SDSU sheep shearing school opens for fall

By Scout Nelson

This fall, present and prospective sheep farmers have a rare chance to study the craft of sheep shearing from South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension. On October 12–14, 2024, the SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit in Brookings will host the Sheep Shearing School. Participants must register through the SDSU Extension Events page, and the program costs $250 per person.

Participants will receive hands-on training from professional sheep shearers, covering essential skills such as safe animal handling, equipment maintenance and repair, wool quality assessment, and managing a sheep shearing business.

Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist, emphasizes the value of learning from top professionals in the field. “They really are learning from the best,” Whaley said.

The school is recommended for all sheep producers, whether they intend to shear their own sheep or pursue it as a professional service for others. In addition to practical training, attendees will network with fellow producers and sheep shearers from the region, enhancing their understanding of the broader sheep and wool industry.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service, South Dakota produced 1.75 million pounds of wool in 2022, valued at approximately $2.1 million. With the wool market increasingly demanding high-quality products, Whaley highlights the importance of understanding wool quality to improve profitability.

“This school is an opportunity to learn so much more about the sheep and wool industry than just shearing a sheep,” she said.

Whaley also noted the growing demand for skilled sheep shearers in the region. For those interested in starting a shearing business, it offers the potential for a full-time career or a way to diversify their current operations. “If somebody’s willing to travel to different operations, it’s definitely an opportunity,” Whaley said. “You can do as much or as little as you want to.”

Photo Credit:istock-heebyj