Frequently Asked Questions About The Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited 

The Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited (CCWG) is a producer-owned co-operative founded in 1918 to market Canadian wool on behalf of sheep producers. For more than a century, our mission has remained the same: to help Canadian wool growers receive fair market value for their wool while providing services that support the livestock industry. 

CCWG is owned by its producer members. Unlike a private company, the Co-operative operates for the benefit of Canadian sheep producers. Wool is collected, graded, and sold on behalf of members, with operating costs deducted and the remaining proceeds returned directly to the co-operative.

Before 1918, individual wool producers often had limited bargaining power and inconsistent access to markets. CCWG was established to create a fair marketing system where producers received the same price for the same grade of wool, regardless of:

• The size of their flock

• The amount of wool they produced

• When their wool arrived

• Where they lived in Canada

This principle of fairness continues today.

CCWG grades and markets approximately 3 million pounds of raw Canadian wool annually from producers across the country. 

Approximately 90% of Canadian wool is exported to international markets. Wool is carefully graded and marketed wherever the strongest demand exists, helping maximize returns for Canadian producers. 

Every fleece is professionally graded based on several factors, including:

• Fibre diameter (micron)

• Length

• Yield

• Colour

• Preparation

• Wool type and quality

After grading, similar wool types are pressed into bales weighing up to 1,200 pounds and core sampled for objective testing before being marketed worldwide.

Yes. During the Second World War, wool became a strategically important material for military uniforms, blankets, and other essential supplies. In 1940, CCWG relocated its operations to Carleton Place, Ontario, into the former Canadian Pacific Railway roundhouse.

Because wool was considered essential to Canada's wartime economy, CCWG operated as a federally sanctioned organization, helping ensure Canadian wool reached domestic and overseas markets. The location was ideal, sitting directly on the CPR rail line that connected Western Canada with the Port of Montreal for shipment to Britain and allied nations.

The former railway facility was transformed into a thriving wool warehouse, and much of its heavy railway equipment was repurposed or sold as valuable scrap metal during the war effort.

CCWG's headquarters occupies a building that originally served as the Canadian Pacific Railway roundhouse and machine shops from 1890 to 1939. The building has been carefully preserved and still features historic railway memorabilia throughout.

The site represents two important chapters of Canadian history:

• Canada's railway expansion

• Canada's wool industry

In addition to marketing Canadian wool, CCWG operates:

• CCWG Livestock Supply retail locations across Canada

• The Real Wool Shop in Carleton Place, Ontario

• An annual livestock supplies catalogue

• Online stores serving livestock producers and consumers

These services provide producers with access to livestock supplies, fencing, animal health products, equestrian equipment, wool products, and farm essentials.

CCWG's head office and primary wool warehouse are located in Carleton Place, Ontario. In addition, CCWG operates livestock supply locations across Canada and serves customers nationwide through online shopping. 

CCWG has been supporting Canadian agriculture for over 100 years. As a producer-owned co-operative, every decision is guided by the goal of supporting Canadian livestock producers and strengthening the Canadian wool industry.

From marketing millions of pounds of Canadian wool to supplying farmers with trusted livestock products, CCWG continues to honour the vision established in 1918: working together to create stronger returns and a stronger future for Canadian producers.