A Thrilling Speed Shear Competition Announced for NSA North Sheep 2025!

A brand-new addition has been announced for the much-anticipated NSA North Sheep 2025 event! Farmers, shearers, shepherds, and industry professionals will gather at Greystoke Castle Farm, Penrith, for the North’s premier sheep industry showcase. Among the exciting highlights of the event will be a Speed Shear Competition, held in partnership with the Northern Speed Shear Circuit.

Speed shear competitions are the ultimate test of skill, speed, and precision in sheep shearing, providing an electrifying atmosphere for competitors and audiences alike. This exciting competition will bring together top local and international shearers to compete for top honours while showcasing their expertise.

For those unfamiliar, speed shearing is a thrilling test of skill and speed, where competitors aim to shear a sheep in the shortest time possible while ensuring the animal’s safety, welfare and the quality of the shearing. Each participant must remove the fleece efficiently, avoiding long staples and ensuring a clean, safe finish. The timer starts with the first blow and stops with the last.

Chris Adamson, Event Organiser for NSA North Sheep, shared his enthusiasm:
“We are thrilled to partner with the Northern Speed Shear Circuit to host this competition at NSA North Sheep 2025. It’s a fantastic showcase of the incredible skill, precision, and speed of our shearers, bringing an amazing buzz to the event.”

The Speed Shear Competition will take center stage from 3:30 pm, concluding with the presentation of awards around 6:30 pm. Limited to 50 shearers across the Open and Senior competition categories, entries are now being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with additional entries potentially taken on the day, subject to availability.

Competition Details

• There will be three classes for competitors
  • Intermediate
  • Open Class
  • Veterans over 50 class
• Timing: The Speed Shear begins at 3:30 pm and finishes around 6:30 pm.
• Registration to be made by contacting Zoe Porter Watson on 07812994525 or Richard Schofield on 07966291618
• Entry Fee: £20 per competitor
• Prize Money will be awarded to the top competitors in each category.