UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Extension’s livestock team is organizing a hands-on sheep shearing workshop May 1-2 at Wherry Farm in Scenery Hill, Washington County.
The event begins with a Zoom session at 7 p.m. April 30, during which participants will discuss shearing techniques. Attendees at this session also will review a series of instructional YouTube videos for which registrants will receive links upon registering. Participants can apply the insights gained from these videos during the in-person training sessions.
The Pennsylvania Sheep and Wool Growers Association is co-sponsoring the event.
The school is aimed at beginners, but experienced shearers are encouraged to attend if seeking additional practice and sheep shearing resources.
The program will cover professional shearing patterns; equipment set-up, maintenance and repair; wool handling and preparation; and basic sheep care.
Austin Brown, extension program associate in small ruminant production and management, will co-instruct the event with Carl Geissinger from Geissinger Sheep Shearing Services.
Space is limited for this high-demand event, so preregistration by April 24 is required.
The registration fee is $100, with a $90 fee for each additional person from the same family or farm at the time of registration. Lunch is an added option for those interested.
Organizers will provide refreshments, snacks and all required shearing equipment. Participants will leave the workshop with instructional wall posters and information on shearing and wool processing.
To register, visit the Penn State Extension website at www.extension.psu.edu/pennsylvania-sheep-shearing-school.
Credit or debit card payments are preferred at the time of registration. To register by phone or to pay by check, contact Penn State Extension customer service at 877-345-0691.
For more information about the workshop, contact Brown at aqb5615@psu.edu or 814-865- 1718.
