Three shearing workshops are being held in the south west during April, providing practical advice sessions and live shearing demonstrations.

The free-to-attend workshops have been designed to provide practical advice to young shearers, semi-professional and professional contract shearers and sheep farmers, with each event being delivered by Selwyn Williams, R&D Manager for Heiniger. Additional input will also be provided by Matt Smith, the 2016 World Nine Hour Strongwool Ewe shearing champion and Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year 2017.

The three workshops, part of a series of seven events being held across the UK, will focus on several key elements aimed at improving delegates’ shearing knowledge, including: selecting the right equipment and correct plant setup, clipper and blade maintenance, grinding and sharpening combs and cutters for optimum performance and lifespan. Matt Smith will also be discussing the importance of health, nutrition and fitness, all of which are essential to a successful career in shearing. Each event will also include a Q&A session with attendees able to seek specific advice pertinent to their own shearing requirements.

“Choosing the right equipment and ensuring it is properly maintained is vital to the safe and efficient shearing of sheep,” said Ian Chapman, marketing executive for Allflex UK Group Ltd, the UK importer and distributor of Heiniger shearing equipment. “We’ve therefore teamed up with Heiniger and three well-known companies in the south west to host a second series of our popular shearing workshops. The sole aim of these workshops is to help improve a shearers’ knowledge, thus making the shearing season more efficient, more productive, more profitable and safer for novice and experienced shearers and farmers.”

Course details:

Harpers Farm Supplies, Waldon Way, Holsworthy, Devon, EX22 6ER on April 24 at 6pm. Book with Dan Miles on 07976 627014.

Tanner Trading with kind permission of Talling and Palmer Tregenna Farm, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NT on April 25 at 6pm. Book with Sam Tanner on 01579 321703.

George Mudge & Co Meadowside, Collaton, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 9JT on April 26 at 6pm. Book with Andrew Mudge on 01822 615456.

Places are limited so reserve a place by contacting the relevant host.