Ewe beauty! New speed shearing event big hit
Module Overview
A new speed shearing competition held in Martinborough brought the community together, showcased some of the world’s best shearers in action and raised some much-needed funds.
The inaugural Speed Shear 2026 was held in March and organised by Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer and Farmstrong Champion James Bruce and his team.
James says he and his team were motivated to put on the event to bring the local community together for a fun day out.
“We also wanted to showcase the skill of top national and international shearers and raise some funds for the Martinborough Rugby Club,” says James, who coaches rugby at the club in his spare time.
The competition took place in the lead up to the iconic Golden Shears and World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Masterton, so the timing was perfect, says James.
“There aren’t a lot of local, rural events on, so we wanted to do something that pulled farmers out of the woodwork and got them together.”
Positive event for community
James says around 180 shearers took part in Speed Shear 2026 with Jack Fagan being crowned the fastest shearer in the Open category and pocketing $3,000 in prize money.
The competition was free for spectators, with the entry fee for shearers contributing to the first, second and third place prize money on offer in the Open, Junior, Senior and Intermediate categories.
“While it was a fundraiser and we managed to raise $8,000 for the rugby club, it was more about the club putting on an event that was positive for the community,” James says.
He is passionate about sport and the benefits it brings, especially in rural communities.
“When you’re farming and isolated, coming together and playing sport with others and socialising is the best thing you can do for your mental health.”
He says the event was a success and is keen for it to take place again next year.
“Going forward, I hope it gets bigger and better with more sponsors which will create some more funds for the rugby club.”
Live Well, Shear Well resource launched
Farmstrong has partnered with the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association (NZSCA) to produce a new wellbeing programme called Live Well, Shear Well, which was launched at the Golden Shears and World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships.
The free online programme (print and video) offers mental fitness skills and tips for the shearing workforce to help manage the day-to-day pressures of the job.
It includes topics such as managing everyday workplace pressures, working as a team, healthy thinking strategies and mindsets, nutrition, body conditioning and rest and recovery time.
Shearing legend Rowland Smith and Farmstrong Ambassador Sam Whitelock feature in the resource discussing what they do to perform under pressure and keep well (there’s also a short video of Sam having a go at shearing a sheep).
Shearing the love
Self-employed professional shearer Ray Kinsman, who is based in Dannevirke, took part in both the Speed Shear and Golden Shears competitions.
He says Farmstrong’s new Live Well, Shear Well programme is a great resource.
“The more information and resources people in the shearing industry have, the better. I highly recommend people read it and take it on board.”
The 34-year-old initially got into shearing 16 years ago in South Canterbury, where he’s from, and hasn’t looked back since.
“I absolutely love it. I caught the bug when I was younger… the people are great, I get to travel all around New Zealand and the world and it’s such a great career with so many incredible opportunities.”
More awareness around wellbeing
Ray says there’s more awareness in the shearing industry nowadays around looking after your wellbeing and the importance of mental and physical fitness.
“If you have hard days, that’s when the great people come in. Surrounding yourself with good people helps and having a good laugh with your mates is the best medicine,” he says.
“You may be fatigued, having a bad day or away from home and missing family and friends but talking about it with someone is the best thing you can do.”
Shearing is notoriously hard on the body and Ray says keeping physically fit is a priority.
“A lot of people use personal trainers to improve and look after themselves. I keep fit, do my stretches, and play and coach sport and make sure I look after my body.”
Ray, who has two young children, says taking a break from shearing is important even though he loves it so much.
“I enjoy doing other things like DIY, hunting, sport and other things away from my career. If you have a breather, then you’re eager to get back into it which is great.”
The free Live Well, Shear Well programme is available on the Farmstrong website.
Left to right: Ray Kinsman, Tommy Stevenson, Gus Berger.
