Name

Tom Perry

Where are you from?

Strabane

Age

34

Details of your farm/shearing business

I was reared on lowland sheep farm. I was first introduced to shearing at a woolboard shearing course when I was 17. I returned to refresher courses often and progressed as far as a gold seal when I was 23. I spent my 20s and early 30s traveling to the southern hemisphere where what started as a hobby became a career.

My personal and professional achievements

My first major milestone was becoming an open grade shearer. I have since gone on to represent Northern Ireland at a number of six nations competition.

How long have you been farming?

I’ve been farming alongside my father since I’ve been big enough to stand in a gap.

Why Farming?

It’s been bred into me, I don’t know any different.

Proudest moment in shearing/wool handling

To keep my eye on the ball I set various goals throughout my career. These started out as tallies and making competition finals. In the past few years, I had my mind set on breaking the 9 Hour solo lamb record. With a lot of help and encouragement from friends and family, I managed to break the record in July 2023. That’s definitely my proudest moment.

Why did you want to be a British Wool ambassador?

I feel the woolboard has been very influential in progressing my career. I’m hoping that by taking on this role I could help play a part in guiding the next generation of shearers.

Who has been your inspiration?

I traveled across the world for 10 years. I've met a lot of characters and made a lot of friends so to pick 1 person would be unfair but (Willy Jones is up there).