Preparing for Shearing Season: A Farmer’s Checklist
—
Shearing season is the most important time of year for fiber farmers. Proper preparation ensures quality fleece, animal health, and smooth operations. This checklist helps you get ready.
This guide covers everything you need to prepare for successful shearing season.
Animal Preparation
Health Checks
Before shearing, assess each animal:
- Body condition: Score animals and address concerns
- Health issues: Treat any illnesses before shearing
- Parasite control: Ensure deworming is current
- Feet: Trim hooves before shearing day
Healthy animals shear more easily and recover faster.
Nutrition
Shearing puts stress on animals. Prepare with proper nutrition:
- Increase feed: Higher energy diet 2-3 weeks before shearing
- Fresh water: Ensure constant access to clean water
- Minerals: Verify mineral supplementation is adequate
- Hay: Have quality hay available
Well-fed animals handle stress better and regrow wool faster.
Documentation
Record important information:
- Identification: Ensure all animals are clearly marked
- Records: Update health and breeding records
- Breeding dates: Note expected lambing dates
- Fiber history: Track previous fleece quality
Good records help make future decisions.
Facilities Preparation
Shearing Area
Prepare your shearing space:
- Clean thoroughly: Remove debris and manure
- Level floor: Ensure even, non-slip surface
- Adequate space: Room for shearers and equipment
- Lighting: Good lighting for safety and quality
A clean, organized space improves efficiency.
Equipment
Check all equipment before shearing:
- Shears: Sharpen or replace blades
- Clippers: Service and test all clippers
- Hand shears: Ensure sharp, functional
- Scissors: Have available for detail work
Sharp equipment produces cleaner cuts and less stress.
Supplies
Stock necessary supplies:
- Bags: Have sufficient fleece bags ready
- Twine: For tying bags
- Markers: For identifying fleece
- Tape: For securing tags
- First aid: Animal first aid supplies
Having everything ready prevents delays.
Wool Handling Preparation
Processing Coordination
If using a mill, coordinate ahead:
- Schedule drop-off: Book processing dates
- Confirm requirements: Know mill minimums and preferences
- Prepare transport: Have containers ready
- Documentation: Prepare any required paperwork
Advance planning ensures smooth processing.
Storage Preparation
Prepare for fleece storage:
- Clean storage area: Ensure dry, pest-free space
- Bags: Have breathable wool bags available
- Organization: Prepare labeling system
- Space: Adequate space for season’s fleece
Proper storage preserves fiber quality.
Shearing Day Logistics
Team Coordination
Prepare your shearing team:
- Schedule shearers: Confirm dates and times
- Helpers: Arrange adequate help
- Communication: Clear plan for day operations
- Meals: Plan food and drinks for crew
A prepared team works more efficiently.
Weather Considerations
Plan for weather contingencies:
- Shelter: Ensure covered shearing area if needed
- Temperature: Shearing in cold weather requires precautions
- Rain: Protect fleece from moisture
- Sun: Provide shade for animals waiting
Weather affects both animals and fleece quality.
Timeline
Create a realistic timeline:
- Number of animals: Estimate shearing time per animal
- Breaks: Plan rest periods
- Meals: Account for feeding times
- Completion: Set realistic end time
Good planning prevents rushing and mistakes.
Post-Shearing Care
Animal Recovery
Prepare for post-shearing care:
- Shelter: Provide wind protection
- Blankets: Have coats available if needed
- Monitoring: Watch for signs of stress
- Feed: Continue enhanced nutrition
Sheared animals need time to adjust.
Fleece Handling
Plan immediate fleece handling:
- Sort immediately: Separate by quality, color, animal
- Bag quickly: Get fleece into bags before contamination
- Label clearly: Mark all bags accurately
- Store properly: Move to storage location promptly
Quick handling preserves quality.
Business Preparation
Sales Preparation
If selling fiber or products:
- Customer list: Notify customers of availability
- Pricing: Set prices before shearing
- Marketing: Prepare sales materials
- Inventory: Organize product storage
Ready customers buy more easily.
Financial Planning
Prepare financially:
- Track expenses: Record all shearing costs
- Budget: Plan for seasonal expenses
- Income projections: Estimate potential revenue
- Records: Maintain accurate accounts
Good financial tracking informs decisions.
Documentation and Records
Fleece Records
Track important information:
- Animal ID: Link fleece to specific animals
- Weight: Record fleece weights
- Quality notes: Document fiber characteristics
- Market info: Note any notable qualities
Records help market future fiber.
Shearing Records
Maintain shearing documentation:
- Date: When shearing occurred
- Animals shorn: Numbers and IDs
- Issues: Any problems encountered
- Weather: Conditions during shearing
Future planning benefits from good records.
Safety Preparation
Equipment Safety
Ensure safe equipment:
- Electrical: Check all electrical connections
- Blades: Secure and properly installed
- Moving parts: Ensure guards in place
- Emergency stop: Verify emergency switches work
Safe equipment prevents accidents.
Animal Handling
Plan safe handling:
- Restraint: Have proper handling facilities
- Helpers trained: Ensure helpers know procedures
- First aid: Animal first aid ready
- Veterinarian contact: Know who to call
Safety prevents injuries to animals and people.
Conclusion
Successful shearing season requires thorough preparation. Use this checklist to ensure nothing is overlooked. Proper preparation leads to quality fiber, healthy animals, and smooth operations.
Start preparing early and work through each category systematically. The effort you invest before shearing pays off in better results.
—
Ready for shearing season? Work through this checklist systematically. Contact fellow farmers for additional tips specific to your region.
—
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I start preparing for shearing?
Begin preparations 4-6 weeks before shearing. This allows time to address health issues, coordinate with mills, and gather supplies.
What is the most important preparation item?
Animal health is most important. Healthy animals produce better fleece and handle shearing better. Address health concerns before shearing.
Should I shear in spring or fall?
Timing depends on your climate and goals. Spring shearing removes heavy winter wool before summer. Fall shearing prepares animals for winter and produces softer fleece.
How do I find a professional shearer?
Contact local sheep and wool associations. They often maintain lists of professional shearers. Book early, as good shearers schedule quickly.
What should I do with inferior fleece?
Separate inferior fleece at shearing. It can be used for stuffing, insulation, or compost. Do not mix with quality fleece.