| 7 RURAL PEOPLE » Benmore Station Wool production remains central to the business model, with both brothers passionate about the fibre. McSkimming Shearing has established itself as a trusted contractor across the Waitaki and Mackenzie districts since Tess and Willy McSkimming took over the operation in November 2023. The business now runs up to three teams during the busy pre-lamb season from July through to the end of October, with one team based in Twizel to service the high country. Based in Kurow, the couple brings decades of industry experience to the business. Willy was born into shearing, starting as a wool handler at just 13 before working his way through pressing, shearing and contracting. He also spent three years as a technical ield representative for Heiniger and has trained shearers, giving him experience across nearly every role the industry o ers. Tess, from a rural King Country farm, entered the sheds as a wool handler before taking on the cooking, call management and paperwork for the business. The couple met in the sheds around Taumarunui and ran a shearing business there from 2005 until 2020 before moving south to Oamaru to raise their family. “We're a well-oiled machine,” explains Tess. “Between the two of us, we keep the whole show running from the board to the books.” The business operates on clear principles that have helped build its reputation over the past two years. “We've got a simple rule: no wankers,” says Willy. “That goes for everyone on the job and o . We expect mutual respect, good attitudes and a team- irst mindset across the board from sta to management.” Communication sits at the heart of the operation's approach. “We'll always keep you in the loop about what's happening and where we're at before your job kicks o ,” explains Willy, who maintains a hands-on presence at every job. “Willy's never far from a wool shed,” says Tess. “If he's not shearing, he's likely lending a hand in the yards, penning up, giving the team a breather or just having a good yarn.” The company follows up each job with a courtesy call to clients, seeking feedback and identifying areas for improvement. Tess keeps the business running behind the scenes, handling wages, invoicing and paperwork as well as providing hearty, home-cooked meals for the crews. The business employs experienced, quality-focused sta capable of handling everything from ine wool to crossbred sheep. It works with top wool classers and has quali ied sta ready to step up when needed. The company encourages sta to attend courses and participate in shearing and wool handling competitions to maintain high standards. “We absolutely love the shearing industry and the incredible variety of people it brings together,” says Willy. “It's bloody hard work but we thrive on it and we're proud to foster a hardworking, fun and family-oriented crew.” Trusted in the Waitaki & Mackenzie districts KUROW, NORTH OTAGO SHEARINGCONTRACTORS SERVICING THE WAITAKI & MACKENZIE DISTRICTS Friendly, Reliable Experience You Can Count On! Friendly, Reliable Experience You Can Count On! Shearing & Crutching Services Locally Based Staff Crossbred & Fine Wool Teams Available Year Round Supporting The Local Community Contact Us Today Willy & Tess: 027 4491712 www.mcskimmingshearing.biz
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