Multi-state safe and humane shearing workshops to address the shortage of US sheep shearers

View the project final report

Commodities

• Animals: sheep
• Animal Products: fiber, fur, leather

Practices

• Animal Production: animal protection and health, Wool Management
• Education and Training: display, networking

Small acreage farms have expanded interest in raising sheep creating the need for more resources and programs to promote success and sustainability. Between 2012 and 2017, the number of small (≤ 99 sheep) U.S. producers has increased by 27% (USDA NASS 2017, 2012). While this is uplifting for the industry there is a lack of sheep specific specialists including sheep shearers and is a barrier for expanding/new operations. Yearly shearing is critical for the wellbeing of wool sheep and the industry has a shortage of skilled shearers. Smaller flocks (and minorities) are disproportionally affected by the shortage. Travel and time costs for professional shearers are greater on a per head basis for smaller versus larger flocks. Therefore, finding a local professional shearer can be challenging and cost prohibitive for smaller producers. Learning to shear sheep is an art that takes hands on practice and guidance and is difficult to learn safely from other traditional learning sources (text, video, etc.). To fulfill demand, additional shearers in local regions need to be trained to defray travel and time cost of hiring a professional shearer. This project hosted 6 regional sheep shearing schools over 2 years in SD, ND, and MT. Shearing schools were hosted in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Montana. The schools are instructed by professional sheep shearers from across the region. At each school, beginning shearers are trained on how to do the shearing pattern. By the end of each school, participants should be able to shear a sheep without stopping. Intermediate shearers attending the school are provided with further guidance and practice to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Professional shearers also cover basic equipment (handpiece, drop, motor, cutters, comb) and tool maintenance (i.e., blade sharpening). Participants practice sharpening combs and cutters as well as oiling the machine. Shearing schools also provide education on sheep welfare, how to take care of yourself as a shearer to minimize injury, and basic wool handling to improve quality. 

The main objectives for this project are to

• Host regional shearing schools to instruct beginning shearers on the safe and humane shearing pattern of sheep and improvement of skill of intermediate shearers.
• Reduce risk of injury to sheep shearers by providing instruction on proper handling techniques and stretching exercise.
• Minimize and reduce stress of sheep and improve animal welfare through proper shearing technique.
• Provide mentorship, encouragement, and community for shearers to promote their success.
• Improve the quality of wool clips and therefore value by instructing on proper shearing technique and handling.