Start a travelling contract sheep shearing business

Commercial sheep farmers, wool producers, lamb producers and farms that need a whole flock shorn in a short window.

A price per sheep shorn, with higher daily earnings as your speed and quality improve. Travel costs and the short season mean you need to plan bookings and your off-season carefully.

• Strong, well-practised shearing technique
• Stamina for long physical days
• Route and booking planning
• Driving and towing gear between farms

• Commercial general liability insurance and vehicle cover that fits business use
• If you hire a helper or wool handler, check workers' compensation rules in your province (WCB/WSIB)
• Heavy repetitive work, so plan rest days and look after your back and wrists
• Biosecurity between farms, including cleaning equipment and footwear
• Check GST/HST registration and how to track travel and equipment costs
• Income is seasonal and weather-dependent, so budget for slow months, especially in winter

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your shearing gear, vehicle setup and insurance. Check how you will track travel and equipment costs from the start, along with GST/HST registration.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many flocks you book and the season. Income is seasonal and weather-dependent, so budget for slow months, especially in winter.

Check commercial general liability insurance and vehicle cover that fits business use. If you hire a helper, check workers' compensation rules (WCB/WSIB) in your province. Also plan for biosecurity between farms, and for rest days, since the work is heavy and repetitive.