National Shearing Circuit - Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Sheep farming and shearing are woven into the fabric of New Zealand’s farming history and rural communities. From clothing to carpet, and tweed to tennis balls, wool is a cornerstone of our  export market.

PGG Wrightson is one of the nation’s largest and oldest rural supplies and wool companies - servicing the industry, from farm to gate, for over 170 years.

“PGG Wrightson’s very foundations are built on collaborating with sheep farmers who would trade their wool with us to pay for their rural supplies,” says Graeme Lemin, PGG Wrightson Rural Supplies National Manager.

From the days of Wright Robertson & Co in 1861 to Pyne Gould Guinness Ltd of the 1980s to the formation of PGG Wrightson in 2005, in every stage, the company has grown alongside our sheep and wool farmers.

“We have worked alongside sheep farmers from day one and still today, we operate the largest farm supplies store network. Our teams are all active members of the main farming  communities of New Zealand. We are incredibly proud and honoured to play a part in this vitally important industry,” explains Graeme.

The National Shearing Circuit, as we know it today, began in 1972. PGG Wrightson cemented their relationship by beginning its sponsorship in 2001 which is now a collaborative partnership with Vetmed, a notable figure in the realm of animal health products. New Zealand wool is on the seats of the London Underground and adorning the head of the Danish Royal Family. An impossible feat without the hard mahi of the nation’s shearers cutting around 30 million sheep each year.

Paid by the number of sheep shorn, there has always been an incentive for speed. However, speed offers no benefit without quality, and shearers have been showcasing the balance of these skills at competitions around the country for more than a century.

Shearing: a history
It was an inauspicious beginning for sheep. James Cook released a pair in Queen Charlotte Sound in 1773 only to have them die days later, after allegedly consuming poisonous plants. Fortunately, subsequent sheep populations thrived. By the 1840s, with sheep numbers increasing, so too was the need for shearers. Australians first took up the trade but, by the end of the decade, locals began shearing in Otago. 

Early shearers averaged 35 sheep per day with blades until an innovation of technique helped double their efforts. This changed with new technology in the late 1880s. First, a steam powered version, followed by electric powered shearing machines set new records. Competition for the best record remained in the shearing sheds, but by 1873 these evolved into formal events at A&P shows.

Their popularity grew, with around 20 competitions held each year, until 1961, when the Golden Shears competition debuted in Masterton and quickly became the nation’s premier event. By 1963, the Golden Shears was international with New Zealand and Australia going head-to-head. Other countries, around 22, joined the fray to create the World Championships – held every three years.

Shearing: today
Today, our competitive shearers are recognised as world-class athletes.

“Seeing these powerful athletes compete at the highest level is amazing, and the fact that they do this for eight-hours a day, every day, is mind-blowing,” says Shane Cohen, PGG Wrightson Retail Sales Manager for the East Coast of the North Island.

“Of course, it is not just the shearers but the wool handlers and wool pressers who compete. To watch them in person, to see them strip a sheep, sort a fleece on the table, and then the  presser using an old school crank-style press, is a sight to behold,” Shane continues.

The PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit attracts hundreds of competitors to vie for top prize. The 2024/2025 Circuit launched in October with the Merino fine wool section in  Alexandra. A further four rounds across the country sees shearers competing in full wool hoggets, Corriedales, lambs, and the second shear qualifying round before the top 12 compete in the grand finale, The Golden Shears, in February.

“The shearers must show their skill across multiple breeds of sheep and class types. This is a skill honed over time. It is about being clean in your shearing style, with minimal cuts on the  animals. And if you’ve ever dealt with a Merino, shearing a wrinkly, blimin’ sheep takes a lot of skill,” says Shane.

The competition is fierce, with shearers fighting to walk away with a cash and prize pack worth $1,800 and the use of a brand-new Hyundai Santa Fe for a year. The winner also earns automatic selection to represent New Zealand in the Trans-Tasman series, where they will bare the silver fern alongside the Golden Shears Open champion and national Merinos champion.

Though months away, preparations have begun at the PGG Wrightson store in Masterton. Each year, they host a pop-up store at the event filled with everything from shearing singlets to jeans or combs, cutters, and hand pieces. The team is busy ensuring they are well stocked with any last-minute needs of the competitors in February.

“This is one of the biggest events on a sheep shearer’s calendar, and on ours. This is like our Olympics, and we want to make sure everyone has what they need to compete at their best,” says Shane.

Shearing: Tomorrow
The future for wool is limitless. Its quality and versatility are creating new avenues for farmers.

“Wool is a sustainable product that can be used for carpets, clothing, and even insulation. Our goal is to find new markets and create a higher demand for the end product,” says Shane.

Meanwhile, there is no slowing down our leading shearers, as Shane explains. 

“They are like All Blacks or Silver Ferns. That is how good they are. So, as long as we have sheep and shearers around, we will have competition.”