People often ask what it’s like running a shearing business. The truth is, no two days are ever the same—and that’s not just because of the sheep. What many don’t see is that this job requires far more than just managing a team and getting through sheep. We’re not just contractors; we’re business owners, mentors, crisis managers, and sometimes even counsellors.
One moment you’re sorting invoices and booking jobs six months out, and the next, you’re breaking up a disagreement on the catching pen floor or driving someone to the physio because they’ve done a back in. You’re juggling staff rosters, navigating mental health conversations, and trying to keep morale up during a tough run of weather—all while keeping the business running.
We wear a lot of hats:
Boss: Responsible for every decision, every job, every outcome.
Psychologist: Picking up on when someone’s not themselves and knowing how to approach it.
Bank Manager: Balancing cash flow for staff, and making sure there’s enough for for them to live on once all draws and gear has been taken out.
Negotiator: Mediating everything from team disagreements to tricky client expectations.
Counsellor: Being a sounding board for life problems that spill into work.
And we switch between these and many more roles multiple times a day, often without notice!
Being adaptable is not a bonus—it’s a requirement. Some days you feel like you’ve aged five years by lunchtime, but somehow, you find the energy to keep showing up for your team, your clients, and your business.
There’s no manual for this kind of work. You learn by doing. You build thick skin, develop sharper instincts, and hopefully, keep a sense of humor along the way.
So, if you’re ever wondering what it takes to run a shearing crew—it’s not just about getting sheep on the board and down the porthole. It’s about people, resilience, and the ability to wear a dozen hats and still remember where you left your bloody pen.
