THERE is better news for sheep this week – shearers from Australia and New Zealand will be able to get to the UK to remove their wool before the summer comes.

Defra has changed its mind over tighter rules which would have made it difficult for them to arrive in time, with many saying they would not bother.

Many are already shearing in the US and the new Defra rule meant they would have to return to Australia to get their registration, which could take up to 12 weeks. Now the shearers have been told the timescale has been reduced to 15 days and shearers already in Europe or the US will be able to complete the paperwork without having to fly home.