Woolhandling contestants at a fast clip

The Gore A&P Showgrounds are buzzing as the Southern Shears click into gear for another year, as competitors from all around the South Island head into town to battle for national representation.

The competition, held in Gore, is split into two days, with woolhandlers competing yesterday and shearers competing today.

About 350 sheep were shorn yesterday for the woolhandling, with 1900 sheep estimated to be shorn today for the shearing championship.

Competitors are vying for a spot on the national team and if they are selected they will represent New Zealand at the Golden Shears World Championships in Masterton next year.

It was all go at the showgrounds as about 80 woolhandlers competed in various categories.

Woolhandling is the process of taking freshly shorn wool and processing it to improve its quality and lift its price.

Handlers take the wool, remove the dirt and contamination and make it as presentable as possible before the judges award points.

After battling through heats, Foonie Waihepe was the winner of the open woolhandlers’ competition, with a total score of 106.894.

Emma Martin was awarded senior woolhandler of the year and Marilyn Harrison won the junior category.