The deadline is approaching for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service sheep shearing school. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 6.
The event, which is set for Jan. 6-9, 2020, will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in San Angelo.
The cost is $150 for Texans or $250 for out-of-state residents.
The school is designed for professional sheep shearers and those seriously interested in the profession of shearing sheep. This school will provide participants with the knowledge and skill set to eventually shear sheep professionally, though extra practice beyond this course will be necessary for those just learning the trade, according to AgriLife Extension experts.
During the four-day event, participants will learn proper animal handling and welfare, required equipment and detailed instruction on the shearing pattern using the Australian method, which does not tie the animal’s legs.
“The shearing technique is physically demanding to learn and use, and it generally requires years of practice to become proficient,” said Reid Redden, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension sheep and goat specialist. “It is a very difficult trade to learn and takes a great deal of perseverance to learn the commercialized way of shearing sheep.”
Students who have previously taken the course, or individuals who are currently shearing but are looking to take the next step professionally, are encouraged to attend to take advantage of a unique opportunity that will be provided this year, said Redden.
“AgriLife Extension has enlisted the help of professional shearers who currently operate crews full time in Montana to assist our current Texas-based instructors to allow for even more in-depth training,” Redden said. “An emphasis on fine-tuning technique, footwork, equipment management and many of the details needed to go from proficient to elite will be taught.”
Contact Redden for additional information or questions at 325-653-4576.