Learning the art of good shearing

The art of shearing: Around 30 locals attended an introduction to shearing course last month.

"Shearing is a good skill to have. It's a job path on its own and it's a good skill if you want to work in agriculture generally as well."

Shane Rawlinson knows a thing or two about shearing. He worked in the field for about 10 years before moving on to tutor others in the skill.

He has recently shared some of that knowledge with a group of around 30 locals who wanted to upskill.

The course, which was free, was run at Shane's farm with a range of attendees from high school and university students, and some who were just starting out in shearing and wanted to develop their skills.

Shane, who also runs an advanced course for more experienced shearers, says the two-day course gave people the opportunity to learn and upskill in a trade which is as relevant today as it was on the first farms in New Zealand.

"Shearing changes with the tools slightly through the years of course, but the basics haven't changed that much at all. It is a valuable skill which will always be needed, so it is great to be able to offer Taranaki people the opportunity to learn and develop their skills."

Shane says not much had been done in the region for the past couple of years, which led to him offering the course.

"It was good to see so many people come along, wanting to learn."