Stories from the Farm

In order to show sheep at  Black Sheep Gathering, which is at the end of June, it is necessary to shear the yearlings in January.  The reason is that they need a certain amount of fiber to be shown and you also don’t want them in full fleece during the summer months.  It has been on my list to get our two yearling rams sheared, but this year is just flying by!  We finally sheared them today.  I have had them in the barn the last couple days in order for them to dry off and I think they enjoyed the nicer amenities 🙂 

Here is Rendezvous half way done.  When I shear the sheep myself, I put them on a stand instead of the traditional way of sitting them on their butt.  This is for several reasons – I am not very fast, I am not very strong, and I just find it easier 🙂 

Now I’m going to start on the second side.

Here he is all done except for his belly.  For the belly portion I have my husband help me tip them on their butt and he holds them while I shear the belly. 

I love how clean they look after being sheared!

Next it was Reno’s turn.

Here I am with my little helper.

They both had lovely fleeces and Rendezvous’ was nicer than I expected – always a fun surprise!

Lucky boys get to spend a few more days in the barn.