Welsh farmer broke record after shearing 791 sheep in 9 hours
16th July 2024
A 25-year-old Welsh farmer has set a new British record after successfully shearing 791 sheep across nine hours.
Meirion Evans from Machynlleth in North Wales broke the record on Saturday 13th July.
The first sheep was shorn at 5am at Hendreseifion Farm and the last sheep at 5pm, with 791 sheep being sheared in nine hours spread across five shearing runs.
Just after breaking the record, Mr Evans said: “It’s difficult to put into words the feeling right now. Although it was me shearing, the entire record’s success is down to a huge team effort.”
Help, support and commitment
“This record would not have been possible without the help, support and commitment of so many people, too many to name individually.
“From the family at Hendreseifion for hosting the record, the pen men that were there with me all day, the farmers for supplying their sheep, the wool wrappers, those supporting me with my gear, and all my family and friends – without all of you, today would not have been possible,” he continued.
READ MORE: Two British farmers attempt to break world’s sheep shearing record
The 25-year-old farmer works on the family beef and sheep farm, keeping Welsh Black Cross Limousin cows and mainly Mule Cross Texel ewes, with some Welsh Mountain and Speckled Hill.
He also has a local contract shearing business, which keeps him busy over the summer months, and he travels to New Zealand over the winter.
Mr Evans said: “Shearing has already given me many opportunities, including seven seasons working in New Zealand – this is a great way to improve and also to make new friends.”
Gareth Jones, head of member engagement at British Wool, said: “On behalf of British Wool, we offer huge congratulations to Meirion on his successful record attempt.
“This was a display of high-quality shearing, and Meirion should be very proud of his achievements.”
“We appreciate the hard work that also goes on behind the scenes in holding a record and therefore offer congratulations to everyone that has helped and supported Meirion in successfully setting a new British Shearing Record.”
Read more livestock news.
