Competition sheep shearer Hamish Mitchell offers advice on techniques, equipment and what is needed to win at the highest level.
Hamish has represented Scotland in international sheep shearing events for decades. He has won the Scottish National 15 times and over 100 Open events in the UK and globally. Hamish is a British Wool Ambassador, Instructor and Heiniger Ambassador.
We asked Hamish for some tips on what it takes to become a better sheep shearer and compete at the highest level.
1. How do you get started in sheep shearing?
The best way to start is to go on a shearing course, I did every year for 15 years and I am still learning. The British Wool Board offers some very good value courses that teach the correct technique, benefit of using the right equipment to make shearing easier. Most courses will run over two days and everybody who completes the course will be able to shear a sheep unaided afterwards. After that it is all about repetition, improving quality and speed.
2. Can anyone become a competition shearer?
The simple answer is yes, absolutely. It is not necessarily about strength so much as control and technique. Preparing to become a competition shearer will inevitably require attending some gear days to try out equipment and find the right comb suitable to the sheep you are likely to shear at the competition. I have always used Heiniger equipment and found that to be the best in the market.
I advise beginners to go to New Zealand to get experience of shearing the same breed of sheep to help them perfect the pattern of how they tackle a sheep. In the UK we have so many breeds that it is more difficult to learn. If that is not an option, then trying to shear the same breeds in similar conditions will help.
3. How long does it take to reach competition standard?
That depends on what level of competition you aspire to. Most youngsters will start at junior level with local events and that is a great introduction to competitions. For those who want to put in the hours and sheep numbers, they may make it to Open level where the best shearers compete. At this level you can be selected to represent your country at an international level.
For junior and intermediate shearers that can manage shearing 200 or more sheep cleanly in a day, it is still important to go on training courses and attend as many events as possible to watch and see how other competitors operate. Even after all these years I am still learning.
4. How are competitions judged?
Competitors in events are judged on time, cleanliness and any double cutting of the wool. Points are deducted for every 20 seconds a competitor is behind the fastest time. Point deductions are made if too much wool is left on the sheep and penalties are applied if there are any skin cuts, although this is rare. There are also judges on the board keeping a close eye for any double cutting of the wool, shearers will be penalised for this as it de-values the wool for the producer.
5. Any tips?
There are different styles of shearing. I have quite an aggressive style, not towards the sheep but in my movements. Others are more relaxed and can achieve the same result in the same time. For younger shearers it is important not to think that winning competitions can occur overnight. It takes years of experience, by attending courses and events each year to accrue more knowledge. Investing in better equipment and shearing as many sheep as possible will help long term and everyone will find their own rhythm and style over time.
Look after your equipment. Make sure your handpieces are well looked after. Keeping your combs and cutters clean and kept in a dry environment to prevent any rusting. Make sure your gear is cutting properly, learn how to grind correctly. Lastly, wear the right clothing and footwear, purpose made shearing jeans and shearing moccasins.
