A Clyde Primary School project may have launched a future career for seven-year-old student Beau A’Court, as he has become one of New Zealand’s youngest wool clients of PGW - after recently discovering a passion for the fibre and finding an unlikely mentor in wool representative Graeme Bell (affectionately known as ‘Ding’ to those in the industry).

What began as a classroom visit earlier this year has quickly grown into a story that has captured the attention of Beau’s school, community, and the wool industry as a whole, particularly those in the Central Otago region. His first two bales of wool, listed under his own brand BEAU, were recently processed through the PGW Wool Store in Mosgiel and sold at auction in Christchurch - an extraordinary achievement for a newbie to the wool industry, let alone someone under the age of 10.  

Pictured: Graeme Bell (Ding) first met Beau when he visited Clyde Primary School as part of the Campaign for Wool’s - Wool in Schools - travelling education programme.

According to Beau’s mum, Olivia A’Court, Beau has always been drawn to nature, hunting, fishing, the outdoors, but wool had never featured among his interests - until Graeme arrived at Clyde Primary School as part of the Campaign for Wool’s, Wool in Schools travelling education programme.

“Beau was as excited about the wool as he was about Graeme,” Olivia says. “There’s something about him that Beau really admires - and I can see why. He’s a great man.”

Teachers noticed it too. Beau was animated, inquisitive, and completely absorbed, and during a demonstration comparing biodegradable wool with synthetic fibres, he grabbed a shovel and took over the tradition of burying the school jerseys himself.

“He certainly adopted me for the morning,” Graeme laughs. “Beau was full of questions and keen to get involved in everything.”

Sensing the boy’s interest was genuine, Graeme invited Beau to join him at the New Zealand Merino Shearing Championships in Alexandra - a first for the A’Court family.

Pictured: From left, Graeme Bell (Ding), PGW Wool Rep, Beau A’Court, and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson at the New Zealand Merino Shearing Championships in Alexandra.

There, Beau had what he calls the ‘most exciting day ever’, meeting Associate Agriculture Minister Hon. Mark Patterson and watching the PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit in action.

“I loved seeing the sheep shearing and getting to touch the wool,” Beau says. “And seeing Graeme again!”

For Graeme, the experience was reminiscent of his own introduction to the industry - sneaking off to help at shearing competitions as a 10-year-old, a moment he says set the course for his 60-year wool career.

The school visit might have ended there, but a few months later, Clyde School reached out to Graeme again. A local farmer had donated two wool fadges to the school, and they immediately thought of Beau, who hadn’t stopped talking about wool since the classroom visit.

Graeme replied to the school and suggested something bold.

“Let’s make Beau a client.”

So, with approval from the school and Beau’s parents, the brand BEAU was born. Graeme helped him fill out client paperwork, label his bales, and send them for processing in Mosgiel. And photos documented each stage so everyone could follow the journey from fleece to sale.

When it came time for auction in Christchurch, Beau admits he was nervous.

“I just wanted to be a wool seller,” he says.

His bales sold successfully, and - in true Beau style - he decided to celebrate not by spending the money on himself, but by hosting a pizza party for his class. Graeme was an honoured guest, and the school put on a slideshow of Beau’s wool journey.

“It made me happy,” Beau says simply. “I wanted to share my learning.”

Since then, Beau’s fascination with wool has only grown. He now asks about garment fibre content, wants to learn how to shear, and proudly explains the importance of wool in New Zealand.

“It’s important so we can stay warm in winter,” he says - a tidy summary of the industry’s value from someone barely tall enough to see over the wool bins.

Olivia says the transformation in her son has been remarkable.

“His confidence has grown so much. He even spoke at a school assembly. We’re incredibly grateful for Graeme and the interest he’s shown in Beau.”

For Graeme, Beau’s story is more than a heartwarming moment, it’s a reminder of why the industry needs to invest in young people.

“When someone shows enthusiasm, you encourage it. That’s how the industry stays strong. You never know where something like this could lead,” he says.

“Beau’s got the personality, the curiosity, and the passion. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up working for PGW one day. He’s already told the shop staff I’m his wool man.”

“Yes, I really want to be part of the wool industry,” Beau says. “I want to learn how to shear a sheep.”