British wool sale cancelled

By Oliva Cooper

THE British Wool Board has cancelled the sale of British wool scheduled for 5 September.

Due to foot-and-mouth restrictions, there will not be enough wool to supply all the September sales, says the Board.

Sale volumes have been halved because the Board is storing fleeces for two months to avoid any foot-and-mouth infection.

Total clip is expected to be 10m kg down at 35-36m kg, due to losses through the foot-and-mouth cull.

Export restrictions and cheap New Zealand prices have put pressure on UK markets, with wool selling for 67p/kg at the last sale on 25 July, compared with 71p/kg last year.

Sales will still be held on 22 August and 12 and 26 September.