A Welsh sheep shearer is set to make a record-breaking attempt to shear sheep across nine hours later this month.
Meirion Evans of Machynlleth, North Wales, said he been busy shearing in recent weeks and has spent months preparing himself both mentally and physically for his ‘9 Hour British Ewe’ record attempt in Machynlleth on July 13.
The 25-year-old Welsh sheep shearer works on his family’s beef and sheep farm keeping Welsh Black Cross Limousin cows and mainly Mule Cross Texel ewes with some Welsh Mountain and Speckled Hill.
He also has a local contract shearing business over the summer months and travels to New Zealand over the winter.
Evans said: “Shearing has already given me many opportunities including seven seasons working in New Zealand – this is a great way to improve and also to make new friends.”
Evans’ record-breaking attempt will commence at 5:00a.m on Saturday, July 13, and will run until 5:00p.m. The schedule is as follows:
- 5:00a.m – 7:00a.m: Shearing;
- 7:00a.m – 8:00a.m: Break;
- 8:00a.m – 9:45a.m: Shearing;
- 9:45a.m – 10:15a.m: Break;
- 10:15a.m – 12:00p.m: Shearing;
- 12:00p.m – 1:00p.m: Break;
- 1:00p.m – 2:45p.m: Shearing;
- 2:45p.m – 3:15p.m: Break;
- 3:15a.m – 5:00p.m: Shearing.
9 Hour British Ewe record
Evan said he was motivated to attempt the 9 Hour British Ewe record through his part in aiding several record attempts over the years.
“…I enjoyed being a part of the team and supporting shearers to do their best in whatever record they were attempting,” he said.
“I also very much liked the atmosphere and wanted to attempt the record myself.
“There are many within the industry I look up to and I remember from a young age watching videos of Stacey Te Huia from New Zealand shearing which was a big inspiration to me.”
Head of member engagement at British Wool, Gareth Jones, said: “Record attempts are an excellent opportunity to promote the quality of British wool to wider audiences and showcase the highly skilled individuals driving the industry forward.
“As a member organisation, British Wool is committed to supporting champions as representatives and ambassadors.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Meirion to help him achieve his goals and wish him the very best of luck.”
