Stars of the “She shears” film will deliver shearing classes in Wales to inspire young aspiring shearers

12 June 2019

In the gruelling world of competitive sheep shearing there is no women’s section. Women and men compete together. 

Four women from New Zealand who blow away stereotypes and sexism in the traditionally male world of sheep shearing will deliver shearing classes for aspiring young shearers at three agricultural colleges in Wales this June. At the classes, these inspiring women will be demonstrating their exceptional shearing skills. If you’re a shearer or an aspiring shearer, male or female, this class could be for you.

Last year they starred in ‘She Shears’, a film investigating what drives women shearers to sacrifice so much personally and professionally to follow their dream to win The Golden Shears.

Two are legends of the sport: Emily Welch and Jills Angus Burney (also a High Court barrister) while the others are busy making their mark with their blades.  

For legends, Jills Angus Burney and Emily Welch, personal bests have been world records. Encouraged to quit in her 50s by her orthopaedist, Jills found a second career as a High Court barrister and solicitor, but you can’t keep her away from the Golden Shears, the world’s top shearing competition.

Emily Welch is one of New Zealand's first and most successful female shearers, and is the current World Record Holder for shearing 648 lambs in nine hours (overtaking Jills’ 2007 record). Emily is mother to 3 small children and also finds the time to run her own shearing contracting company, coordinating shifts for dozens of contract shearers every season.

Central Otago shearer and wool handler Pagan Karauria returned to the Golden Shears last year following a horrific car accident that tragically killed two of her friends and left her with severe injuries. She believes her true determination lies in beating the terrible internal injuries suffered in that accident. She now mentors other young women to become champion shearers.

They are also this year’s keynote speakers for the Farming Connect Women in Agriculture event and will tell the story of passion, purpose and determination.

If these classes sound interesting to you, come along!

Booking is essential and light refreshments will be provided half an hour before the classes. 

Dates and locations of the classes are as follows:

You can also hear these inspiring individuals speak at the main Women in Agriculture event held on Thursday 20^th June in Aberystwyth.

Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Welsh Government.