Sheep Industry News February 2025

inant-free pens to keep their wool clean and dry as wool should not be shorn while wet. Sheep should be kept off feed and water for approximately 12 hours, depending on age and stage of production. Why is that important? First and foremost, for the health and safety of both the sheep and the shearer. If the gut of a sheep is full, it can add significant weight to the sheep, placing additional down ward pressure on the sheep’s organs when in the shearing position, which causes discomfort for the sheep. This might cause the sheep to kick or struggle, leading to more stress on the sheep and extra work for the shearer. You also want to avoid having sheep urinate or defecate on the shearing surface. In addition to contaminating the wool, this can create a slippery work surface for the shearer. When the day arrives, shear white sheep first, followed by colored sheep and hair crosses to avoid contamination. Belly wool should be removed from the fleece. Topknots and excess tags should be packaged with the floor sweepings, and any areas of high contamination should be removed from the fleece. Wool should also be skirted and classed and packaged with similar wool if that is advantageous when marketing the wool. Prepare to provide your sheep with feed and water immediately after shearing. You might also need to provide shelter for the flock if cold, wet weather hits in the days following shearing. And while the sheep and the wool are the first priority on shear ing day, remember to take care of your shearers. Always ensure your sheep are penned and supplies are ready. Providing bathroom

facilities, a meal and easily accessible water for them will go a long way toward assuring they return the following year. Remember, shearing is a difficult, physically demanding job and there are fewer and fewer people willing to take it on every year. So, you want to keep your shearers happy. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Preparing for Shearing: SheepUSA.org/wp-content/uploads/ 2022/09/Preparing-for-Shearing.pdf Preparation Steps for Wool Quality Improvement: SheepUSA.org/ wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Prep-Steps-Brochure-Small-Size.pdf Wool & Pelt Information: SheepUSA.org/researcheducation- woolpelteducation

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