NDSU announces sheep shearing school details

By Scout Nelson

Registration is now open for the 2024 North Dakota Sheep Shearing School and the 2024 North Dakota Certified Wool Classing School, both scheduled to take place at the Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC) from November 23-25, 2024.

These schools are designed for both new and experienced sheep shearers and wool classers, offering an interactive, hands-on learning experience to expand the professional workforce in these fields.

The 2024 NDSU Sheep Shearing School will provide one-on-one training covering essential skills, including the professional sheep shearing pattern, tagging and eye equipment maintenance and repair, and wool handling techniques.

Dr. Rachel Gibbs, NDSU Extension ruminant systems management specialist at the HREC, emphasizes the value of this training, stating, “Participants will not only learn from several nationally recognized professional sheep shearers but also gain access to an incredible network of sheep industry professionals.

The school will be held at the newly constructed HREC Livestock Lab, and participants will receive a digital handbook containing the educational materials covered during the three-day program.

Simultaneously, the 2024 NDSU Certified Wool Classing School will be conducted in the same facility, providing fundamental instruction from industry-leading experts. Larry Prager, CEO of the Center of the Nation Wool, will lead hands-on training and testing for Level 1 certification with the American Sheep Industry Association. Participants will explore topics such as wool fiber growth, objective wool measurement, genetic selection programs, proper wool handling techniques, and more.

Both schools run concurrently, so participants can only attend one per year. The cost for each school is $250, which includes a digital handbook and lunch. Registration forms are due to the HREC by November 1. For questions regarding registration and availability, contact Chris Schauer, HREC director, at 701-567-4323.

To register for the 2024 NDSU Sheep Shearing School, visit ndsu.ag/shearingschool24. To register for the 2024 NDSU Certified Wool Classing School, visit ndsu.ag/woolclassing24. The schools are sponsored by the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association, South Dakota Sheep Growers, NDSU Extension, HREC, and the American Sheep Industry Association.

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