Shearer

Tasks & duties

Shearers may do some or all of the following:

• clean combs and cutters and sharpen them using a grinder (usually on breaks during the day or at night after work)
• stretch and warm up before shearing
• catch the sheep from a small catching pen
• drag the sheep out of the catching pen to the shearing stand
• shear the fleece (wool) off in a set pattern of blows (shearing strokes)
• release the sheep into a counting-out pen

Skills & knowledge

Shearers need to have knowledge of:

• how to warm up and stretch properly before shearing
• how to catch and handle sheep correctly
• proper lifting and dragging techniques that minimise strain on the lower back
• how to hold sheep in the correct position
• good shearing techniques
• how to use and maintain hand-pieces (clippers) and machinery such as grinders
• what type of shearing equipment to use in certain conditions

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements to become a shearer, although it is recommended you complete a course in shearing.

Training on the job

Skills are mostly learned on the job, but formal qualifications are becoming more common. Training courses are offered for shearers wanting to keep up with new technology and improve their skills.

Useful experience

Useful experience for shearers includes working on farms or jobs that involve animal handling.

Related courses

Wool and Fibre Harvesting

For more information, please refer to myfuture.