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2022 Vermont Shearing School
September 10, 2022 @ 8:30 am - September 11, 2022 @ 3:00 pm
$275We are back! After a two year hiatus, the Vermont Sheep and Goat Association in conjunction with UVM Extension will sponsor a two day Vermont Sheep Shearing School this year: September 10 & 11 at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, VT. This is a beginner / intermediate sheep shearing school. Participants will have a hands-on experience shearing sheep with the guidance of professional shearers. All aspects of shearing will be discussed including shearing day preparations, equipment set up and basic maintenance, fitness, the shearing pattern, sheep handling and control and basic wool handling. Participants will receive lessons prior to the school to prepare for the weekend and a shearing binder that covers all the course work and additional pertinent information. Even if you are not interested in shearing sheep for a living the course supplies valuable information to the shepherd regarding the process and the equipment.
The cost for the complete course is $275.00. If you are really interested in learning how to shear; thinking about a career in shearing or improving your skills with the feedback from experienced professional shearers this course will get you started the right way. We will be teaching the New Zealand system of shearing. The course is also open for auditing without the actual shearing for $50 for either day. The VSGA offers one scholarship a year for young shearers (The Dan Korngeibel Scholarship). You can contact the VSGA directly through their website to get further details on the scholarship. Schools start at 8:30am and usually wind up around 3pm (or when all the sheep are sheared). We have limited openings so register early.
Participants should have their own equipment. Oster Shearmasters or equivalent electric machines intended for sheep shearing are ideal. There will be a limited number of loaners available for the day. We will also have a grinding wheel available for sharpening combs and cutters. We will supply coffee, juice and bagels, participants should bring a bag lunch.
To register or for more information call 802-483-2463 or email Jim McRae at vtshearer@yahoo.com.