Shearer shortage means rates up

23 May 1997

Shearer shortage means rates up

SHEARERS and wool rollers are again in short supply this season.

According to Peter Mitchell, of the National Association of Agricultural Contractors, increasing charges may be the only way to ease the situation.

"I have put charges up this year, increasing shearers rates by 12.5% in a bid to attract more local and overseas staff. Even with the increase, rates are only on a par with New Zealand," he says.