A MAJOR partnership has come to fruition.

Following a recent meeting with representatives from British Wool, Wales YFC has announce an opportunity for members who are interested in shearing.

British Wool is offering a 50 per cent discount on its Blue Seal shearing course for Wales YFC members.

The qualification is essential for any member intending on competing in the shearing competition run by Wales YFC at the Royal Welsh Show.

The offer to members of Wales YFC is a two day course for £80 (plus VAT), a discount of over 50 per cent on a normal standard course.

To take advantage of this offer, individuals must be a current Wales YFC member who has not attended this course previously.

The main aim of the scheme is to train members to Blue Seal standard that will allow them to compete in the Wales YFC competition at the Royal Welsh Show in July.

Discussions were also held regarding developing the wool handling competition, with the wool board agreeing to continuing its support of the competition at the Royal Welsh Show.

In a statement, British Wool’s shearing manager Richard Schofield said: “It takes quite a few years to improve ability, but if you start the right way it makes life much easier.

"It’s a lot harder to unravel bad habits.”

The course includes an introduction to shearing, the health and safety of equipment, practical hands-on experience and instructor support.

It will be possible for individuals to arrange training in an area of their choice in accordance with interest shown.

In 2018, the NFYFC shearing champion at the Great Yorkshire Show was announced as Dion Hughes, from Uwchaled YFC, of the Clwyd federation.

Following his success, Dion said: “You’re never too experienced to learn more about shearing.

"I did my Blue Seal training when I was 17 and I worked up to the next level.

"One regret is I didn’t do enough courses through British Wool, so I’m going to do some more so I can keep on improving.”

British Wool also offers a wool handling course and a range of other courses around shearing.

The closing date for applications is March 30.

Contact Sue Turley on 07807 166226 or Richard Schofield on 07966 291618 for more details.

Interested people will need to give their name, address, date of birth and YFC membership card number.