Sheep Appreciation Course 101

Sheep Appreciation Course 101

A GROUP of Japanese language students couldn’t have asked for more in terms of cultural immersion during a visit to the 2011 Golden Shears today.

The 52-strong group of students from Taisei Junior High School, near Nagoya in Japan, are on a one-month language course based in Pahiatua. During this time they are exposed equally to intensive language lessons and related activities.

Course coordinator and college principal Richard Ellis said he has been bringing students to the Golden Shears for nearly all of the 16 years his school has been operating and that the experience always leaves a lasting impression.

The students today had the opportunity to watch a variety of events during their visit, including shearing, woolhandling and woolpressing semi finals. They were also taken “out the back” to get up close and personal with examples of both shorn and unshorn sheep.

Asked whether there was any general trend of reaction to the Shears over the past 16-odd years of bringing students, Richard noted that there had been no change in groups almost unanimously “hating the smell of sheep” but that this had not seemed to effect a growing appreciation for eating them.

“Originally they didn’t like the taste or smell of the meat but over the years I’ve noticed more of them eating it,” he commented.

“Now they seem to enjoy roast lamb a lot more.”

ENDS

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