Pictured above: PGW Wool Product＆ Innovation Manager, Jason Everson and National Shearing Circuit chair, Warren White.

PGG Wrightson recently renewed its sponsorship of the National Shearing Circuit for the next three years.

Pitting the top shearers against each other based on versatility, the circuit is second only to the Golden Shears in terms competitive shearing prestige.

Shearers compete for points over five rounds, starting in Alexandra in October with the fine wool section; moving to full wool hoggets in Waimate; Corriedales in Christchurch in November; lambs in Rangitikei on Waitangi Day; and concluding in Pahiatua later in February with second shears. Based on points earned through those five rounds, the circuit final is fought out in Masterton by the top 12 shearers on the eve of the Golden Shears.

National Shearing Circuit chair Warren White says it is immensely satisfying to have the event under way again after last year’s covid disruption.

“PGG Wrightson has been on board as a sponsor for 18 years now. We are delighted to extend what has been an excellent and enduring relationship. As a sponsor they have been fully committed to helping keep the circuit afloat, particularly under the challenging circumstances we faced last year. This year we are back in force, with what promises to be a high quality showcase of the country’s top talent on the boards, and an outstanding test of the skills and versatility of some of New Zealand’s most accomplished shearers,” he says.

Established in 1973 the circuit is approaching its fiftieth anniversary. Continuing its relationship with the event that began in 2003, under the current arrangement PGG Wrightson is co-sponsoring with animal health product manufacturer Nexan, meaning the event will be titled the PGG Wrightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit.