What:
MSBA workshop to teach aspiring commercial shearers and sheep owners 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
Each participant will receive the ASI Sheep Shearing Manual and assorted wool literature. Shearing equipment will be provided. It is suggested to wear sturdy shoes, light-duty gloves, durable pants, and a durable long-sleeve shirt. Overalls and bib-overalls encouraged. Lunch is NOT provided. Please bring lunch and water and/or sports drinks to stay hydrated.
When:
February 14 & 15, 2025 (Friday and Saturday), 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.
Where:
Dale Lehman's Farm, 8202 Kavanglen Lane, Fairplay, MD 21733 (Washington County). Please look for "Shearing School" sign at the end of the driveway.
Who:
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.) Twelve 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 2024 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. Due to safety, participants under 16 years will NOT be accepted.
How:
Registration must be made in advance and accompanied by $200 per registrant. This fee includes ASI materials (see above). Complete and submit this registration form with fee, by January 20, 2025, to Kenneth Farrell, MD Shearing School, 12119 Renner Rd, Keymar, MD 21757. Please make checks payable to Maryland Sheep Breeders Association, Inc. No registrations accepted after the aforementioned deadline. Within one week following the deadline, accepted and rejected applicants will be notified via email and/or postal mail. If not selected, the fees will be returned to each applicant. Cancellation by a participant within two weeks (ten business days) of the event, will result in forfeiture of registration fee.
Instructors:
Kevin Hickman - Professional Sheep Shearer and Farmer
Guest MSBA Shearing School Alumni
Contact:
mdsheepshearingschool@gmail.com