National Shearing Circuit
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.
Starting back in October, the National Shearing Circuit sees five rounds in total before the top 12 shearers go on to compete at the Golden Shears in Masterton.
| DATE | LOCATION | CHAMPIONSHIP | BREED |
| 4 - 5 October 2024 | Alexandra | NZ Merino Shearing Championships | Merino |
| 11 - 12 October 2024 | Waimate | NZ Spring Shears | Romney Full Wool |
| 14 - 15 November 2024 | Christchurch | NZ Corriedale Shearing Championships | Corriedale |
| 1 February 2025 | Marton | Rangitikei Shears | Romney Lambs |
| 23 February 2025 | Pahiatua | Pahiatua Shears | Romney Second Shear |
| 27 Februrary - 1 March 2025 | Masterton | Golden Shears | Multi Breed |
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.
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.
