Two British men are aiming to shear over 1,457 lambs in nine hours, therefore breaking the current British lamb shearing record set by Gareth Daniels and Ian Jones in 2016.
28-year-old Nick Greaves from Staffordshire and 24-year-old Llyr Jones from North Wales, both experienced shearers, are preparing to undertake this challenge on August 12.
Greaves is a beef and sheep farmer who farms in partnership with his parents running around 1,100 sheep and 150 cattle. He also has a contract shearing business which he started at the age of 16 and now operates across the Midlands.
Shearing, he said, has given him the opportunity to see different farming systems around the world.
“I’ve made great friends and memories,” he said.
This sentiment was shared by his partner Jones, who said:
“Shearing is a very good way to meet new people and see other countries.”
Jones grew up on his family’s beef and sheep farm in the Conwy Valley, Wales, and has been shearing in Wales and England for the past six years, as well as completing six seasons in Norway and four in New Zealand.
“For me, competitive show shearing is one of my favourite parts,” Jones added.
“I’ve competed all over the world and I enjoy the buzz of competing as well as catching up with everyone.”
The pair are being supported in their venture by British Wool.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Nick and Llyr to help them achieve their goals and wish both Nick and Llyr the very best of luck,” said Richard Schofield, British Wool shearing manager.
“Record attempts are an excellent opportunity to showcase the highly skilled individuals driving the industry forward while also helping to promote the quality of British wool to wider audiences.”
On the day the men attempt to break the record, fundraising for two farming charities – the DPJ Foundation and Farming Community Network – will also take place.
