60 seconds with: Keryn Herbert - Champion woolhandler

Keryn Herbert. Photo / APN

Shearers always seem to get the glory, tell us why woolhandling is important?

Between the shearer and the woolhandler our job is to make the most profit for the farmer. The shearer cuts wool the right length and we process it to lift the price. We throw each fleece onto a slatted table so all the short little bits fall out. You've got to know how to read the wool and gather it up properly so you throw it perfectly flat. We're looking for the whitest wool and taking the inferior parts away.

How do the judges operate?

They rotate as we compete, then, when we've put the inferior wool and good wool in separate containers, it goes to a room where another set of judges process it for faults.

Is there prizemoney?

There is, but shearers get all the glory (laughs). The open woolhandling winner gets $1200.

The shearers would share their winnings around wouldn't they?

Yeah, right ... (laughs)

What's the biggest compliment you can get out working?

When you return to a farm and they're excited to say they topped the wool sale after your previous visit.

What's the best place you've worked?

Probably Central Otago on the merinos in winter.

Have you featured on that Shearing Gang telly show?

A couple of times. I've worked in those areas for that contractor. I'm born and bred in Te Awamutu and live in Te Kuiti but I get called south to do a couple of days' work here and there every year after competing down there.

I bet they put on a decent spread?

Especially on the big stations. When you've been there a while everyone gels like a family and at the end of the job the farmer usually puts on a big barbie, cooks up some venison and everyone has a few beers.

Is there a perfect smoko?

On a cold day, anything warm. Homemade pizzas are good and we used to have a cook who made her own custard squares.

Take us through your CV, because you've represented New Zealand.

In 2010 I went to Wales for the world championships and came home with a world teams title. I've also represented New Zealand in transtasman contests, one of which is on Friday night [tonight].

What do you have to do to get to the world championships in Ireland in May?

I've been in a national selection series collecting points towards the Golden Shears. Eight of us will do two rounds, the top four make the final and the top two will compete at the world championships.

Do you still woolhandle fulltime?

No. I did until the birth of my first child nearly seven years ago. I have two kids now [a daughter, 6, and a son, 2]. Having kids and working fulltime in the sheds doesn't work. I fill in when people are short and I compete in shows. This is my 11th season in open grade.

Have you done any fitness work to prepare for the Golden Shears?

I'm doing gym work, especially given I'm competing against those who are "shed fit". If I did no other fitness I'd be behind.

Herbert's Golden Shears heats start this morning in Masterton.