Why I would be an effective mentor

  • I have more than 15 years’ experience of shearing in the UK and overseas. 
  • An open-class shearer, I still shear part-time to fit around my current job as a UK and Ireland territory manager for a leading supplier of sheep shearing equipment 
  • I have a very high understanding of the equipment and techniques needed to shear sheep safely, efficiently and quickly
  • I am involved with equipment for a British Lamb shearing record attempt (2022) and also advising a manufacturing company on the development new equipment 
  • I have access to a great network of industry contacts
  • I am a qualified UK Athletics Endurance coach, able to apply my knowledge of training and nutrition to support the physical and mental needs of a shearer
  • Great communication skills, both written and verbally
  • Fully bilingual in Welsh and English, I am passionate about passing on my shearing skills and knowledge to the next generation of shearers

Current farm business 

  • Lifelong background in agriculture, working on family dairy farm and at other farms for many years before moving to rural mid Wales

Qualifications/achievements/experience

  • 2020 to date – Currently UK & Ireland Territory manager for Lister Shearing Equipment 

  • 2019 – 2020 – Techion (FECpack), UK relationship manager

  • 2015 – 2019 – Wynnstay Group, animal health specialist

  • 2007 – 2015 – self-employed, running a successful contract shearing business

  • Experience of shearing in New Zealand, Norway, France and the UK. 

  • 2014 – won the Golden Shears Junior title in New Zealand 

  • Previously undertaken training on behalf of the British Wool Marketing Board 

Top tips for business success  

“Always make sure you use sharp shearing gear and the correct comb for the breed of sheep you are shearing. If you select the wrong comb, you will shear far fewer sheep! “ 

“Drink plenty, replace your electrolytes and get the right amount of carbs in throughout every shearing day. Get enough protein into your body as soon as you finish shearing, to aid recovery in readiness for the next day's shearing.” 

“Have an effective pattern to ensure you use your legs effectively; turn the sheep over and pull the sheep out correctly – done incorrectly, this can cost you vital energy reserves during the day, and can also lead to muscle strains and aches.”