With shearer numbers stretched to the limit in the past two years due to international and interstate border closures, the need for new shearers on the scene has never been more pertinent.
For the fifth year, last week Conmurra farmer Richie Kirkland hosted a shearing school on his property, a five day program for individuals from right across the state wanting to learn the skills.
This year, 11 students took part in the program, predominantly from across the South East, with some students also coming from the Adelaide Hills and Murrayville, Vic.
The course's instructors included Josh Sneath, Naracoorte, Rick Chilcott, Lucindale, and David Brooker, Lucindale.
Mr Kirkland said the school was getting "better and better" each year.
"We can't rely on overseas workers anymore, we need to get a young and local workforce involved, and it's great to see the students be so interested and wanting to learn," he said.
The teachers are unbelievable, I've learnt so much.
- COOPER WISNESKE
"About half the students are from a rural background, but those who aren't have done really well and picked skills up very quickly."
"Seven or eight of the students are walking straight into shearing jobs commencing (this week)."
Cooper Wisneske, Murrayville, Vic, was grateful to be able to attend the school.
"My grandad and uncle were both shearers, so I wanted to learn too," he said.
"At the start of the week, I didn't know how to drag a sheep, but five days in and I know how to shear an entire sheep on my own.
"The teachers are unbelievable, I've learnt so much."
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Claire Harris
Journalist at Stock Journal. Hailing from South East Queensland, Claire moved to SA at the start of 2019. She is passionate about agriculture, cooking, sport, and line dancing, and loves a good long road trip.
Journalist at Stock Journal. Hailing from South East Queensland, Claire moved to SA at the start of 2019. She is passionate about agriculture, cooking, sport, and line dancing, and loves a good long road trip.
