The next World Sheep Shearing Championship will be in New Zealand March 4-7, 2026.
Machine Shearers
Paul Astin
Alex Moser
Blade Shearers
Loren Opstedahl
Douglas Rathke
Wool Handlers
Douglas Rathke
Katherine Moser
Judges
David Craven
Timothy Wright
World Council Representatives
Kathleen Markiewicz
Loren Opstedahl
Team Manager
Michael Pora
Loren Opstedahl
Union Center, SD
Representing in NZ ‘26:
- Machine Shearing
- Blade Shearing
- World Council Representative
Bio:
My wife, Kathy and I own and operate a cattle ranch in South Dakota and operate a shearing crew in the 5 state region as well. I love being able to travel and represent the USA on a world stage! I have represented Team USA 5 times:
Machine Shearing
- 2008 Norway
- 2010 Wales
- 2012 New Zealand
- 2014 Ireland
Machine and Blades
- 2017 New Zealand
Douglas Rathke
Hutchinson, MN
Representing in NZ ‘26:
- Blade Shearing
- Wool Handling
Bio:
While primarily shearing farm flocks across the Midwest, Doug’s expertise has taken him around the world, including New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Wales, England, Norway, France, Australia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.
In 1988, Doug was awarded the prestigious “Gold Seal of Shearing Excellence” from New Zealand Wools (now Tectra), and in 1993, he earned certification in hand blade shearing in New Zealand. A dedicated instructor, Doug has taught over 4,000 students across the U.S., Canada, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Rathke has represented the USA Shearing Team for the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing Championships in 1996, 1998, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2019.
“My favorite part of being involved in Team USA is the incredible sense of pride and camaraderie that comes with representing our country on the world stage. Competing at the World Sheep Shearing Championships allows me to not only showcase the skills and hard work that go into our craft, but also to connect with other passionate shearers from around the globe. It’s an honor to be part of a team that supports each other, pushes for excellence, and shares a deep respect for the shearing community and the sheep industry as a whole.”
David Craven
Bucks Harbor, ME
Representing in NZ ‘26:
Team Judge
Bio:
“I’m a long time machine and blade shearer (39 years), shepherd, and sheep farmer coming from a family with generations in the sheep and wool industry stretching from Scandinavia, UK, Canada, and Northeast to the Western US. My Wife and daughter accompanying me are both full time in the wool business. I was on Team USA as a judge at the World Champs in Edinburgh Scotland in 2023. I was honored to judge at various levels including the open blade final. Being an important part of competition at the highest level of our industry/sport and representing our country is my favorite part of being involved with Team USA.”