An Alexandra shearing contractor is calling 2008 the worst season for the past 20 years.
Peter Lyon estimates he is 10-12 days behind in east Otago and northern Southland. Rain and then snow has put a hold on any shearing until the land and the sheep dry out.
"We were sneaking by in most areas until the last snowfall but now we are dropping behind."
Contractors using the old methods provide food and board to shearing gangs during the season. But frustration was growing as the days went by without work or wages.
"We usually do start shearing a long way before lambing so we are not caught out with sheep that can't be shorn, but this is the closest we have got to lambing that I can remember."
The main problems were the rain and the snow.
"The temperatures are warm enough and generally it has been a lot warmer this winter."
In general, the shearing industry was going well, he said.
"We've got a lot of good skilful shearers and shed hands and the industry is in good stead."
But the drop in sheep numbers meant fewer shearers were required. The country's flock has shrunk to 34 million, the smallest number in 58 years, as drought and dairy conversions led to the largest percentage decrease recorded in one year.
"It's hard to create a good story about a positive career path for young people to enter in to until lamb prices get back to the $4-$5 [shearing price] mark and stay there," Mr Lyon said.
