AS the major sheep sales season gets in to full swing the British Wool Marketing Board is looking forward to meeting wool producers at a number of auction markets over the coming months.

BWMB chairman Malcolm Corbett said with auction markets and the BWMB fulfilling similar roles for the farming industry the BWMB's attendance at autumn sheep sales was a natural way to meet wool producers.

"Both the auction markets and the BWMB are focussed on obtaining the best possible price for farmers and on adding value to the raw product wherever possible," he explained.

"The BWMB auction system is central to maximising the value of farmers' wool clip, helping ensure farmers receive the true market value for their product and this is no different to livestock markets."

Mr Corbett said as well as providing a "valuable" trading outlet for farmers auction markets were also an important part of the social fabric of farming and a natural meeting point for farmers.

"We're committed to working with auction markets wherever possible and fully support the vital role they play in the livestock sector," he said.

"We're looking forward to meeting a large number of sheep farmers in the coming months and helping them understand how BWMB is working to maximise the value of their wool clip, both through the competitive auction system and also through our work with the Campaign for Wool.

"The CfW has been a tremendous success from day one and has helped lift the profile of wool as a sustainable, versatile fibre, well suited to the modern fashion and interior design industries."

Meanwhile, Livestock Auctioneers Association chairman Robert Addison said BWMB's presence in auction markets over the main sheep sales season would be welcomed by both the markets and farmers.

"We're delighted to be working closely with the BWMB to help farmers get the best value from their wool and look forward to seeing their representatives in markets throughout the coming months," he said.