Sheep shearers in short supply (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Sheep shearers in short supply

10:17am Friday 3rd July 2009

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A SHORTAGE of sheep shearers has resulted in a surge in demand for training courses.

For the skill not only provides extra income - but can also lead to foreign travel.

Richard Schofield, a British Wool marketing Board (BWMB) shearing instructor from near Settle, said he was "greatly encouraged" by the increased interest.

"Sheep shearing is a skill thats always been in demand and even more so these days," he said.

"And its not just providing a useful source of income for part of the year for those who can offer the service.

"Sheep shearing helps a lot of young people to travel abroad. They can earn money and do some travelling if they take up opportunities to shear in New Zealand and Australia and now even in Iceland and Norway."

This year the shortage of shearers has seen farmers in the south of England encouraging northern-based shearers to help out.

Budding young shearers recently gathered at Borrins Farm, Settle, for one of a number of BWMB training courses.

Anyone from Yorkshire or Humberside taking part will have the cost partly met through 61,000 worth of new funding secured by the BWMB.

The two-day Settle course was hosted by John and Ruth Dugdale who run a flock of Lleyn ewes alongside a dairy herd.

Details about BWMB shearing courses are available from Gillian Tart on 01274 688 666.

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