Big competition for sheep farmers - 31st March 2023

This competition's called 'The Golden Shears'. It's the world's most important event for cutting sheep's wool - 'sheep-shearing'. It's taken place in Masterton, New Zealand since 1961 and the competitors come from all over the world.

Sheep shearing is certainly very sporty, says Keryn Herbert.

Keryn Herbert: "If you look at a lot of people who do the competitions in New Zealand in shearing and wool handling, I guarantee you at school, they were probably top sports people too."

For Joel Henare, shearing sheep needs a strong mind, not just a strong body.

Joel Henare: "You need to be fit, yeah, but, in your body physically, but you also need to have the mental strength as well to be able to pull you through, yeah, so you got everything locked down."

The event takes place once a year over three days. Each competitor's required to shear 20 sheep. They're watched by a full stadium. But they're also watched online by around 70,000 people.

The wool's taken off the sheep carefully. It's important to keep the wool, the animal and also the sheep shearer safe.

Gavin Mutch comes from Scotland.

Gavin Mutch: "The sudden burst of intensity you have to have, it's, yeah, it's unbelievable pressure put on your body and the energy levels you use."

Part of the competition is for the 'wool handlers'. These workers are a very important part of the process. They help the shearers by taking away the wool and preparing it. They work with both skill and speed. They also have the possibility of winning a prize at Masterton.