A Summer of Competing: Jack Robinson

Claudy-based sheep farmer, shearer, and Ulster Wool Ambassador Jack Robinson is a young farmer and shearer with a great deal of experience under his belt.

Jack keeps roughly 700 sheep and has a shearing run covering approx. 30,000 sheep.

He has won the Northern Ireland national shearing title 10 times and made two world individual machine shearing finals.

We catch up with Jack after a busy summer of competing:

Q: How long have you been shearing competitively?

A: I’ve been shearing competitively for the past 14 years but at open level for the last 10 years. I started shearing when I was 17 years old and as I enjoyed it, I decided to attend an Ulster Wool shearing training course in the nearby townland of Park.

Q: How do you prepare for the competitive shearing season and the shows you attend?

A: I practice every day as I’m shearing on the trailers at work. I always try to be as clean and efficient as possible because the quality and cleanliness of the shearing, as well as the speed are key things that judges look for when shearing at competitions.

You also need to be very fit – farming and shearing as work makes sure I keep myself fit!

Q: How many shows have you completed in this year?

A: I have competed in 10 shows this year, 9 of which were part of the Northern Ireland Sheep Shearers Association (NISSA) circuit.  I am very proud to have won the national once again this year and the Open Perpetual cup awarded to the winner of the NI Open Circuit.

Q: What is your favourite show?

A: There are many great shows but if I had to choose one it would probably be The Royal Ulster.  Particularly this year as my 3rd child was born that week, I won both the national and open competitions, and unexpectedly, I was presented by BISCA with a master shearer award.

Q: How has the season gone for you?

A: The season has gone well - I won 7 shows and finished well in the other 3.  I’m looking forward to the future with another world championships qualifying year just around the corner, there’s everything to shear for!

Q: What has been your highlight to date on the competitive stage?

A: Winning our national final 10 times and I’m striving to keep going to win it the most times in the competition’s history. Also, representing Northern Ireland in the World Championships is always a proud moment, as was qualifying for two world individual machine shearing finals.

Q: Do you have any advice for the next generation of shearers?

A: As an Ulster Wool shearing instructor, I enjoy supporting the next generation of shearers – the courses are an excellent way not just to learn but to also develop and improve your shearing skills.  Always take something away from other experienced shearers, you’re always learning. Stay humble, as shearers are always a close-knit community - and enjoy!