Sheep shearing: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What sheep shearing is

A shearer removes the fleece from sheep with electric clippers, usually once a year, working through the flock on the farm. The wool is kept as clean and whole as possible so it can be sold or used.

Signs you need it

  • Your flock's fleece has grown long enough that the sheep are hot, matted or dirty
  • You want the wool off before lambing, summer heat or a show
  • You have more sheep than you can shear by hand or with a small set of clippers
  • Your fleece will be sold, spun or sent to a mill and must be kept clean
  • You want a shearer who works calmly so the sheep stay settled

What the pro does

  • Asks how many sheep you have, their breeds, their last shearing date and the wool plan
  • Sets up a clean, dry area where the sheep can be held and worked on
  • Catches and holds each sheep in a set position to keep it calm and safe
  • Shears the fleece in long, even passes, keeping it in one piece where possible
  • Skirts and rolls the fleece and sorts the belly and leg wool apart from the main fleece
  • Checks each sheep for cuts, ticks, lice or skin problems and tells you what it finds

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number of sheep to be shorn in one visit
  • The breed and wool type, since some fleeces take longer to shear
  • How far the shearer travels to reach your farm
  • Whether wool skirting, rolling and bagging are included
  • Whether the shearer needs to work in a pen, a barn or an open field
  • Whether you want a second visit for a late shear or a show prep

What a written quote should spell out

  • The number of sheep and the breeds named in the quote
  • The travel distance and whether travel is included
  • Whether skirting, rolling and bagging the fleece are included
  • Whether the shearer will check for parasites or skin problems and report them
  • The date and the time of arrival, and what you need to have ready

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How many sheep can you shear in a day, and how long will mine take?
  • Do you skirt and roll the fleece, and do you keep the wool separate by grade?
  • What do you need from me before you arrive, such as a clean pen or a catch area?
  • Do you shear the breed I have, and can I see photos of your work on it?
  • What happens if a sheep is cut or injured during shearing?
  • Will you check my sheep for skin or parasite problems while you shear?
  • What is your schedule for the rest of the season?

Red flags

  • Rushes the sheep or handles them roughly to save time
  • Shears a sheep that is wet, muddy or very stressed without a plan
  • Will not show how the fleece is rolled or what happens to the belly wool
  • Does not ask about the breeds or the last shearing date
  • Has no plan for a cut, and does not treat or report it

What you can do yourself

You can keep the sheep dry, clean and in a calm pen before the shearer arrives, and move them the day before so they are settled. Check each sheep for ticks and dirt and note any problems. Hire a professional shearer for the shearing itself, because a fast, even pass with the right handling protects both the sheep and the fleece.

Licenses and permits

A license is often not required for sheep shearing, but rules differ by state and city. Ask for proof of shearing experience, such as a record of past flocks of a similar size.

Sheep shearing questions

How often do sheep need shearing?

Most flocks are shorn once a year, but the timing depends on the breed, the climate and the flock's needs. Ask the shearer when they recommend shearing for your sheep.

Does shearing hurt the sheep?

A skilled shearer works calmly and keeps the sheep settled, and the sheep usually stays calm when handled well. Tell the shearer about any sheep that are nervous, lame or recently treated.

What should I do with the wool?

Ask the shearer how they bag and roll the fleece, and whether they sort it by grade. Store the wool dry and off the ground until you decide whether to sell, spin or keep it.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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