August 2nd, 2024Win at Australian Sheep & Wool Show

Glenlyon mum Claire Clifton could not be prouder of her son Jonathan Smith who took out first place in the Northern Shears Senior Competition at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo last weekend.

Jonathon, who plaits his substantial beard so he can see the sheep and stop them chewing on it while being shorn, also placed third in the Sports Shear Victorian State Final Senior Competition.

Claire said shearers were judged on speed and technique as well as gaining penalties for second cuts – short pieces of wool left on sheep to be shorn off – and any cuts on the sheep. The lowest point score wins.

“As an industry, farmers want as much wool staple as they can in the best possible quality to get best prices. Therefore, shearers need to be clean and accurate and with often many thousand sheep to get through, time is of the essence.”

Claire said Jonathon, who lives in Inverleigh with his wife and two children after growing up in Freshwater Creek, has had a lifelong passion for shearing, working mainly in the southern and central districts of Victoria with occasional sheds further north.

“Like many shearers, he continues to battle back injuries and after several nerve block procedures, is preparing for surgery in the coming months. Of course, he is adamant to fit in the surgery around his shearing competitions and shed work.”

Jonathon’s next major competition will be Royal Geelong Show in October.

Main image: Claire Clifton