Olabe farmhouse, Basque Shearing Association’s official HQ

The Basque Sheep Shearing Association (EAME) promotes Basque sheep shearing and wool handling both locally and internationally, showcasing their value as a trade and a sport. Its mission is to give one of the world’s oldest professions the recognition and place it deserves. EAME supports Basque shepherding traditions and the work of the primary sector.

In the Basque Country and around the world, Basque shearers and wool handlers provide an essential agricultural service. EAME also offers training, exhibitions, demonstrations, and organises and takes part in a variety of competitions. Internationally, Basque shearers and wool handlers proudly represent the whole Basque Country and its seven historic provinces.

Today, the EAME Association continues to build its own history. You can follow the journey on this website www.moztaileak.eus and on the following social media platforms:

Recognition of a nation through shearing

EAME, despite its small size, has demonstrated its ability to achieve great success both in the Basque Country and internationally. The collective effort dedicated to Basque sheep shearing has borne fruit, and the following milestones are evidence of this:

June 21, 2023

The Golden Shears World Council officially recognised the Basque Country as a shearing nation, allowing them to compete internationally.

May 1, 2024

The Basque Sheep Shearing Association (EAME) was founded.

September 27, 2025

The first ever Basque National Shearing Competition was held in Abadiño.

March 4-7, 2026

For the first time ever and alongside 26 other nations, Basque Country took part in the Sheep Shearing and Woolhandling World Championships, held in Masterton, New Zealand. Furthermore, Basque Country was officially welcomed into the World Council as a new member.