Maryland Shearing School

MSBA 2024 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 16 & 17, 2024 (Friday and Saturday), 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. (Inclement weather dates: February 23 & 24, 2024.)

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.)  Fifteen 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 2021 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 WILL OPEN ON NOVEMBER 1, 2023. Registration must be made in advance and accompanied by $150 per registrant.  This fee includes ASI materials (see above).  Complete and submit this registration form, with fee, by January 20, 2024, to Aaron Geiman, MSBA Shearing School, 429 Hook Road, Westminster, Maryland 21157.  Please make checks payable to Maryland Sheep Breeders Association, Inc.  No registrations accepted after the aforementioned 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:

Aaron Geiman – Agriscience Teacher, Carroll County Public Schools, Maryland

Guest MSBA Shearing School Alumni

Contact: