A Front-Row Seat to the First-Ever Tri-Nations Shearing Competition in the Falklands
I’ve watched sheep shearing at many key events across the Falkland Islands over the past ten years, but nothing compares to what unfolded this year. The 2025 sheep shearing competition wasn’t just bigger – it was the biggest the Islands have ever produced. And I’m genuinely grateful to have witnessed it firsthand.
On Friday, 14 November 2025, the Falklands hosted the inaugural Tri-Nations International Shearing & Wool-Handling Test Match, held as part of the annual Falkland Islands Shearing Competition. The event was organised by the local shearing community and the Falkland Islands Development Corporation (FIDC) with the support of several local businesses, all pulling together to bring this international showcase to life.
Teams from the Falkland Islands, Wales, and Chile took to the stands in a round-robin showdown of both shearing and wool-handling. The skill, speed, and precision on display were incredible. Wales ultimately took the top spot in both categories, with the Falklands proudly placing second and Chile third – but the spirit of friendly competition was felt throughout the entire day.
What struck me most was the atmosphere. Over 450 people gathered on site – one of the largest audiences I’ve seen for a shearing event here with thousands more tuned in online through a livestream produced by Oly Dempster and his sons at the Falkland Islands Film Company. The positive buzz, the cheers, smell of wool in the air – it all made for an unforgettable experience.
The celebrations continued days later at a closing reception at Government House, where competitors, supporters, and community members came together to mark not just the end of the competition, but a milestone moment for the Islands.
This event was more than a competition – it was a statement. A statement that the Falkland Islands is ready to stand tall in the global wool-industry arena, showcasing not only the exceptional skills of local shearers and wool-handlers, but also the strength of our rural connections and international partnerships.
