Raising animals for fiber is a year-long commitment, with your fiber animals growing their fleeces over many months—only for it all to come off in just a few minutes. A well-prepared shearing day not only makes the process smoother, but also helps you get the highest quality (and value) from your fleeces. Here are some helpful tips.

by Jay Parsons, Tyler Cozzens January 21, 2026 Five years of data show lamb feeding margins have been difficult to sustain since 2020, with high feed costs and market volatility driving frequent losses. Seasonal timing and lower input costs remain critical for improving profitability. Photo: Real Ag Stock This article was first published as part of the Cornhusker Economics series by the Department of Agricultural Economics on Jan. 21, 2026.  We are reposting it courtesy of

by Sarabeth Parido Work has already begun behind the scenes for the next Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival . The Festival Committee meets year-round to dream, plan, organize, and fine-tune all the details that make our weekend together feel seamless and welcoming. From coordinating vendors and workshops to organizing the fleece show and sale, contests, and community programming, there’s a lot that happens long before the gates open in May. As we begin shaping the 2026 festiva