Trio of champions attempt two shearing records

Matt Smith will take on the World Strongwool nine hour shearing record Nine Hour Ewe World Shearing Record, with Gareth Daniel and Ian Jones challenging the Two Stand British Lamb Shearing Record. This is the first time a World record attempt has taken place in the UK, and in fact, anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Both record attempts are being actively supported by the British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB).

Matt’s world record attempt will take place on his homefarm in Launceston, Cornwall, on Tuesday 26th July. Together, Gareth and Ian will attempt theirs at Llysfasi Agricultural College, Denbighshire on Friday 19th August.

Shearing records, alongside shearing competitions, are the pinnacle of the industry and provide a fantastic platform for young British shearers to meet and learn from shearers across the world.

The BWMB represent 45,000 registered wool producers in the UK, and whilst effectively marketing producers’ wool is at its core, encouraging the next generation to learn and develop their shearing skills is integral to ensuring the long term sustainability of the industry.

Bedwyr Jones, Chairman of the BWMB Field Services committee and former competitive shearer says: “These record attempts are an excellent opportunity and we’re delighted to be supporting Matt, Gareth and Ian to help them achieve their goals. As a key industry body, we are totally committed to supporting champions as representatives and ambassadors. All three individuals are passionate about sheep and the wool industry, and in attempting both shearing records, are demonstrating the importance of this rural skill.

“These will provide invaluable opportunities to showcase highly skilled individuals that are driving the industry forward and to help promote the quality of British wool to wider audiences. We would like to take this opportunity to wish all three competitors the very best of luck.”

Matt Smith, originally from New Zealand came to the UK to shear when he was 17 years old. At 25, Matt broke the Eight Hour Strong Wool Record in New Zealand, shearing 578 sheep, beating the existing record by 18. He has shorn in seven countries across the world and has won countless shearing titles.

Matt has harboured the ambition of holding this world shearing record since he first knew of its existence. He says: “It is important to have goals and something to aspire to, never give up, and listen to all advice available. You never stop learning in shearing, every day is a challenge.”

Living on his family farm at Penegoes, near Machynlleth, 33 year old Gareth Daniel holds many shearing honours, including being declared Champion Shearer of Wales three times and representing Wales at four World Shearing Championships. His proudest moment was winning the Open Championship at Corwen Shears, becoming the first Welsh winner and only the second UK winner of this competition.

“I have always wanted to attempt a shearing record and I believe I now have the determination, confidence and skill to achieve this.” says Gareth

Ian Jones, from Hundred House, near Builth Wells, who learned to shear from his uncle, took up shearing aged 17 and has also shorn in New Zealand many times. Honours include winning the Welsh Lamb Shearing Circuit four times, and the French Open Shearing Championship in August 2015.

During his shearing career, 36 year old Ian has attended many of the BWMB shearing courses and comments: “These courses are important as they provide young and experienced shearers with the opportunity to learn and further develop their skills.”

Training provided by the BWMB sees approximately 1,000 people attend accredited ‘Seal’ award system shearing courses each year - courses run from May to the end of July.

BWMB shearing training course details can be found by visiting the BWMB website www.britishwool.org.uk.