WOOL
OR SHEARING SHEDS
The
size of the shed is measured by the number of stands used for
example, a "3 stand shed" and is valued on $x/ stand used.
There should be about 1 stand for every 1 600 sheep shorn and the
shed should be big enough to hold 1 day's shearing which is about 40
m2 per shearer. Good natural light is an advantage. The
floor should be well above ground level to allow sheep storage
underneath particularly, in wet weather. Shearing sheds for smaller
holdings should be of a more flexible design for example, to allow
the storage of fodder for a large part of the year.
The
diagram shows a modern designs for a 3 stand shed. If the
subject shearing shed does not meet the efficiency of these designs
its value should be discounted through functional obsolescence.
Sometimes
an old woolshed is too large as it was built when the property was
larger. For example, some old woolsheds were originally part of the
old runs which were very large properties but have subsequently been
subdivided into a number of smaller properties.
Although
an old shed may have the capacity for 12 stands only 3 are being
used. Therefore, the shed is valued as a 3 stand shed.
Some
of the excess space may have value for storage purposes but the best
evidence is whether or not the owner is utilizing that space. Old
shearing sheds suffer a large amount of functional and economic
depreciation because of inefficient and obsolete design. They are an
example of overcapitalization.
SHEARERS'
ACCOMMODATION
Shearers,
shed hands, and other rural employees must be properly accommodated
and such accommodation needs to conform to the
statutory
requirements. A family farm may have below standard accommodation
because the quarters are never fully utilized. Therefore, the valuer
will discount their value according to the cost of bringing the
accommodation up to standard.
Separate
accommodation must be provided for the cooking of meals and dining
purposes. The sleeping accommodation for cooks and their assistants
must be separate from the other workers but may adjoin the kitchen if
there is an unbroken partition between them. Every kitchen, dining
room and store room should be completely fly proof.
See
shearing shed 2 stand
shearing shed 3 stand
shearing shed raised shearing board
