2022 MSBA Shearing School

  • February 18, 2022
  • 9:30 AM
  • February 19, 2022
  • 3:30 PM
  • Dale Lehman Farm, Fairplay, Maryland

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.

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 2021 membership)
  • ·         Prior MSBA Shearing School attendees
  • ·         Sheep owners
  • ·         Aspiring commercial shearers
  • ·         Sheep and fiber enthusiasts/non-owners (lowest priority)
After registration has closed, applications will be reviewed and participants chosen, based on priority and a first come – first served basis.  Due to safety, participants under 16 years will NOT be accepted.

REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 1, 2021. See http://marylandsheepbreeders.org/activities/maryland-shearing-school/ for details and registration information.