Going for gold at the National Shearing Circuit
Since his first Open-competition in 2000, sheep shearing legend Nathan Stratford has competed in the National Shearing Circuit finals 20 times, secured 85 Open-final wins, a World teams’ championship title, three PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit wins and has his sights set on a fourth win in February.
PGG Wrightson caught up with him at his latest shearing competition.
“My father was a shearer. It was bred into me from an early age when I was dragged off to the sheds with my dad. I love it. For me, the competitions are about the camaraderie with mates, meeting people, and the challenge of trying to beat someone else.”
For Nathan, work is his training ground. “I am a contracted shearer. I work for anyone. So, work is how I train, and weekends are for competition.”
The PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit launched in October, with the first two rounds, in Alexandra (fine wool) and Waimate (full wool hoggets). There are five rounds in total. Next up, in November, is the Corriedale stage in Christchurch. Then in February, the competitors will shear lambs, before the final qualifying round, second shears, in Pahiatua. The top 12 shearers, determined on their accumulated points, will then compete in the all-important finale the Golden Shears in Masterton.
Established in 1972, the National Shearing Circuit celebrates the skills of New Zealand shearers. PGG Wrightson is a proud principal sponsor, since 2001, in collaboration with Vetmed, known for developing and manufacturing health treatments for sheep, cattle, and deer.
In addition to the prestigious McSkimming Memorial Trophy, winners receive cash and vouchers totalling $1,800, and a year’s lease of a Hyundai Sante Fe SUV.
“It is awesome for PGG Wrightson and Vetmed to come up with these great prizes. I’m really enjoying the car!” says Nathan.
Changes to the sheep industry are transforming the shearing landscape, explains Nathan. “We’ve been losing a lot of sheep to trees, so our shearing season is a lot shorter. We used to do an 11-month season, and now we are struggling to do eight,” says Nathan.
While the industry responds to these changes, Nathan and his competitors are focused on this year’s PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit, and beyond.
“This year, it’s Golden Shears. Then next year is the Golden Shears team selection for the World’s championship.”
In 2026, New Zealand will once again play host to the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championship, with about 30 to 40 countries descending upon Masterton in 2026.
For now, Nathan shows no sign of slowing down, “I will stop when my body tells me to stop.”
