Shearing season is here again!

by Sarabeth Parido

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 to set you up for success:

Keep animals dry and easy to access

Dry animals are essential for shearing. Wet fleeces are difficult to work with and can lead to issues for the animals, the shearer, and the equipment—not to mention an increased risk of mold and mildew once stored. Make sure your animals are kept dry and gathered in a designated holding area so they’re easy to move to the shearing space. While shearers are experienced with livestock, they aren’t there to round them up.

Hold feed and water before shearing

Sheep and goats should have an empty rumen before shearing. A full stomach can put pressure on their diaphragm, making it harder for them to breathe and increasing stress during the process. Removing feed and water about 12 hours ahead of time helps keep them comfortable and safe. Even pregnant ewes can handle this short fasting period without harm to themselves or their lambs.

Prepare clean working spaces

Take time in the days leading up to shearing to clean both your holding and shearing areas. Dirt, mud, and old bedding can contaminate fleeces and lower their quality. Keep a broom nearby so you can quickly sweep between animals—this helps prevent second cuts and keeps different fleeces from getting mixed together.

Check your power setup

If you’ll be using electric shearing equipment, make sure your power source is reliable. Test outlets ahead of time and have heavy-duty extension cords ready if needed. Avoiding power interruptions will save time and reduce stress for everyone involved.

Plan for extra help

Shearing day is often a great opportunity to tackle other management tasks like hoof trimming or vaccinations. Be sure to communicate your plans with your shearer ahead of time, and have a few extra people available to help. A good team keeps things moving efficiently and prevents backups.

If you’re interested in learning more about raising animals for fiber, check out our online course, Wool School, available at https://www.kysheepandgoat.org/product-page/ky-wool-school.

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Sarabeth Parido, is the Director of the Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival and The Kentucky Fiber Trail. She raises her own small flock of sheep in Clark County, Kentucky along with

her husband and four sons.