Shearers compete in the first round of heats in the senior machine shearing category at the 64th annual Merino Shearing and Woolhandling competition in Alexandra yesterday.
Wet wool can not be shorn for fear of damaging the wool, Mr McSkimming said.
Event president Lane McSkimming, of Alexandra, said there had been uncertainty around the event because of the persistent rain in Central Otago in the past two days.
About 1100 sheep from Northburn Station and Merino Ridges were expected to be shorn over the weekend.
"They’ve done an amazing, outstanding job of keeping the sheep dry for us."
Photo: Ruby Shaw
Over 200 shearers and woolhandlers, from all over New Zealand, Australia and South Africa were competing.
"We’re getting huge support from the wool industry," he said.
The competition continues at Alexandra’s Molyneux Stadium today.
