The 60th Merino Shears started in Alexandra yesterday with an adapted format in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions.
The event, which was cancelled last year in the wake of the pandemic, was restructured to consist of two one-day competitions, separating the woolhandling and shearing grades. Spectators were also excluded from the event.
More than 70 woolhandlers crossed the boards yesterday to contest the open, senior, junior and novice woolhandling grades, and today 65 shearers will turn their hand to the open and senior shearing titles.
Jasmin Tripoli, of Martinborough, throws a fleece in the senior woolhandlers semifinal at the 60th Merino Shears in Alexandra yesterday. PHOTO: SHANNON THOMSON
New Zealand Merino Shearing Championships president Greg Stuart said while it felt ‘‘pretty good’’ to still be able to hold the 60th event in the current environment, organisers were ‘‘a wee bit disappointed’’ to not have international competitors or spectators.
