Australia’s shearing industry is stretched to breaking point as it struggles to service a burgeoning national flock.

A perfect storm of a wet spring, a jump in Covid cases and a competitive labour market is making it nearly impossible for some producers to secure shearers on time or even at all with the industry looking to India in the hope of sourcing staff.

The current shearing award is $3.47 a sheep but growers are paying far more than that and waiting up to 8 weeks to get their flocks shorn.

We talk to WoolProducers Australia president Steve Harrison after the break to discuss the issue.

Produced and edited by Eartha Hewett