Loading ...CHANGES in the wool industry might mean there are fewer sheep in the south-west, but shearers can earn just as much as the hoards leaving to work in Australian mines and travel the world while they’re at it.
Hamilton shearing contractor, Jason Chandler said there were not many locals on his team of 30 to 40 shearers during the season.
“We get heaps of New Zealanders coming across and they just keep travelling around,” he said.
Mr Chandler said an experienced shearer could make $500 in a day of shearing, with rates at about $2.70 per sheep.
Casterton contractor, Ewen Herring said it was hard work, but became easier and more profitable with time.
“It’s changed over the past five or six years,” he said.
“Since the 2006 drought sheep numbers have started to come back, but there is no work around at this time of year.”
Full report in today’s Spectator.
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