Cancelled - 2021 Beginners Sheep Shearing School

  • March 12, 2021
  • March 13, 2021
  • 2 sessions
  • March 12, 2021, 9:30 AM 3:30 PM (EST)
  • March 13, 2021, 9:30 AM 3:30 PM (EST)
  • Dale Lehman Farm, Fairplay, Maryland

COVID-19 Update - 2021 Shearing School scheduled for March 12 & 13 has been cancelled

The purpose of this MSBA workshop is to teach sheep owners and aspiring commercial shearers to properly shear sheep using electric, hand-held shearing machines.  Blade shearing will NOT be taught.  Participants will learn:

  • the New Zealand method of sheep shearing,
  • the care and adjustment of electric, hand-held shearing machines and blades, and
  • proper wool handling and care during and after shearing.

Each participant will receive the ASI Sheep Shearing Manual, an instructional DVD, and assorted wool literature. Shearing equipment will be provided. 

The shearing school is open to anyone wanting to learn commercial sheep shearing techniques and who is physically and mentally capable.  (It is encouraged to have seen professional shearing in action prior to registering, so as to know the demands of commercial shearing techniques.)  Fifteen participants will be selected from applications, in order to optimize the instructor-to-learner ratio.  Due to overwhelming past response, applications will be prioritized based on the list below, in descending order:

  • MSBA Members (highest priority) (based on 2020 membership)
  • Prior MSBA Shearing School attendees
  • Sheep owners
  • Aspiring commercial shearers
  • Sheep and fiber enthusiasts/non-owners (lowest priority)

See http://marylandsheepbreeders.org/activities/maryland-shearing-school/ for details and registration information.