WITH sheep shearing starting, farmers are being reminded that the British Wool Marketing Board is changing its charges for collecting the wool.

In the past, farmers have been charged so much a kilo in transport costs but, from this year, it will be so much per approved container.

The board advises farmers to compact fleeces into fewer containers, hopefully bringing savings to both parties.

“Fewer and better packed containers make the compacting process easier and more efficient,” said Gareth Jones, the board’s producer relations manager.

He revealed the board was working with an engineering company to produce a new on-farm packing machine.

It will be tractor operated and will pack wool as well as farm waste, such as plastic and cardboard.

The machine is expected to be ready for the start of the 2010 shearing season.