|
|
|
Shearer shortage clips woolgrowers
19 Mar 2004
A national shortage of shearers and shed hands is forcing some small graziers to abandon sheep, their historic breadwinner. Although statistics are hard to collate due to the itinerant nature of the industry, the emerging shearer shortage is becoming critical, contractors say. WA and SA farmers are experiencing the worst of the problems. New Zealand has traditionally been the source of supply to meet demand but is now facing its own shortfall.
The award rate for shearers is about $1.97 per sheep shorn, but farmers have paid from $2.10 up to $3 a head in recent months. One shearing contractor blamed poor working conditions, low overall pay and the back-breaking nature of the work for the shortage, and said many young shearers have been lured to the high-paying mining industry.
An Auspoll survey in 2002 confirmed the trend, with about 70 per cent of the 200 shearers surveyed saying they wouldn't encourage friends or family into the industry.
The Australian, 18/3/04, page 6.
|
|
