Second shear on now

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 44, 21 April 1987, Page 8

Second shear on now

Farmers who sheared early in the season should be planning for the next shearing now, according to the Wool Board. With feed supplies having improved, some will be considering an eight-month regime, shearing in the autumn or early winter.

Auction statistics show this is already widespread. Offerings in August, September and October were up 6.75, 7.4 and 1 6.5 percent or the previous year. In January, February and March. they have been down 9.9 34.5 and more than 25 per cent. The same trend is

apparent in private saies. Shearing dates have become more flexible as farmers have tried to produce the best mix of cash flow and wool quality, says the Board's National Wool Production Manager, Mr L. K. (Lance) Wiggins. "Some farmers are finding that an eight-month routine has advantages over both second shear and annual shearing," he says. "It produces wool of optimum length, good colour, free from cotting and at minimum shearing cost. "In most districts wool is at 100- 120mm in eight months. Colour is generally better than full fleece, tenderness and break is reduced, there are advantages for stock and financial management, and the wool may earn a premium when sold out of season." This regime needs careful planning along with good pasture management, says Mr Wiggins. Sheep are hard to shear if they are in poor condition and once shorn they require extra grass. Adequate feed and covered yards or sheltered paddocks are required — and cover combs in the colder districts when shearing after

April. "It is best to avoid the coldest months because the sheep will be eating simply to maintain body warmth. Winter shearing with inadequate feed is an invitation to trouble with sleepy sickness. It may be preferable to shear in early spring, even with lambs at foot." Mr Wiggins says many farmers can reduce the risks by shearing only half the flock this autumn. They would be shorn again in December and next season in the early spring. The other half of the flock would not be shorn until early spring this year (when they would be carrying a 12-

month fleece) but thereafter would also be on an eightmonth regime, being shorn in April/ May next season, and then in December. "In effect it means shearing half the flock every four months. This spreads both the farming and the marketplace risks, but is best suited to larger flocks," says Mr Wiggins. "The basic philosophy is that the wool should be shorn when it is at its best for the manufacturer. The change in auction offerings has been disconcerting for the trade but if it leads to a permanent improvement in the clip and a more even flow, everyone will benefit."