Molly Ayala
Sheep shearing is the process of cutting off a sheep's woollen fleece, typically performed once a year. Before the invention of electric motor shearing machines, people used hand shears to remove wool from sheep. In the traditional English style of sheep shearing, the farmer would tie the sheep's legs together and place it on a stool before using hand shears to cut the wool in a criss-cross manner. This method was slow and arduous, allowing for a maximum of about 50 sheep to be sheared per person each day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools used for shearing | Hand shears, hand clippers, electric-powered shearing machines |
| Time taken | 20-40 minutes per sheep, 50 sheep per day |
| People involved | Shearers, shed hands, cooks |
| Working hours | 7:30 am to 5:00 pm with breaks and lunch |
| Payment | Piece-rate per sheep |
| Terminology | Sheep may be said to have been "shorn", "sheared" or "shore" |
| Washing sheep | Washed in creeks or with hot water installations |
| Wool removal | Wool pulled or "roux"ed by women |
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What You'll Learn
Hand shears
Before the invention of electric shearing machines, sheep were shorn using hand shears, which are still used by some people today. Hand shears are scissor-like blades that are time-consuming and physically demanding to use. The process takes between 20 and 40 minutes per sheep, and only about 50 sheep can be sheared per person each day.
The traditional English way of shearing sheep with hand shears involves tying the sheep's legs together and placing it on a stool. The shearer then clips the wool in a criss-cross manner. This technique results in a chequerboard pattern all over the sheep's body and a line running along its spine where the two cutting directions meet.
In addition to being slower and more arduous, hand shearing requires a certain level of skill and precision. For example, the sound of the sharp blades hitting each other is frowned upon, and a good shearer is said to make only one click at the end of each blow or stripe across the sheep.
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Pulling wool by hand
Sheep shearing is a critical step in the process from soil to skin and is necessary for the sheep's survival. Without shearing, overgrown wool can develop into "wool blindness", impairing the animal's sight. Sheep can also become so heavy with wool that they have trouble walking or running, and their ability to graze becomes compromised. Therefore, before the advent of electricity, sheep shearing was done using hand shears, which some people still use today. Before the use of hand shears, ancient people would pull the wool that naturally came off the sheep or "roux" the wool from the sheep. This process was traditionally done by women, who cradled and sang to the sheep as they peeled their coats off.
The process of pulling wool by hand involves using hand shears to cut the wool. The sheep are manoeuvred into different positions to access different parts of their bodies. For example, to shear the left shoulder, the sheep is shifted so that the left shoulder is more accessible. The left hand is used to pull the skin taut, as the skin on the shoulders can be quite wrinkled, making the blows smoother and helping to avoid nicking or cutting the sheep. Starting from the left knee, the shearer cuts upwards towards the left shoulder, using one or two blows to clear the wool. The shearer also takes this opportunity to clear the wool from the inside of the left foreleg.
To shear along the sheep's back, the animal is moved into a new position by sliding it down along the shin until it is lying on its right side. The neck is also a delicate area to shear. Long parallel blows are made along the left side of the neck, ending first beneath the eye and then beneath the ear. The left hand holds the ear back to avoid nicking it.
The process of pulling wool by hand can take between 20 and 40 minutes for each sheep, depending on the amount of wool. It is important to note that the only time shearing will hurt the sheep is if the operator is rough, careless, or very inexperienced, or if the sheep is not restrained properly. Otherwise, shearing is beneficial for the sheep, making them more comfortable in the summer heat.
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Pre-electric mechanical shearing machines
Before the advent of electricity, sheep shearing was a manual and arduous task. The process involved the use of hand shears or clippers, requiring shearers to be bent double for extended periods. This traditional method, though time-consuming and physically demanding, is still practised today by some.
The introduction of pre-electric mechanical shearing machines revolutionised the process. These machines, powered by hand or foot, offered a significant upgrade from hand shears. While they varied in design, they shared the common goal of speeding up shearing and reducing the physical toll on shearers.
One example of a pre-electric mechanical shearing machine is the hand-cranked model. This machine utilised a hand-turned crank to drive the shearing blades, allowing for faster and more efficient shearing. The crank was often attached to a fixed base, requiring the operator to turn a handle to power the machine.
Another variation was the foot-treadle design. This machine employed a foot-operated treadle, similar to that of a sewing machine, to power the shearing mechanism. By stepping on the treadle, the shearer activated the blades, enabling quicker and more precise shearing.
These early mechanical shearing machines offered a glimpse into the future of sheep shearing. They paved the way for the development of modern electric shearing machines, which have become the industry standard. Today, electric shearing machines come in a range of designs, offering adjustable speeds, ergonomic grips, and precision adjustment systems. These modern machines have significantly reduced the time and physical strain associated with the task, benefiting both the sheep and the shearers.
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Hand-cranked machine shears
The cost of hand-cranked machine shears can vary, with prices ranging from £25 for traditional hand shears to several hundred pounds for more advanced shearing machines. For example, the Lister Nova Shearing Machine 240V costs £558.13, while the Lister Outback Shearing Handpiece is priced at £364.02. The Heiniger Wide Farmer Pack, which includes a range of shearing equipment, is also an option and is priced at £36.08.
In addition to the initial cost of the shearing equipment, ongoing maintenance and replacement costs should be considered. For example, the cutters and combs used in shearing machines are known to be expensive. Proper care and maintenance of the shears can help extend their lifespan, with some farmers reporting that their shears have lasted decades with proper care.
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Sheep shearing as a sport
Before the advent of electricity, sheep shearing was done using hand shears, which some people still use today. Prior to the use of hand shears, ancient people would pluck the wool that naturally came off the sheep or "roux" (peel) it from the sheep's body. This traditional method was reportedly performed by women, who cradled and sang to the sheep as they removed their wool.
Sheep shearing has evolved into a competitive sport, with participants from over 34 countries across five continents competing in the World Championship. The sport is not only about speed but also technique, with only 40% of the final score based on speed, while the remaining 60% depends on the quality of the shearing and the handling of the sheep.
Competitions have attracted almost 30 competitors, and there are even exclusive shows for blade shearers. Blade shears, consisting of two blades similar to scissors but with the hinge at the end farthest from the point, require a unique set of skills and precision.
The sport has broken records, with Matt Smith from New Zealand shearing 731 ewes in nine hours, averaging one sheep every 36 seconds. This remarkable feat showcases the skill, speed, and endurance required in sheep shearing competitions, making it a captivating and intense sporting event.
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Frequently asked questions
Before the invention of electric motor shearing machines, sheep were sheared using hand shears.
Using hand shears, it takes between 20 and 40 minutes to shear one sheep, depending on the amount of wool.
The traditional English way of shearing sheep involves tying the sheep's legs together and placing it on a stool, then clipping the wool in a criss-cross manner.
Using hand shears, a maximum of about 50 sheep could be sheared per person each day.
Without shearing, overgrown wool can develop into "wool blindness", impairing the sheep's sight. Sheep can also become so heavy with wool that they have trouble walking or running, compromising their ability to graze and escape predators.
