A WORLD record for sheep shearing has been broken in Launceston.

Una Cameron was in North Cornwall this week (August 7), hoping to secure a world record for shearing sheep.  

Taking to Trefranck Farm, Una needed to shear more than 458 ewes in just nine hours. The current world record was set on February 9 this year by Sacha Bond in New Zealand, when she bettered fellow Kiwi shearer Kerri-Jo Te Huia’s record (452) of six years standing, by six ewes.

Over the past three decades Una has worked in a predominately male profession and has more than held her own. Following her shearing season in New Zealand, during the Scottish winter months, Una has been working with British Wool Ambassador and World Record holder Matt Smith before she came home to the Borders for her own shearing run. 

Since the record was announced, Una has had a management team working behind the scenes, so she can focus on her shearing and training. Una has followed strict exercise regime set by personal trainer Matt Luxton, who has trained more than ten record holders.    

Setting off early, Una’s challenge got underway at 5am, as she battled through her first run. Setting brilliant pace she had her second sheep on the board in under a minute. 

Shearing to the tunes of the 80’s, Una pumped out an impressive 113 for the run, 15 more than the current record holder.

Heading into her second run, Una continued to set the pace, managing a huge 105 ewes in 105 minutes.

Surrounded by her global team, many of whom had travelled from overseas to witness and support Una’s record attempt, she managed increase her tally to 319  before lunch! 

As lunch came and went, Una’s skill and strength continued to shine as she battled towards the record breaking number. Then, as the specially-constructed shed heated up, the fateful number finally arrived, an hour ahead of schedule.  

By 4pm, Una had tackled 458 sheep, battling on for another hour, she finished the day strong, smashing the record and managing to shear a staggering 517 sheep.

Launceston Sheep Shearing World Record
The tally board during each stage of Una's record attempt (Submitted)

Gareth Jones, head of member engagement at British Wool said: “On behalf of British Wool we offer huge congratulations to Una on her successful record attempt.  This was a display of high quality shearing and Una should be very proud of her achievements.

 “We appreciate the hard work that goes on behind the scenes in holding a record and therefore offer congratulations to everyone that has helped and supported Una in successfully setting a new World Shearing Record.”

The record was overseen by a World Sheep Shearing Records Society referees panel including New Zealand official Ronny King, Mark Fox, England, Martyn Davies, Wales and Andy Rankin, from Loch Lomond in Scotland.