BROOKINGS, S.D. 鈥 South Dakota State University Extension will teach the skill of sheep shearing to current and prospective producers this fall.
The Sheep Shearing School is from Oct. 12-14, 2024, at the SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit by Brookings. It is $200 per person, and registration is required. To register, visit聽聽and search 鈥渟heep鈥.
Professional sheep shearers will provide hands-on training in safe animal handling, maintenance equipment and repair, wool quality and how to manage a sheep shearing business.
Throughout the school, participants will practice the handling and shearing techniques on live sheep. Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist, said it鈥檚 a valuable opportunity to learn from world-class professionals.
鈥淭hey really are learning from the best,鈥 Whaley said.
She recommends the school for all sheep producers, whether they want to shear their own animals or do it professionally for others. In addition to the hands-on training and education, Whaley said it鈥檚 a chance to network with other producers and sheep shearers in the region.
In 2022, there were 1.75 million pounds of wool produced in South Dakota at a total value of about $2.1 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. As the wool market becomes increasingly dependent on high-quality wool, Whaley said producers can improve their profits by learning about wool quality.
鈥淭his school is an opportunity to learn so much more about the sheep and wool industry than just shearing a sheep,鈥 she said.
Whaley said more sheep shearers are needed in the region. For those interested in starting a shearing business, it can be a full-time profession or a way to diversify their existing operation.
鈥淚f somebody鈥檚 willing to travel to different operations, it鈥檚 definitely an opportunity,鈥 Whaley said. 鈥淵ou can do as much or as little as you want to.鈥
For more information, contact Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist, at 605-374-4177 or聽Jaelyn.Whaley@sdstate.edu.
