20 December 2000

Media Release
Southland Times

New shearing trainer for Southland/Otago

The Southland/Otago region has a new full-time WoolPro shearing instructor – Bruce Walker, from Owaka.

Walker took up the reins earlier this month, and is no stranger to the shearing industry. He’s been shearing since 1973, and until recently was a part-time WoolPro shearing instructor.

He has also worked in the North and South Islands, shearing Merino and crossbred sheep.

Since 1990, he’s been employed in Ronny Davis’ Balclutha-based gang.

WoolPro shearing services manager Gavin Rowland says Walker, together with another new instructor on the East Coast of the North Island, will help ensure shearing training is delivered to all regions.

Along with the existing shearing staff – Bill Birdsall, Peter Taylor, Russell Knight, Colin King and Gavin Rowland – Walker and other new starter Willie Power are offering in-shed training to groups, through farmers or shearing contractors.

Walker says he’s looking forward to getting around and meeting more of the contractors in the area.

He’s always been interested in WoolPro’s industry programmes, and is now armed with information about Woolnet, the Fernmark Quality Programme, and WoolPro’s newest training initiatives – the Wool in Schools programme and Modern Apprenticeships Scheme. He’s keen to talk with any interested farmers, contractors, shearers or wool handlers.

For more information, or to enquire about in-shed training, contact Bruce Walker, tel 03 415 8417.

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For more information

Contact WoolPro shearing services manager Gavin Rowland, tel 03 343 7935, or 025 325 450.