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Register now for December sheep shearing schools in Bozeman, Twin Bridges and Whitehall
October 03, 2005 -- from MSU News Service
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| Russ Kamerman of Belgrade logs some hands-on experience at the beginning shearing school at MSU-Bozeman last January. (Erin Raley photo.) |
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BOZEMAN--Montana State University Extension and the National Sheep Shearing Program will offer a three-day beginner shearing course in Bozeman, Dec. 16-18, and a four-day advanced course Dec. 19-22. The first two days of the advanced course will be in Twin Bridges and the second two in Whitehall.
The schools are for beginners who want to learn to shear their own flock and for experienced shearers who want to catch up with the latest techniques in the shearing business.
Early registration is highly recommended as space fills rapidly. Enrollment in each class is limited to 18 participants on a first-come, first-enrolled basis. Call Peggy Kelley at 994-3415 or email kelley@montana.edu for more information.
The advanced classes require instructor approval and previous shearing experience. People who took the beginner class in 2004 or 2005 can check for instructor approval before registering for the advanced class by contacting Kelley.
Advanced students can expect to hone their skills and professional techniques.
"They teach you little tricks here and there that enable you to pick up a few more sheep in a day's work of shearing," said Brent Roeder, a research associate in MSU's Animal and Range Sciences department who took both classes last year.
Even though he grew up shearing sheep in Texas, Roeder said the four experienced shearers who taught the classes helped him develop a faster shearing system. Keeping equipment well maintained and positioning the sheep a certain way can save time, said Roeder, "Sometimes it's only a half inch that makes a difference."
Both schools will feature Mike McWilliam, an award-winning National Sheep Shearing instructor from Myrtle Point, Ore.
The instructors teach techniques to maintain a quality wool clip and minimize stress to both the shearer and the sheep. They will teach how to operate the shearing machine and how to maintain and sharpen shearing equipment.
The enrollment fee for each of the schools is $100 per student, which covers the cost of the instructor, maintenance of the shearing machines and course materials. Beginners should plan to attend every day. Other participants may choose to attend only part of the scheduled sessions, but the registration fee will not be adjusted.
High school students wishing to take the course are encouraged to do so. Should they need a letter to document their participation, one can be provided.
Shearing is hard work that requires physical strength and conditioning. Instructors suggest that students be prepared for the work by stretching and doing moderate exercise before attending.
The shearing schools are coordinated by Jim Moore, MSU Sheep Institute Extension Agent, and Mike Schuldt, Blaine County MSU Extension Agent, who will be assisted by the MSU Wool Lab staff.
Contact: Peggy Kelley at 994-3415 or kelley@montana.edu
Hi-Resolution Image or PDF Available:
| [View or Download] | 1. | Russ Kamerman of Belgrade logs some hands-on experience at the beginning shearing school at MSU-Bozeman last January. (Erin Raley photo.) |
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