Shearing and Crutching Services

➡️Reliable crews.

➡️Clear communication.

➡️Done right.

McSkimming Shearing provides professional shearing and crutching services across North Otago and Central Otago, with teams based out of Kurow and now operating regularly in Middlemarch and Outram following our recent expansion.

We’re a hands-on contracting business that values good people, good systems, and doing the job properly — for farmers, stock, and staff alike.

Our awesome Wool Handling team in action at Bog Roy Station 2024

Get In Touch

What We Do

We provide complete shed teams and flexible contract services, including:

Shearing – covering everything from strong wool crossbreds through to fine wool sheep
Crutching & dagging
Full shed teams with experienced shearers and wool handlers
Pre-lamb, main shear and ongoing contract work
Reliable scheduling and clear communication

Our aim is simple: turn up prepared, look after stock, look after people, and leave the shed better than we found it.

Where We Work

Our crews currently operate across:

Kurow & the Upper Waitaki
The wider Waitaki District
Mackenzie Basin
Middlemarch
Outram
Central Otago
West Coast

We also travel further afield where the facilities, accommodation and setup are right for our teams.

How We Work

We understand that no two farms — or seasons — are the same. That’s why we put a big emphasis on planning, communication, and flexibility.

From the first phone call through to the last sheep, you’ll know:

when we’re coming
who’s turning up
and what’s expected on both sides

Good communication avoids stress, protects animal welfare, and keeps everyone moving forward.

Our People, Our Standards

We run experienced, well-supported crews and place a strong focus on staff well-being and on creating an environment people actually want to work in.

That means setting clear expectations, backing our teams, and running sheds where respect, teamwork and a good attitude matter just as much as tallies.

We hold ourselves to high standards around:

Animal welfare
Health & safety
Professional conduct in the shed

Where possible, we aim to provide steady, year-round work for our staff. That consistency builds better crews, better culture, and ultimately better results for farmers — because people who are looked after tend to give a damn.

Working With Us

At McSkimming Shearing, we see what we do as a partnership — with farmers and staff working together to get the job done properly.

For farmers, that means open communication, good planning, and a shed setup that allows crews to work efficiently while keeping animal welfare front and centre. When expectations are clear and everyone’s prepared, the job runs smoother and delivers better results.

For our crews, working with us means being part of a team where standards, respect, and a good attitude matter. We expect professionalism and care for stock and teammates, and in return we aim to provide clear direction, steady work where possible, and a shed environment people are proud to be part of.

Get in Touch

Whether you’re a farmer looking for a reliable shearing crew, or a shearer or shed hand looking for steady, well-run work, we’d love to hear from you.

We work with farmers and staff across the areas we operate in and are always keen to talk with people who value good communication, strong work standards, and a positive, respectful shed environment.

If you’re after a contractor who plans ahead, turns up prepared, and looks after both stock and people — or you’re someone who wants to be part of a crew that takes pride in what they do — flick us a message and let’s have a yarn.

👉 Get in touch to talk shearing, crutching, or work opportunities.

Family Owned & Operated

We have our family name attached to the business, to show we are committed to giving our absolute best to our clients and staff. The family name and reputation are behind everything we do, and we back our experience as shearing contractors to get the results you are looking for.
Our team is one big family which is a great way to keep everyone happy and the job going smoothly.
We like to go that extra mile for all of our clients and staff to show how much we really do care.
Our aim is to leave the shearing industry in a better place than we found it. We love what we do and hope this is reflected on our clients and our staff.

Friendly, Locally Based Teams Year Round

Friendly, locally based teams, operating out of Kurow year-round. We will also have teams based in Middlemarch during the busy main shear and pre-lamb seasons.
Experienced & quality-focused staff to handle any job from fine wool to crossbred sheep and everything in between.
We work with top wool classers and have qualified staff on our team who are ready to step up if needed.
A "No Wankers" policy across our crews helps maintain a positive, friendly work environment in the sheds our teams operate in.
We encourage and invest in our staff to attend courses that enhance their wool industry knowledge.
Shearing and wool handling competitions are also a great way to keep quality jobs in check and create a bit of friendly rivalry between team members.

A Personal Approach & Great Communication

Communication is vital in any service industry, especially when it comes to ours, due to the many variables in play. We understand what it takes to get ready for a shearing or crutching job and guarantee you will always know what is happening leading up to your start date.
Willy takes a personal & hands-on approach to every job, with regular visits and catchups while the team are working there. This guarantees you always know what is happening while we are at your place.
A courtesy call once the job has finished to see how happy you are with our work is vital for feedback and also a good way to know if we need to improve on any aspect of our job.

Supporting the Communities Who Support US

We love to support the communities that support us. Our business and our staff support these communities in turn by spending money and utilising available resources where we can.

Here are a few awesome groups & teams we have supported through sponsorship so far.