Sheep Shearing School 2011

After the fiasco last year with shearing we decided that we may not be professional shearers but we couldn't do any worse than the shearer we paid. Actually paid good money to mangle our sheep. They were not pleased at all. We found a shearing class offered by the University of Maine and signed up immediately. We were up early, fed the animals and on the road by 5am. Our neighbor was coming by later to let the pups out for a potty break. We were headed to Littleton, Maine, approximately 2 hours north on the Canadian border. Come along with us on our trip. The scenery was spectacular. We had a gorgeous views of Mt. Katahdin in the distance. We arrived at Fred and Inez Arledge's farm. They have approximately 100 Romney sheep. Fred said that they moved up from Florida 7 years ago and started with 4 sheep. Oh, this story is sounding eerily familiar and a bit scary. Their farm was once a cow dairy. They have wide open spaces with plenty of hay fields. We started with bio security by cleaning our shoes with a antiseptic to kill any foreign organisms we may bring with us.

We were greeted by this big boy. He wanted to know just why we were there and what we were up to. After our, little by comparison, Icelandic sheep the Romney's are BIG sheep.

I love this ewe and lamb room. Something we may decide to add onto our barn.

We were a group of 30 strong. We were given instructions on equipment, stretching, and shearing patterns...........

sheep holding techniques.......

shearing and skirting wool.......

how to catch our sheep..........

They made it look so easy. If only the sheep were into this day as much as we were.

Each student was given 1:1 instruction and assistance.

And then we each had our chance to shear a sheep. We watched many times and after lunch decided to give it a try. Ted went first and did a great job. A couple of cuts to the sheep and his hand but he did a great job.

It looks so easy when done by a true professional. Ted took his time.

Sorry, I had to put one more picture of a lamb on his mom's back.

My turn...... My biggest fear is cutting the sheep. I saw a couple of people pull the wool up and shear into the skin leaving a big gash. We have blood stop on hand just in case.

This ewe was very good but had a case of the scours previously and the fleece on the back of her legs was matted. Thank heavens for the professionals.

We saw a moose (can't stop at 70mph to get a good pic) and these deer. They still have a lot of snow on the ground up there. I love the wide open spaces, low population and quiet. After living in Maine I don't think I could deal with high populations. Too many people.

We had a wonderful experience. I learned many lessons. I was able to use my shears for the first time. I realize how much shearing will kill my back. We met some really great people with varied backgrounds and experience. Lunch was provided by Inez and she makes a wicked good lamb chili. As with any new skill it will take time and practice. We wanted to thank Fred and Inez for allowing us access to their sheep. I know that it is difficult to allow a newbie with no experience to shear your sheep. Most shepherds won't allow anyone to touch them until after they have shorn at least 100 sheep. Now we have to put knowledge into practice.

We have been so busy with lambing and kidding lately. I will try and get caught up with blogging. Hope all is well with our friends in the central states after the bad weather.

Much Love and Prayers from Mainely Ewes Farm.