Heiniger has announced the launch of a new fully scourable black Si-Ro-Mark branding fluid, giving farmers access to one of the most requested colours in a formulation that protects wool value.
While black has always been available within the six-colour Si-Ro-Mark range, it was previously the only colour not offered as a scourable product. The introduction of a fully scourable version means farmers can now benefit from the practicality of black marking fluid without concerns about impacting wool quality.
“We know how popular black is on many farms and, as wool values continue to strengthen, having a fully scourable branding fluid is increasingly important,” says Hefin Rowlands, National Sales Manager at Heiniger UK. “Si-Ro-Mark has built an excellent reputation with farmers across the UK, and the addition of a scourable black provides even greater choice for our customers.”
Si-Ro-Mark is designed to remain visible on the fleece for up to 12 months and has proven its reliability in all weather conditions. Supplied in five-litre containers, it is suitable for use on both wet and dry fleeces.
“Si-Ro-Mark is one of those products that simply makes day-to-day flock management easier,” continues Mr Rowlands. “Farmers need products they can rely on to do the job properly the first time. The reason Si-Ro-Mark has earned such a loyal following is because it delivers consistent, dependable performance year after year.”
Black branding fluid has traditionally been favoured for smit-marking, offering a discreet and effective method of identifying sheep ownership. However, some producers have been reluctant to use non-scourable black products due to concerns over the potential impact on wool returns.
British Wool has welcomed the launch of the new scourable black formulation.
“We are committed to promoting the quality, versatility and value of British wool,” says Gareth Jones of British Wool. “Producing high-quality fleeces is a key part of that process, and using scourable marking fluids helps ensure wool can be processed to the highest standard. The introduction of a fully scourable black product is great news for farmers and for the British wool industry as a whole.”
The new black Si-Ro-Mark will be available through agricultural merchants and retailers nationwide from November 2026.