There’s not much Hamish Mitchell doesn’t know about sheep shearing.
He’s represented Scotland on the world stage, won the national title 15 times, and taken home trophies from over 100 open events across the globe.
But if you ask him how to become a great shearer, he’ll tell you it all starts with the same thing.
Get on a course.
“I did one every year for 15 years,” he says with a grin.
“And I’m still learning.”
Hamish is a British Wool instructor and ambassador, as well as an advocate for Heiniger shearing gear and he’s passionate about passing on what he’s learned.
Shearing, he says, isn’t just about strength.
“It’s about control, technique and repetition.”
British Wool courses, typically held over two days, teach new shearers how to handle sheep properly, how to protect the fleece, and how to use the right gear for the job.
By the end, most people can shear a sheep on their own and from there, it’s all about building experience.
For those dreaming of competitions, Hamish offers both encouragement and realism.
“Yes, anyone can do it,” he says.
“But you’ve got to put in the time.”
That means attending gear days, trying out combs, and learning how different breeds respond to different techniques.
In New Zealand, where many competition shearers go to train, the sheep are more uniform, making it easier to master a consistent pattern.
Back home in the UK, the variety of breeds can be a challenge, but it’s also what makes a great shearer.
“It’s about adapting, and learning what works.”
For those starting out, local competitions at junior level are the perfect place to build confidence and rhythm.
Hamish says that if a young shearer can cleanly shear 200 sheep in a day, they’re on the right track.
But even then, the learning never really stops.
“I’m still watching how others do it,” he says.
“There’s always something new to pick up.”
Competitions aren’t just about speed.
Judges are watching for precision, checking how much wool is left behind, if there are any cuts, and whether the wool has been double cut, which lowers its value.
Time matters too, with points deducted every 20 seconds behind the fastest shearer.
But perhaps the most overlooked part of success?
Looking after your gear.
“Keep your handpieces sharp and your combs clean,” Hamish says.
“Store them dry, avoid rust, and learn how to grind properly.”
He swears by purpose-made shearing jeans and moccasins, not just for comfort but for safety and control.
There’s no shortcut to the top, Hamish says, but the rewards are worth it.
“It’s a craft, and like any craft, it takes time.”
