Next week is a big week for shearing in Southland. 

Not only is a world record being attempted in Gore by shearer Megan Whitehead to beat the women's nine-hour strong wool lambs record, but there are also two other shearing competitions in the region. 

On Thursday (January 14), Whitehead will attempt to beat the current world record of 648 sheep shorn in nine hours, which was set 13 years ago.

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The following day (January 15), the Northern Southland Community Shears competition gets underway, followed by the Southland Shears on Saturday (January 16). 

Both events are special because they incorporate not only New Zealand crossbred lamb shearing but wool handling championships as well.This is expected to attract many of the country’s top competitors, as they compete to secure their spot at the Golden Shears final in Masterton in March. 

Treasurer of the Northern Southland Community Shears competition Jenny Campbell said she is looking forward to the 39th annual Northern Southland Community Shears competition.

Despite recent rain and border restrictions from COVID-19, she hopes it will be just as successful as in previous years. 

Commentators Joel Henare & Norman Harraway at Northern Southland Community Shears 2020. PHOTO: Jenny Campbell

Southland has had a very wet January so far, with heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of the region.

Campbell said too much rain can make it difficult for competitors to shear the sheep quickly and effectively, as the sheep’s fleece can become matted.

“The rain can make the [sheep’s] fleece form cotts, which is like a matted fleece and it’s harder to shear,” she said.

“[The wool] is harder to get of the skin which could make it more difficult in a competition.”

However, a week of fine weather would have the sheep’s fleeces in top order for shearing, she said.

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Competitors don’t just compete for the fastest time, but the most skilled shear too. 

Campbell said the competitors who score the most number of points could then have a shot at the final in March. 

She was unsure how border restrictions would affect the competition this year as there will be fewer international competitors.

She estimated around ten percent of competitors normally come from overseas but said with Kiwi sharers being some of the best in the world, the competition would still be fierce.

From left, Acto Agriculture representative Tom Wilson, Open shearing event winner Troy Pyper, David Buick, Leon Samuels, Brett Roberts, Casey Bailey, Palmer Bros Shearing representative Jocelyn Palmer at the Northern Southland Community Shears 2020 prize giving. PHOTO: Jenny Campbell. 

Around 1000 sheep have been crutched and prepared for the competition, which begins at 7.30am at Selby's woolshed, near Five Rivers, on Friday (January 15).

The shearing moves to the Winton A and P Show at the Winton Racecourse on Saturday (January 16) for the Southland Shears.

The Winton show also features a parade, food stalls, entertainment, and trade displays. 

Other major shearing events in the wider southern region include the Otago Shears in Balclutha on February 13, and the Southern Shears in Gore on February 19-20.