Maryland Shearing School

MSBA Sheep Shearing School - Beginners Session

What:

MSBA workshop to teach sheep owners and aspiring commercial shearers to properly shear sheep using electric, hand-held shearing machines. Blade shearing will NOT be taught.

Participants will learn:

the New Zealand method of sheep shearing,
the care and adjustment of electric, hand-held shearing machines and blades, and
proper wool handling and care during and after shearing.

Each participant will receive the ASI Sheep Shearing Manual, an instructional DVD, and assorted wool literature. Shearing equipment will be provided. It is suggested to wear sturdy shoes, light-duty gloves, durable pants, and a durable long-sleeve shirt. Overalls and bib-overalls encouraged. Lunch is NOT provided. Please bring water and/or sports drinks to stay hydrated.

When:

February 13 & 14, 2026 (Friday and Saturday), 9:30 am to 3:30 pm each day.

Where:

Dale Lehman's Farm, 8202 Kavanglen Lane, Fairplay, MD 21733 (Washington County). Please look for "Shearing School" sign at the end of the driveway.

Who:

Shearing school is open to anyone wanting to learn commercial sheep shearing techniques and who is physically and mentally capable. (It is encouraged to have seen professional shearing in action prior to registering, so as to know the demands of commercial shearing techniques.) Twelve participants will be selected from applications, in order to optimize the instructor-to-learner ratio. Due to overwhelming past response, applications will be prioritized based on the list below, in descending order:

MSBA Members (highest priority) (based on 2025 membership)
Prior MSBA Shearing School attendees
Sheep owners
Aspiring commercial shearers
Sheep and fiber enthusiasts/non-owners (lowest priority)

After registration has closed, applications will be reviewed and participants chosen, based on priority and a first come – first served basis. Due to safety, participants under 16 years will NOT be accepted.

How:

Registration must be made in advance and if accepted you will be invoiced $275 per registrant via Square. Upon receipt of the invoice you will have 72 hours to make payment or your slot will be made available to the next applicant in line. This fee includes ASI materials (see above). Complete and submit this registration form by January 1st, 2026 to . No registrations accepted after the forementioned deadline. Within one week following the deadline, accepted and rejected applicants will be notified via email and/or postal mail. Cancellation by a participant within two weeks (ten business days) of the event, will result in forfeiture of registration fee.

Instructors:

Kevin Hickman - Professional Sheep Shearer and Farmer

Guest MSBA Shearing School Alumni