Young shearers gain a stand

Shearing Contractors Association of Australia shearer woolhandler training executive officer Glenn Haynes said in previous seasons, in a 100-kilometre radius from Naracoorte, just five "top end" learner shearers would be employed.

But, with New Zealand shearing teams missing from SA shearing sheds this year because of COVID-19 restrictions, that number had skyrocketed to 24.

"The loss of New Zealanders during this year's peak shearing period was another blow to the industry, but it has ignited a lot of local interest," he said.

"At this moment we have 24 learners in shed doing the job and keeping up."

Mr Haynes said although shearing contractors were employing learners, most years there was not a stand for them and they generally had a wool handling position instead.

"The fact is, it is easier to fly in a shearer from NZ that is shearing 180 sheep a day, than take a punt on a learner and wait a few months until they can get to that number," he said.

"But, this year, it is back to no choice."

Mr Haynes attributed an increased interest in shearer training opportunities to widespread job losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have a fair few meat workers and people from aviation entering the industry - a lot of people are trying to get into essential sectors," he said.

Lobethal's Jenna Maxwell attended her second shearing school last month after finding the opportunity on Facebook.

"I shear for hobby farmers and I wanted to improve my technique and foot placement so I decided to join in again," she said.

Ms Maxwell said she enjoyed the challenges of shearing.

"It is mentally and physically challenging," she said.

"The banter in the shearing shed makes it such a fun industry to be involved in."

Despite still learning the skill and not being ready to enter the industry full-time, Ms Maxwell said she would consider it in the future.

"I only pick up a handpiece for a few months a year, so I am not quite fast enough yet. I would probably not make much of a wage," she said.

"But if I do improve a lot, it would be a career I would definitely get into."

Ms Maxwell also encouraged other young people to give shearing a crack, saying it was an industry desperate for newcomers.

HARBOURING a hope to give back to the shearing industry and help address SA's shortage of shearers, Richie Kirkland has been dedicated to rolling out training schools for young people at his Furner property.

After shearing for more than 10 years, Mr Kirkland said he was "tired" of hearing about a lack of shearers in SA.

"I decided to do something about it. The training school attracts farmers' children to people who have never picked up a handpiece," he said.

"The school was booked out this year - so we need more areas to hold schools to help fulfil the increased interest but also help sort this shortage out.

"We have enough keen shearers here to do the work."

Generally, a training school would have 10 to 12 learners, but this year there were 17 young people hoping to get a stand.

"We held a two-day workshop at the Kangaroo Inn Area School because we did not have extra places for school students," Mr Kirkland said.

For the first time in many seasons, one of the state's largest shearer employment areas has a significant number of learners on the stands in shearing sheds.

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