6 & 7 March 2010

The shearing school will be held at the Cornell Teaching & Research Center Sheep Farm near Harford, NY south of Dryden, NY off of Route 38 on Slaterville Road. Click here for directions.

Instruction will include the shearing pattern, blade sharpening techniques, physical fitness, handpiece maintenance and more.  The instructor is Doug Rathke from Minnesota.  Rathke is one of the top shearers in the United States and has had extensive training from the New Zealand Wools.  Rathke is skilled at both machine and blade shearing.

Class size is limited to 20 students. The registration cost is $150 per person. Deadline for registration is February 12, 2010.

If you are unable to attend the shearing school, but are still interested in learning more about sheep shearing an instructional video tape or DVD is available.  This 90-minute “how-to” video is filled with useful tips and information on shearing.  The cost of the video or DVD is $44.95 and may be obtained at the address below.

To register for either shearing school or to purchase the video or DVD send your name, mailing address, phone number and a check or money order in US funds made payable to Doug Rathke and mail to Doug Rathke, 61231 MN Hwy 7, Hutchinson, MN 55350.  Call 320-587-6094 if you have any questions. Click here for additional information.