We are the Sheep Shearers’ Association of Euskal Herria (EAME). We want to give Basque sheep shearing visibility both in Euskal Herria and around the world, and to give one of the oldest industries on earth the value and the place it deserves.
Sheep shearing brings us together
WORKING TOGETHER
We offer a professional service to the primary sector. We protect and promote shepherding.
REPRESENTATION
We represent Euskal Herria at international sheep shearing events and championships.
TRAINING
We provide and promote training in sheep shearing, in judging and in wool handling.
HISTORIA
Sheep shearing is one of the oldest industries in the world. Its origins go back some 5,500 years, when people began to spin wool. Ever since the Stone Age, wool has been the most effective material for clothing made to keep out bad weather. For centuries the fleece was taken off with blades. Over the last hundred years, thanks to technology, electric machines and new shearing methods have made the work faster and more comfortable.
~1800
Traditional blades
1872
The tool invented by Frederick Wolseley
2024
Heiniger SFX handpiece
DISCIPLINES
There are several different disciplines in the world of sheep shearing: shearing with blades or by machine, pressing the wool itself, sorting it, handling it and judging all of these techniques, among others. Below we explain the main areas of our work.
This means removing the fleece with an electric machine. It follows the Bowen method, an efficient technique known worldwide. The method allows the sheep to be shorn comfortably and quickly, cutting the wool evenly and to a high standard.
This is the traditional technique of shearing the fleece with hand blades, following the Bowen method. Done without machinery, it leaves the wool softer and more natural. It does take longer, though, and the technique calls for experienced hands.
This is the process of sorting the shorn fleece in fine detail so that it is ready for commercial use. The different parts of the fleece are graded by quality, texture and length, so that the wool reaches the highest possible value.
Official recognition
The Golden Shears World Council agreed unanimously to give Euskal Herria the chance to compete alongside the other countries. Since 21 June 2023, Basque shearers from our seven provinces can compete at international events and championships under our ikurriña. It is an honour to represent our country: to be the showcase of our values, our character and our identity.
Euskal Ardi Moztaileen Elkartea, EAME
Get in touch with us
Olabe 6, Ea 48287 Bizkaia, Euskal Herria
VAT: G75279729

