Young farmers are being offered beginner shearing courses at half the usual price.

British Wool is offering the two day course to Young Farmers Clubs for £96 - the normal price is £210.

The course covers 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.

The course enables YFC members to work towards a Blue Seal award.

This British Wool offer is open to YFC members who have not previously attended a British Wool shearing course.

Excellent fleece presentation starts at shearing but equally important is the work of the wool hander 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 £60.

Richard Schofield, shearing manager of British Wool, said: “We are once again delighted to be working with Young Farmers’ Clubs to give this exclusive offer for our beginner shearing and wool handling courses.

"Covid restrictions permitting, we look forward to welcoming young farmers onto our courses again this year and would encourage any interested YFC member to contact British Wool’s regional coordinator for their area before the March 31 closing date.”

To be eligible for the discounted courses, your YFC membership must be affiliated to one of the national federations of England, Scotland and Wales, and you should not have previously attended a British Wool shearing or wool handling course.

For more information or to register your interest please contact:

England: Alison Gould, 01647 24804

Wales: Sasha Ashton, 01686 626811

Scotland: Richard Schofield, 01294 229000/07966 291618