[milliebecks]

Is it still obligatory to register with the BWMB if you have more than 4 sheep? The website is ambiguous - it says 'why not register' and talks about the benefits of being registered .... no mention of it being mandatory.
I have shetlands and would like to keep the fleeces to process myself and maybe sell a few to local spinners ...

[Foobar]

Probably yes, but don't bother, and the BWMB won't mind a jot.  It'd be more effort for them to have you on their list than not.

If in the future you have more wool than you know what to do with then you can register with them then, but no one will come knocking at your door in the mean time .

[Tim W]

You can sell wool to BWMB or Texacloth ---I am pretty sure there is no obligation to register with BWMB , I know plenty of commercial producers that aren't

[Hellybee]

We sell to Texacloth. Our local depot bout 12 miles away.

[SallyintNorth]

You can sell wool to BWMB or Texacloth ---I am pretty sure there is no obligation to register with BWMB , I know plenty of commercial producers that aren't

Commercial producers are obliged to inform the BWMB if they are going to sell their wool elsewhere.

I agree that with a small flock of Shetlands, particularly if not white, the BWMB will not be at all worried if you want to stay outside their scheme.  However, they are, in my experience, all very knowledgeable, helpful people, so I would not be frightened to give them a call to discuss.

[milliebecks]

Thanks all for the info. I've only one white ewe and her fleece is always full of sand and stones, so I don't suppose the BWMB would fight me for it anyway!

[Fleecewife]

If you want to show your fleeces at one of the major shows then you do need a BWMB membership number.  That doesn't mean you have to sell to them - I have a number but have never sold to BWMB.