18 Jan Sun 2009
Shearing sheep
Saturday we had all of our sheep sheared. One of the coldest mornings of th year, so far. Everything went well, and now have 38 fleeces to start washing, picking, and carding.
Ellyn_1
08:20 PM EST
Saturday we had all of our sheep sheared. One of the coldest mornings of th year, so far. Everything went well, and now have 38 fleeces to start washing, picking, and carding.
I used to shear sheep when I was in high school in Minnesota. Most farmers didn't start until April and the later the shear date, the greasier the wool. It seems to me that shearing later to keep more lanolin in the fleece makes for a better product. Also, doesn't this affect the health of your ewes? I can see how this might help lambing because it keeps the ewes in the shed longer each day. Anyway, your thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Walter,
I have been shearing just before lambing for the past 7-8 years and it seems to be ok, as I have 10 year old ewes who are ready to lamb.
Not knowing if the wool went to a wool pool, or if these were fleeces for handspinners, like myself, it may make a difference for wanting heavier lanolin content.
The ewes do stay longer in the barn, but the fleeces stay cleaner, as the longer they eat from the feeders, as opposed to grazing, they get more chaff in the wool. We won't be able to pasture until almost June and with all the snow this season, I am beginning to wonder if we will ever see grass again.
Ellyn