Shearing shed

Regional variants of shearing shed architecture throughout Australia and New Zealand have been identified through different uses of building materials and local styles of design.

years occupational safety and health and animal welfare issues in Australia also have to be considered during shed building or renovating.

In the shearing shed the woolly sheep will be penned on a slatted wooden or woven mesh floor above ground level.

The sheep entry to the shed is via a wide ramp, with good footholds and preferably enclosed sides.

Modern sheds often include a catching pen floor that slopes towards the board to help shearers move their sheep towards their “stand”.

Earlier shed plans often had the catching pen on the opposite side of the release chutes which necessitated shearers crossing the board and paths with the roustabout.

Nowadays the shearing board may be of a curved and/or raised style to save the roustabout extra walking and bending.

Good light is essential for quality shearing, wool classing and grinding etc., and is a very significant factor affecting sheep flow in the penning area.

Good ventilation is essential to provide fresh air and improve working conditions during hot weather.