The Day I Sheared 180 Sheep in Australia (and Earned a Farmer’s Trust)

Before 252, there was 180 — and it meant everything.

In the world of shearing, we talk a lot about tallies — the number of sheep you can shear in a day. But behind every number is a story. And this one comes from a dusty shearing shed in Australia, where I was just a young American trying to prove I could hold my own.

The Setup

I was shearing in Australia with a friend, and we were booked to do a big flock together. But just before the job, he had a death in the family and had to attend the funeral.

The farmer was nervous.

“He’s sending an American? To shear our sheep? Can he even shear?”

My friend, wanting to back me up, still drove to the job — in his funeral clothes — just to help me get started and smooth things over.

The First Sheep

The sheep were cross-bred ewes — pretty open-wooled, not much belly wool. They looked like they’d shear quickly.

I pulled the first one out of the pen. The farmer stood just behind me, eyes locked in. My buddy stood next to him. No pressure, right?

I didn’t say anything. Just grabbed the comb, flipped the sheep, and went to work — quick, efficient, calm.

“I finished that first one, looked up, and the farmer just gave me a single nod.”

That was it. No words, just a nod of approval.I dove back into the pen and didn’t stop.

The Run Structure

In a traditional Aussie shed, a full shearing day is split into four runs:

• 7:30–9:30 (then a 30-minute smoko break for morning tea)

• 10:00–12:00 (then a 1-hour lunch)

• 1:00–3:00 (then another smoko for afternoon tea)

• 3:30–5:30 to finish the day

That day, I was hitting about 44 to 46 sheep per run. I was aiming for 50 — so close — but I’m a pretty steady shearer. I’m not flashy or wild. I just keep moving.

Every run I tried to push a little more, but I was also focused on doing it right, not just fast.

The Tally and the Takeaway

By the end of the day, I had sheared 180 sheep — my personal best at the time.

The farmer was happy. My buddy was proud.And me? I was wiped… but I was satisfied.

“That tally of 180 was a quiet milestone — not just for the number, but because I earned the trust of someone who didn’t think I belonged there.”

Since then, my highest tally has climbed to 252 sheep in a day. But this one? It still holds a special place.

Why I Still Think About It

It reminds me that trust is earned with consistent work, not loud promises. That sometimes all it takes is one nod to change everything.

It’s also a reminder that doing the work well, even if you’re not the fastest or flashiest, still matters.

“Whether I’m shearing, trimming hooves, or teaching someone about animal care — I show up the same way I did that day: steady, respectful, and ready.”