Stepping into their own contracting business around the time of the first Covid lockdown in 2020 was challenging for Taumarunui shearer Chris Brown and his partner Ash, but their focus on providing a good service for farmers means King Brown Shearing has come through the pandemic well and is in good shape heading into the busy summer season. Chris and Ash took over McSkimming Shearing from Willie McSkimming two years ago before renaming the business as King Brown Shearing. “I worked for Willie when I first started shearing as a 17-year-old – he was the first one to give me a stand,” says Chris, who adds that his experience in sheds began five years before that, as a wool presser. “I grew up on a farm and my family has always shorn sheep. My uncles Dick and George were shearing contractors when I was a kid, so it’s definitely in our DNA.” King Brown Shearing services two-stand farms right through to larger sheep farms with up to nine-stands, covering a big area including Taumarunui, Taihape, Otorohanga, Ōhura and Mangakino. “We feel for our farmers who are under pressure and try to keep our prices down as much as we can. Our goal is to have good working relationships with farmers and to be making a positive contribution to the wool industry.” In this family business, Ash manages office administration and looks after health and safety requirements, ensuring the whole team is safe while working in the woolshed. Chris’ sister looks after accounts. Chris’ mother has provided financial advice and support, while his father and brother have both lent a hand as shearers. Chris and Ash work hard to recruit, train and retain staff. First timers generally start as wool pressers. Most new recruits do that for a year or so before progressing to shearing. “It does come down to the person and how keen they are.” Before the main shear gets underway, they run a shearing school to prepare learners and refresh the more experienced hands. “It’s a great day for everyone involved. We raise funds from the sheep we shear for the Taumarunui Speed Shear event and have three of our best shearers there helping out with training.” As well as sponsoring the Taumarunui Speed Shear, King Brown Shearing sponsors Taumarunui Junior Rugby. Chris chairs both the speed shear event and the Taumarunui Shearing Show. Recently, Chris and Ash sent a group for training through WOMOlife, launched last year in response to a shortage of shearers in the country. “We do a lot ourselves but it can be hard to get people to train at the right time, so it’s good to have this option as well.” King Brown Shearing is in a growth phase after having taken over another run six months ago. They need at least 50 people over the peak summer season but are well-placed to have the staff needed. “While we may need a couple more wool handlers, we’re looking pretty good with the shearers. Most have been with us since we started.” Having stocked up well in advance on essential shearing gear such as handpieces, cutters and combs, Chris and Ash have every confidence that their team is well-prepared. King Brown Shearing fosters good working relationships 027 896 7614 kingbrownshearing@outlook.co.nz Proudly providing shearing services to farmers in the Central Plateau
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