Female shearers work hard to break world record

“Federated Farmers wish Ingrid Baynes and her mother, Marg, the best of luck for their world record sheep shearing attempt tomorrow,” says Bruce Wills, Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre spokesperson.

“Dedicated shearers and farmers throughout the country work incredibly hard to harvest the wool that New Zealand is renowned for. They will be proud to watch Marg and her 22-year-old daughter, Ingrid, attempt to break the women's two-stand, eight-hour lamb shearing world record at Mangapehi tomorrow.

“Ingrid and Marg are the face of a modern wool industry and it is because of people like them that the industry has such a bright future. They give New Zealand wool a personality and uniqueness that helps branding.

“This branding is needed to increase the value of sheep and lamb fibre. Currently the wool from each lamb is worth only $3 and increasing this value is a key component of Federated Farmers T150 campaign. This campaign sets a goal of $150 for a good mid season lamb by 2013.

“The record attempt breaks the stereotype that sheep shearing is a male dominated industry. Having Ingrid and Marg put their clippers forward to represent New Zealand shearers is a testament to how far the industry has come.

“Ingrid and Marg will attempt to shear a combined total of 800 lambs during Tuesday's record attempt. They will begin at 7am and work over four two-hour runs until time is called at 5pm.

“If Ingrid and Marg can produce a world record tomorrow it will be a proud moment for them and for all New Zealand farmers,” Mr Wills concluded.