It was an ordinary Thursday for most of us this week, but not for Southland shearer Megan Whitehead.
Yesterday Megan spent nine hours tackling the women’s world lamb shearing record near Gore.
Former women’s world record holder Jills Angus Burney (and the only woman to have beaten David Fagan) was supporting Megan as her mentor.
“Megan achieved the record in January last year, she has got a fair bit of tenacity and resilience and she’s still well above what her predecessor had done so you know she’s looking good looking to smash the record,” Jills says.
Spectators supporting and cheering Megan on were convinced her attempt would not be wasted after having completed the first run with a whopping tally of 153 lambs shorn.
“She’s well above the current record. She’s about 16 up at morning tea, so she’s going to boot in, but whether she gets close to 700 or not It’s a brave effort.”
No stranger to the shed, Jills Angus Burney set the first ever women’s lamb shearing record under proper world rules, shearing 600 lambs in one day 30 years ago.
“Megan’s pretty relaxed, and has a steady focus, but after lunch is always the hardest because the whole day really hits you in that particular run.”
Megan’s evident determination and focus was seen throughout the day as many tuned in to watch her attempt live on Facebook.
Megan finished the day with a tally of 661 lambs shorn, breaking Emily Welch’s 2007 record by 13. With another World Record on her belt, I’m sure we’re all excited to see what’s next for Megan and rural women of New Zealand.
Tally tracking Emily Welch’s record in 2007 and Megan Whitehead’s attempt in 2021. 
Megan holding her record certificate.