Staffordshire shearer gears up for his World Challenge

Staffordshire based shearer Nick Greaves has been preparing for a World Shearing Record attempt which will take place on his home farm in Stafford on Saturday 3rd August.

An experienced shearer, Nick will be attempting to break the current 8-Hour World Lamb Shearing Record currently held by Jack Fagan of New Zealand who shorn 754 lambs in 2022.

Nick, 29, farms in partnership with his parents, running 1,350 ewes, 500 ewe lambs and 150 cattle. Nick has been contract shearing since he was 16 years old and started going on British Wool courses with Hywel Jones from that age until he was 20.  As well as shearing here in the UK, Nick has also sheared in New Zealand and Italy throughout his career.

On his upcoming World Record Nick said: "I did a 2 stand British record in 2022 with Llyr Jones from Wales and I set the new single stand record which was beat a week later.  I wanted to use my experiences from the record in 2022 as a stepping stone in getting onto the World Record ladder."

On advice to young shearers starting in the industry and who inspired him, Nick added: "Play around with your own gear, trial stuff yourself and work out what works for you.  Everyone has a different hand, everyone has a different style. Be yourself, not anyone else.

"Lots from within shearing have inspired me but someone who has believed in me from day one is Pete Chilcott from New Zealand who always told me I was good enough for a record and never doubted me. Pete gave me confidence when I needed it most and got me through a tally day we did in 2020 in the build-up to the first record. He has taught me the lamb pattern I use today."

On his achievements to date, Nick said: "My best personal achievement to date would be having a mini-me follow me around the farm all day – Eric is 3 and a half and is farming/ shearing mad.   My best shearing achievement would be winning the English National, the Open and Six Nations at this year's Royal Bath and West Show. I had been second in the National twice previously but had never won the National before. It was always a goal in my career after watching Adam Berry win it year after year as I was coming through the grades."

Richard Schofield, Shearing Manager, British Wool said: "Nick is an experienced shearer and has had a successful summer shearing at many shows in recent months.  This, alongside Nick's experience a couple of years ago with his previous record will I'm sure put him in a strong position as he attempts his World Record."

"As a member organisation, British Wool is committed to supporting the next generation, are delighted to be supporting Nick to help him achieve his goals and wish him the best of luck."

Cancer Research UK will be the record attempts nominated charity with fundraising taking place during the day.  Like many, cancer has touched Nick's family following his Nanna passing from the disease and Nick's dad being diagnosed with oesophagus cancer three weeks before his record in 2022.  Nick's dad went through two bouts of chemo, had a major operation to remove the cancer and is now in remission and on the road to recovery.

More information is available from Nick Greaves Solo 8-Hour World Lamb Shearing Record Attempt (cancerresearchuk.org)