The procurement of wool and mohair is backed by a nationally positioned, professional Technical Field-service team which makes an enormous contribution towards the improvement of the genetics of wool-sheep and angora goats, as well as the commercial achievements of wool-, mohair- and meat-production. This department also co-ordinates our shearing-service by making quality shearers (both hand-shearing and machine teams) available to producers. OVK currently employs between 800 – 1 000 shearers who shear some 3,4million SSU (Small Stock Unit) per annum. A training programme for novice shearers ensures the continuity of skills. A unique feature of the OVK shearing-service has been the implementation of the two-man ‘karretjie’ teams. These teams make shearing for clips below 600 SSU easier to operate and more cost-effective.