A PAIR of British sheep shearers have set new national records during a successful attempt on the country’s two stand nine-hour lamb shearing record on Friday.

Staffordshire-based Nick Greaves and North Wales shearer Llyr Jones during a successful attempt on the two stand nine-hour British Lamb Shearing record with a joint tally of 1717 lambs, beating the 1457 lambs managed by Stuart Connor and Gareth Daniel in 2016.

Llyr Jones shore 836 lambs, but it was Nick Greaves’ effort of 881 lambs in nine hours that also exceeded the previous individual record of 876 lambs set by Stuart Connor last year.

The final tally board. Courtesy – British Wool Facebook.

Another attempt on solo British record coming

The new solo record sets a still higher mark for Welsh shearer Lloyd Rees who had already forecast he will attempt to break the current nine-hour solo British lamb shearing record on 19 August, in Blaenbwch, Builth Wells, Wales.

Nick, 28, is a beef and sheep farmer and farms in partnership with his parents running 1100 sheep and 150 cattle. Nick and his partner Kate have an 18 month-old son called Eric who enjoys spending time on the farm. Nick also has a contract shearing business which he started at the age of 16 and now operates across the Midlands.

Before the attempt, Nick said shearing has given him an opportunity to see different farming systems around the world as well as making great friends and memories.

Llyr Jones, 24, grew up on his family’s beef and sheep farm in the Conwy Valley. He 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.

“Shearing is a very good way to meet new people and see other countries,” Llyr said.

“For me, competitive show shearing is one of my favourite parts. I’ve competed all over the world and I enjoy the buzz of competing as well as catching up with everyone. “

British Wool shearing manager Richard Schofield said 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.

“As a key industry body, we are totally committed to supporting champions as representatives and ambassadors.

“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.”

Fundraising for two farming charities – the DPJ Foundation and Farming Community Network – took place on the day.

Another British shearer, Marie Prebble will attempt to set a world women’s eight hour strong wool ewe world record at Trefrank Farm, Cornwall, England, on 25 August.

The scene during Friday’s successful record attempt. Image – Facebook.