To register or for more information call 802-483-2463 or email Jim McRae at vtshearer@yahoo.com.

The Vermont Sheep and Goat Association in conjunction with UVM Extension will sponsor a two day Vermont Sheep Shearing School this year: April 8th at Merck Forest and Farm Center, Rupert, VT and April 9th at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, VT. This is 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 has a wealth of additional pertinent information. We also give instruction on how to crutch and deal with fly strike. 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.
Participants should have their own equipment. Oster Shearmasters or equivalent electric machines are ideal. There will be a limited number of loaners available for the day. We will also have a grinding wheel available for combs and cutters. We will supply coffee, juice and bagels, participants should bring a bag lunch.
The cost for the complete course at both locations is $275.00. You can attend and participate just one day for $150.00. However, we strongly urge you to attend both days if you are really interested in learning how to shear; thinking about a career in shearing or improving your skills with the feedback of several very experienced shearers. 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, application deadline March 20th). You can contact VSGA president Bay Hammond at bayhammond@gmail.com 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 this year so register early.