20105 version 2
Page 1 of 4
Machine shear fine wool sheep at a sustained output, under variable
conditions
Level
4
Credits
100
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: select a comb, and set up
and monitor gear for shearing fine wool sheep; assess and monitor the
shearing conditions and environment when shearing fine wool sheep; and
maintain control, rhythm, and output when shearing fine wool sheep; at a
sustained output, under variable conditions.
Subfield
Wool Harvesting
Domain
Shearing
Status
Registered
Status date
21 August 2009
Date version published
21 August 2009
Planned review date
31 December 2014
Entry information
Open.
Accreditation
Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA, industry
and teaching professional in the same field from another
provider.
Standard setting body (SSB)
Primary Industry Training Organisation
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference
0052
This AMAP can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Special notes
1
The following documents provide both a source of the national standard as stated in
the performance criteria, and useful background information relating to this unit
standard –
Shearing Handbook (Christchurch: Tectra Ltd, 2007). ISBN 0-9582522-2-X.
Available from Tectra Ltd., PO Box 7327, Sydenham, Christchurch 8240.
Best practice guideline for the New Zealand shearing industry: A guide for
workplaces (Wellington: Department of Labour, 2008), available from
http://www.dol.govt.nz.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
20105 version 2
Page 2 of 4
2
Definitions
Minimum industry output requirements – 25 or more sheep to be shorn in one hour’s
continuous shearing following analysis of variables by the assessor. Variables
include but are not limited to – sheep breed, class, temperament, condition, combing
potential, and staple length. Output requirements must be defined and understood
by all parties prior to the assessment.
Minimum industry quality requirements – the minimum number of skin cuts, tassels,
second cuts, and ridges acceptable to the assessor during the output assessment,
following analysis of variables. Variables include but are not limited to – sheep
breed, class, temperament, condition, combing potential, and staple length. Quality
requirements must be defined and understood by all parties prior to the assessment.
Sustained output – ability to consistently shear at or above minimum industry output
requirements, to the pattern, and with minimum stress to the sheep or self.
Variable conditions – ability to shear at a sustained output, while maintaining industry
quality requirements in a wide range of shearing conditions.
Fine wool – merino type wool less than 23 microns.
3
Performance of all aspects of this unit standard should comply with the New Zealand
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (1996), Code of Recommendations and Minimum
Standards for the Welfare of Sheep, Wellington, and its subsequent amendments.
4
Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the Health and
Safety in Employment Act 1992, and its subsequent amendments.
Elements and performance criteria
Element 1
Select a comb, and set up and monitor gear for shearing fine wool sheep.
Performance criteria
1.1
Comb is selected in accordance with evaluation of sheep variables and on-farm
procedures.
Range
1.2
Gear is selected and set up based on the assessment of shearing conditions to
ensure optimum yield and shearing output.
Range
1.3
sheep variables – fibre density and length, sheep condition,
temperature;
comb thickness – new, half worn, thin;
bevel – short, medium, long;
evidence is required for at least one of – winter comb, lifter.
combs, cutters.
Gear performance is monitored and adjustments are initiated to maintain
optimum shearing output.
Range
combs, cutters.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
20105 version 2
Page 3 of 4
Element 2
Assess and monitor the shearing conditions and environment when shearing fine wool
sheep.
Performance criteria
2.1
The style and approach adopted for the shear are appropriate to the shearing
conditions, and maintain the quality and output at a level which meets grower
and contractor requirements.
2.2
Approaches for mitigating adverse shearing conditions are adopted prior to and
during the shear.
Range
conditions – equipment, shed;
sheep – full, heavy, aggressive.
Element 3
Maintain control, rhythm, and output when shearing fine wool sheep.
Performance criteria
3.1
Personal position and style of shearing are adapted to accommodate limitations
in equipment performance and gear set-up.
3.2
Timing, length, and width of blows optimise selected shearing pattern.
3.3
Blow commencement and finish positions are economical of effort and reflect
the shortest route.
3.4
Blow placement, bodywork, and sheep positioning combine to represent
sustainable shearing effort and output.
3.5
Shearing output and quality are maintained in accordance with minimum
industry output requirements and minimum industry quality requirements.
3.6
Shearing output and quality are maintained to meet expectations of the grower,
contractor, and self in terms of shearing conditions.
3.7
Sheep are handled during shearing in accordance with the Code of
Recommendations and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Sheep.
Please note
Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated
authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against
unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register
credits from assessment against unit standards.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
20105 version 2
Page 4 of 4
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards
must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this
standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The
AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations
wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for
tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Primary Industry Training Organisation standards@primaryito.ac.nz if
you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016