Cornell Professional Sheep Shearing School at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

This two day in-person training is for shearers with prior experience who are looking to make shearing a profession. Instruction will include the shearing pattern, blade sharpening techniques, physical fitness, hand piece maintenance, shearing resources from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), and more. 






Event Details

Cornell Professional Sheep Shearing School at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Date

November 11 - November 12, 2022

Time

8:30am-4:00pm

Location

Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

Host

Cornell University

Doug
320-583-7281


Cornell Professional Sheep Shearing School at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY



Cornell Professional Sheep Shearing School at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

SAVE THE DATE

Cornell Sheep Shearing School

Friday November 11th, 2022 & Saturday November 12th, 2022

Daily Class 8:30am-4:00pm

 

A two-day sheep shearing school will be held at Cornell University Ithaca, NY on November 11-12, 2022.

  • Instruction will include the shearing pattern, blade sharpening techniques, physical fitness, hand piece maintenance, shearing resources from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), and more.
  • This school is focused on shearers with prior experience that are looking to make shearing a profession.

The school is sponsored by the Cornell University Sheep and Goat Program

Instructors:

  • Primary Instructor: Doug Rathke -Lambshoppe LLC, Minnesota. Rathke is one of the top shearers and shearing instructors in the United States and has had extensive training from the New Zealand Wools.  Rathke is skilled at both machine and blade shearing. Rathke has represented the USA Shearing Team for the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing Championships in 1996, 1998, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2019.  In addition to competing in hand blade shearing, machine shearing, and wool handling Doug also serves as a USA representative to the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing Council.
  • Aaron Loux - Aaron Loux's Professional Sheep Shearing, Massachusetts. Professional Sheep Shearer for over 15 years, trained in New Zealand, Australia, and Wales.
  • Jim Baldwin - Foxfire farms, Ithaca, NY. Professional Sheep Shearer for over 24 years. Raising Merino Sheep for 30 years.

 

The registration cost is $225 per person.  The class will be limited to the first 12 registrants to ensure a quality training experience for all.

Deadline for registration is October 21, 2022.

Shearing Equipment: Bring your own gear. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 3 medium-beveled combs and 9 cutters (3 cutters per comb). If you need gear or have any questions If you need gear or have any questions regarding shearing equipment, contact Doug at 320-583-7281




more content - left
Field Crops

Field Crops

Dairy

Dairy

Business

Business

Livestock

Livestock

Grains

Grains

more content - right

Upcoming Events

MILKING IT: Moving Milk Quality Forward

April 14, 2026
Springville, NY

***SAVE THE DATE*** 

More details to come!

April 14th from 11am-1pm

Education sessions by:

  • CCE SWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops 
  • Springville Veterinary Services, P.C.
  • Quality Milk Production Services


New York Application for Dairy of Distinction

April 15, 2026

Purpose of Program

Attractive dairy farms give the consumer greater confidence in the wholesomeness of milk and stimulate milk sales which encourages public support of the dairy industry. The award gives recognition to the dairy farmer for maintaining a well-kept farmstead. 

Women in Ag Legislative Breakfast

April 24, 2026 : Women in Ag Legislative Breakfast
Avon, NY

Come on out for an in-person gathering celebrating the incredible women shaping agriculture! This event features NYS Assemblywoman Andrea Bailey, NYS Senator Pam Helming, the Finger Lakes Small Business Development Center, Genesee Valley Conservancy, Jenn Vorhees from Sap Tap Farms.

Announcements

No announcements at this time.