Prime Minister Bill English accepted Sir David Fagan's challenge, and gave him one better, beating the five time world champion at shearing a sheep at the World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Invercargill.
Sir David put the challenge to the Prime Minister late last year to attend the champs, who dusted off his handpiece and moccasins, heading back to his Southland farming roots to shear on stage at the championships today.
“He [Sir David] wasn't going as fast as he could have been,” Mr English said.
The last time the fifth generation Dipton farmer had picked up a handpiece was at the Southern Field Days last year and before that was a long time ago, he said.
“It's like riding a bike [you don't forget].”
The Prime Minister's attendance was great for the champs, Sir David said.
"We're rapt. He's always been supportive of agriculture and our industry and sport. To have the prime minister support the event, let alone have him take up the challenge of shearing a sheep is pretty impressive.”
Mr English was one of the first world leaders to shear a sheep, and Sir David was impressed with his skills.
Mr English was thrilled to attend the champs, which was an impressive event put together by both the stadium and organising committee, he said.
“It's just superb having it here . . . the stadium and the committee have created a spectacular event.”
The World Shearing and Woolhanding Championships were a real boost for the industry, which had been having a tough year, Mr English said.
Both Friday and Saturday night sessions of the championships had sold out, with a crowd of 4000 expected for tonight's finals.
