Tasmania's wool industry has resurrected its shearing school to ensure it has enough workers if the drought eases.
Six students have just completed the TAFE shearing course at Fingal and have improved so much that there are plans to run more courses later this year.
Shearing instructor Allen White says it is important to ensure there are enough shearers but also that they produce quality wool.
"Tasmania is unique. The wools we produce here in Tasmania will end up in the biggest fashion houses throughout the world. If we don't maintain quality down on the floor at this level then we're going to see it affect the whole of the industry, so its vitally important that we get this right over here," Mr White said.
Meanwhile growers who have won their sixth prize for the Tasmania's best fleece say it has been a team effort to win the trophy.
Hamish and Georgina Wallace from Trefusis farm near Ross have won the coveted Zegna trophy at the Campbell Town show for Tasmania's best superfine fleece.
Georgina Wallace says it has been difficult to produce such a high quality fleece after a three-year dry spell.
"I think it all gets back to management and trying to run the sheep as best they can. This fleece has come off a three-year old wether that's run in native country, so it's been quite a challenge in a way and keeping the dust out and things too has been quite a challenge this year," Ms Wallace said.
Tafe Tasmania also offer courses in the wool industry including:
- Certificate II in shearing
- Certificate II in wool handling
- Certificate IV in wool classing
For more information: TAFE website
