The Importance of Shearing

‍Why Shearing is Essential

Shearing is not just about harvesting wool; it is vital for the well-being of the sheep. A sheep that retains its wool through the summer is at risk of overheating, losing its ability to regulate body temperature, and experiencing significant discomfort. Excess wool also hinders mobility and can lead to hygiene issues. Over time, dirt, plant debris, urine, and feces accumulate in the fleece, increasing the risk of infections and skin irritation and attracting harmful parasites. Proper shearing prevents these issues and ensures the animal remains healthy and comfortable.

The Shearing Process

Shearing is typically performed once a year and must be done carefully to ensure both efficiency and animal welfare. The goal is to remove the fleece in one complete piece while maintaining its quality. A professional shearer is trained to handle sheep gently, using a technique that minimises stress and maximises wool quality.

The Mechanical Shearing Technique

Modern shearing is performed using specialised machines and follows a technique first developed by the Bowen brothers in New Zealand in the 1940s. This method is designed to optimise efficiency, minimise stress for both the sheep and shearer, and ensure the wool is harvested in the best condition.

Key aspects of this technique include:

• The sheep is never restrained but instead maneuvered carefully by the shearer.
• The shearer positions the sheep using their legs, feet, and free hand to ensure a calm and controlled process.
• A level wooden platform is used to maintain cleanliness and efficiency.
• Special soft footwear is worn to provide better control and comfort.
• A hanging-back support is often used to alleviate strain on the shearer.

Shearing follows a choreographed sequence of movements to efficiently remove the fleece while separating lower-quality wool from areas like the belly and groin.

Skirting and Rolling the Fleece

Immediately after shearing, the fleece undergoes skirting, where dirty or low-quality sections are removed. This step prevents contaminants from degrading the rest of the wool. A skirting table, typically made of a perforated surface like a net or pallets, allows dirt and debris to fall away.

Steps for Rolling a Fleece:

1. Fold – Lay the fleece outer-side up and fold it into three sections lengthwise.
2. Roll – Starting from the tail end, roll up the fleece toward the neck.
3. Close – Twist the wool at the neck to form a cord and wrap it around the roll to secure it.

Proper Fleece Storage

Freshly sheared fleece contains residual moisture from the sheep’s body and natural grease, so it should not be stored in plastic immediately. Instead, wrap the fleece in a cotton sheet for a few weeks before transferring it to a sealed, transparent plastic bag to protect against moths and contamination.

Shearing is a vital practice that benefits both the sheep and the wool producers. It ensures animal welfare, enhances hygiene, and preserves high-quality wool for further processing. Following proper shearing, skirting, and storage techniques means maintaining the integrity of wool as a valuable natural resource while ensuring the well-being of the animals that provide it.

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