A competition to find the best fleece in the UK has been re-launched by the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB).
The Golden Fleece competition is open to all producers who market their wool through the BWMB.
Champion fleeces from the network of BWMB depots across the UK and from 12 regional agricultural shows will go head to head in four country finals – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Irleand – before a naitonal final.
BWMB chairman, Ian Buchanan, said: “Producers will receive their entry forms along with the annual price schedule in May and will be eligible to enter a maximum of two fleeces which will be judged in two categories – traditional carpet fleece and speciality/knitwear fleece on a daily basis.”
He said all depots would judge fleeces on an ongoing basis throughout the season until the competition closing date in October when every depot will declare a depot champion fleece from both categories.
Depot champion fleeces will then be judged in a country competition which will be include the champion fleece from the eligible shows within each country.
The eight winning fleeces from the country competitions will then be sent to Bradford for the national final where they will be judged by BWMB chief operating officer, Mark Powell.
Mr Powell said: “This will be an exciting revival of the Golden Fleece competition which previously ran some years ago. I’m looking forward to seeing some excellent fleeces in the final eight and would usge producers to put their fleeces forward for what promises to be a great showcase of British wool.
“With over 12million fleeces being presented at BWMB depots every year, it will be a real challenge and achievement producing the winning fleece at a depot, let alone scooping the top award. Producers will need, as ever, to ensure their fleeces are excellently presented giving them the best opportunity of making the final.”
The finalists from each country region will receive £125 product vouchers from competition sponsor JG Animal Health.
The overall winner will receive a competition trophy and £500, while the reserve champion will receive £250.
The Scottish depots judging fleeces are at Evanton, Galashiels and Irvine, while the Black Isle, Royal Highland and Strathaven Shows are also taking part.