Applications Open: for the 2022 Cornell Sheep Shearing School
The deadline to submit your application is October 21, 2022.
A two-day sheep shearing school will be held at Cornell University Ithaca, NY on November 11-12, 2022.
Instruction will include the shearing pattern, blade sharpening techniques, physical fitness, hand piece maintenance, shearing resources from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), and more.
This school is focused on shearers with prior experience that are looking to make shearing a profession.
Instructors:
Primary Instructor: Doug Rathke -Lambshoppe LLC, Minnesota. Rathke is one of the top shearers and shearing instructors in the United States and has had extensive training from the New Zealand Wools. Rathke is skilled at both machine and blade shearing. Rathke has represented the USA Shearing Team for the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing Championships in 1996, 1998, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2019. In addition to competing in hand blade shearing, machine shearing, and wool handling Doug also serves as a USA representative to the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing Council.
Aaron Loux – Aaron Loux’s Professional Sheep Shearing, Massachusetts. Professional Sheep Shearer for over 15 years, trained in New Zealand, Australia, and Wales.
Jim Baldwin – Foxfire farms, Ithaca, NY. Professional Sheep Shearer for over 24 years. Raising Merino Sheep for 30 years.
The registration cost is $225 per person. The class will be limited to the first 12 registrants to ensure a quality training experience for all.
Shearing Equipment: Bring your own gear. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 3 medium-beveled combs and 9 cutters (3 cutters per comb). If you need gear or have any questions If you need gear or have any questions regarding shearing equipment, contact Doug at 320-583-7281
The school is sponsored by the Cornell University Sheep and Goat Program