Shearing Regional Leads: Supporting the Future of the Industry
The role of Regional Shearing Leads is vital in ensuring high-quality training, strong participation, and continued standards across the shearing industry. We spoke to one of our Regional Leads Lowri in Wales to learn more about her background, her work with British Wool, and her perspective on the industry today.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background in the shearing industry?
Based in North Wales, I am married with three children and run a beef and sheep farm. My connection to shearing came through family—marrying into the industry, as my husband is a professional shearer. I also spent three seasons working in New Zealand, gaining valuable experience and insight into large-scale shearing operations.
How did you become involved with British Wool and what drew you to the role of Regional Shearing Lead?
I have worked with British Wool for the past five years, starting by running the collection centre in Ruthin and now operating one from home. With my husband also working as a British Wool shearing instructor, stepping into the role of Regional Shearing Lead felt like a natural progression. My passion for the organisation is clear, with a strong belief that British Wool delivers the highest standard of training in the industry.
What does a Regional Shearing Lead role involve, and what areas do you personally focus on?
The role is centred around organising the logistics of shearing courses across Wales. This includes understanding demand, identifying training needs, and selecting the most suitable instructors. To ensure strong attendance and effective learning outcomes. Delivering high-quality training for the next generation of shearers is a key priority, alongside raising awareness of the important role British Wool plays within the industry.
From your perspective, what sets British Wool shearing courses apart from other training options?
The standout factor is the quality and experience of the instructors. They are highly skilled, knowledgeable, and dedicated to passing on best practice to future generations of shearers.
Why is formal shearing training important for anyone looking to develop their skills in the shearing shed?
Formal training allows shearers to develop and refine their skills while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare. It also promotes continual improvement, efficiency, and confidence in the shearing shed.
What do you see as the main challenges currently facing the wool and shearing industry?
Like many areas of agriculture, the industry faces challenges in attracting and retaining new entrants. Maintaining high welfare standards and ensuring wool remains a valued and viable product are also key concerns in an evolving agricultural landscape.
In what ways can shearers help to support and strengthen the wool industry?
Shearers play a vital role by producing well-shorn, high-quality fleeces and maintaining excellent animal welfare standards. Engaging with training and industry initiatives is also essential in helping to raise standards across the sector.
If you had to sum up shearing in just three words, what would they be?
Addictive, rewarding, challenging — with a smile, “observations as a wife!”