Trio of talented shearers set unofficial world record for the most amount of crossbred lambs shorn in a day

Two of WA’s up-and-coming top gun shearers and one New Zealand legend have set new personal bests and an unofficial world record for the most number of crossbred lambs shorn in a day. Industry veteran and 64-time open speed champion Jimmy Samuels, 33, of New Zealand, and WA shearers Sam Henderson, 22, and Levi Neil, 28, both of Boyup Brook, were poised to take on the three stand world record for crossbred lambs on November 3. But with combs in hand, they found out the hundreds of lambs selected for the attempt didn’t meet the minimum average fleece weight for a qualified record, leaving their dreams in limbo. They all work full-time for Boyup Brook-based Shear Pride shearing contractor Floyde Neil, who organised the world record attempt at Craig and Liz Heggaton’s woolshed in Kojonup on November 3. The shearers were gutted after three average fleece weighings fell short of the requirements, but they continued with an unofficial eight-hour shearing day encouraged by thoughts of setting personal best tallies. Floyde said the heart the shearers showed was incredible considering they didn’t really have to given “it wasn’t an official day”. “It takes a different kind of person to still want to give it everything and they all did their personal best,” he said. “I have achieved a few of my dreams with three world records and for me to help out other shearers is an amazing opportunity.” Floyde said the three-stand world record had not been attempted before, because most producers did not have enough crossbred lambs good enough for a qualifying attempt. “The record attempt will move to next year, maybe not with the same people, but I am definitely going to organise something,” he said. He coached his brother Levi to achieve a personal best of 656 lambs on the day, just six more than Samuels on 650. Henderson also did a personal best taking the fleece off 631 lambs. Mr Heggaton gave all three a shout-out for their major milestone by shearing the greatest number of lambs ever shorn on one-day at his family’s woolshed. “We believe the average fleece weights were lower due to the seasonal conditions this year, otherwise there would have been a new world record,” he said. While the very experienced Samuels was confident in his ability to get the job done, walking away with a “sense of accomplishment”, the younger shearers were in awe of what they achieved. Sam had his partner Lillian Oldham cheering him on and his parents, Paul and Justine Henderson, flew in from New Zealand to witness the feat. He was born in Boyup Brook, but moved to New Zealand when he was six years old, returning to WA in 2001 to pick up a hand piece. Levi shore very quick under his brother’s watchful eye and encouragement and also knowing his daughter Mia Neil, 9, was proud of her father. “I challenged myself to do better and my mindset to staying true to who I am,” he said. “We were a bit gutted about it not being an official record attempt, but once on the boards, I was super happy with our accomplishments today.”