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Photo: RNZ / Anusha Bradley
There are grave concerns among sheep farmers as demand for wool drops, prices are low and there aren't enough experienced shearers available.
Federated Farmers and the Shearing Contractors' Association are seeking an urgent decision from the Government to allow some overseas shearers dispensation to enter the country to take care of summer flocks.
Federated Farmers Meat and Wool Chair and Wairarapa farmer, William Beetham says it is fast becoming an animal welfare issue. There's also frustration over the lack of return for wool.
Tom O'Sullivan is a third generation sheep farmer and he's the Chair of the Campaign for Wool NZ Trust.
He says it is a crisis situation.