:
My current role is as Area Manager for Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Northern England.
My current role is varied, from Quality Control visits to depots and trainee grader monitoring, which is every 6 months. I also manage the UK collection centre network and am currently focused on finding new sites across the UK. My role can go from office work to hands-on, such as driving an FLT, to sometimes grading wool.
We are a small team covering the UK, so never stuck for a job to do!
Do you have an anecdote or experience to share from your time here?
Billy:
A funny story from my time as a depot manager, the depot was broken into early one morning, as the key holder and manager, I was called out. Once I arrived, there were police everywhere, and I asked to go into the depot to see if there was any damage. The police said I couldn’t go in as there may still be someone inside and they were waiting on the police dogs turning up. The police dogs arrived and duly searched the building and found no one on site. The police officer then asked if they could perform a 15-minute training session with the dog in the depot due to all the wool and agricultural smell of the depot, they wanted to hide in a skep of wool, cover themselves with wool, and let the dog try and find them, to which I agreed. After 15 mins of training, the police officer came out of the depot with dog, the officer was covered head to toe with wool. She must have chosen a skep of the hairiest, most kempy blackface I had at the depot. The dog did find her; she went away happy and rather woolly!
Colin:
A few months ago, I was offered the opportunity to appear on BBC’s Countryfile, the episode was centred around Bradford and the part it has played in the wool industry over the years. It was fantastic to be involved in, and Sean Fletcher and the Countryfile team made it a great experience. It took me out of my comfort zone, but sometimes you need that!
David:
I can’t think of anything but having a good sense of humour and being a team player goes a long way.
How important is Ulster Wool and the collective marketing of wool in the UK today?
Billy:
One of the greatest steps forward that I have seen in 40 years is the addition of our traceable system. This allows us to trace every member’s wool straight through our intake, grading, and packing system, and then allows the sales team to auction the wool as traceable, which generates a better return for our members.
By operating a collective marketing system, it grades, packs into bales of the same type of wool, and sells wool on behalf of its members. This not only guarantees quality for buyers but gives members a better return and guaranteed payment than they may achieve elsewhere.
Colin:
I feel the role Ulster Wool plays in the agricultural sector is as important as it was 35 years ago when I joined the industry, providing a reliable service whilst offering greater flexibility in how farmers can get their wool into us is vital. The grading process remains largely the same over the years, but it remains a key part of ensuring consistency and instilling confidence for the onward supply chain.
David:
The auction system is the driving force, and as sheep numbers decrease in the UK, this will only increase demand and give confidence to farmers that Ulster Wool works for them.
Strong Turnout for Ulster Wool Open Evening
Ulster Wool’s recent depot open evening proved to be a fantastic success, drawing a strong turnout of farmers, friends and Young Farmers from across the region, some travelling as far as Mullingar. The evening provided a unique opportunity for visitors to see first-hand the day-to-day operations within the depot.
Guests were greeted with a warm welcome and delicious hot food, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for an informative and engaging evening. The programme featured in-depth demonstrations of the grading, packing and coring processes, giving farmers a valuable insight into the meticulous standards applied to their wool. Visitors were encouraged to ask questions throughout the evening. The event was widely regarded as a credit to the depot staff, whose knowledge, expertise, and dedication were clearly evident.
Alongside the depot team, industry partners UFU (Ulster Farmers’ Union) and LMC NI (Livestock and Meat Commission Northern Ireland) attended with stands, providing farmers with wider information and a perspective on current industry developments. Also in attendance was ‘Future Island-Island’ featuring the innovative Rathlin Wool Project, which added a dimension to the evening, highlighting the potential for new opportunities and collaborations within the wool sector.
Ulster Wool’s strong focus on sales and marketing was evident throughout the event, with dedicated head office teams striving to deliver the best possible returns for members’ wool.
The success of the evening would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of the Ulster Wool staff, who went above and beyond to ensure the event ran smoothly. A sincere thank you goes to everyone who attended, our industry partners for their valued support, and to our dedicated depot team.