State sports shear representatives win a place in Jamestown's national

A pen of 12 sheep were lined up for each of the three heats held for the state sports shear competition, which attracted nine competitors from across SA.

Of the nine competitors, three were selected - based on the quickest shear time with the least amount of penalties applied - to represent SA in the national sports shear competition at Jamestown on October 21 and 22.

Nathan Meaney, Kapunda, had been competing in the competition for 15 of his 20 years as a shearer, including winning two state competitions and making the Australian team five times.

Earlier this year, he was part of the Australian team that travelled to Scotland to compete in the Golden Shears competition.

"We are full time shearing with about six weeks off through the winter but this year we picked up more work to stay fit to head to Scotland for the World championship in June," he said.

He said the competition was definitely hard and he has been in the shoes of those who did not make a podium spot.

He said it was a great opportunity to learn from others in the industry, especially the judges.

"We had Shannon Warnest here that is a 11 time national champion, two time world champion that I was always looking up to him and taking on any advice," he said.

"He was unbeatable for a lot of years."

Sheep convener Sid Nicholls acknowledged the travel the shearers, judges and roustabouts put in to attend the event.

"It is always the people behind the scenes that don't get recognized and the wool handlers were there to move the wool away," he said.

"As for the volunteers, organisers and judges, we appreciate your efforts."

The Willis family donated $1000 to be shared among shearer for their efforts in the competition as well as providing more than 320 sheep from their Brinkley farm.

Organisers of the Sports Shear competition were thankful for their sponsors with specific mention to Stockowners Shearing who provided the three shearing plants and the wool press.

Shearer Woolhandler Training executive officer Glenn Haynes was also recognised by Sports Shear SA chairman David Brooker for signing on for 12 months with a $10,000 sponsorship for quality awards over five grades.

It was named the John Hutchinson quality award in recognition for Johns mentorship and assistance.

"John himself is a six times national champion and two times Australian champion," Mr Haynes said.

Mr Hutchinson said he was honoured the award was named after him and congratulated the competitors.