NY Sheep Shearing School 2025
Event Details
Date
March 15, 2025
Time
9am-4:30pm
Location
Stone & Thistle Farm
1211 Kelso Road
East Meredith, NY 13757
Host
Cornell CALS
Doug Rathke
320-583-7281
email Doug Rathke

This 2-day sheep shearing school is great for beginners and also for those who want to improve their current shearing skills. Doug Rathke, a seasoned shearer, knows what it takes to learn the art of shearing and he knows what it takes to teach it on a level so it can be understood and retained.
This class will give you the confidence to start shearing your own flock or take it to the next level and earn income by shearing for others.
You are required to bring your own equipment to the class. Please call/text Doug Rathke at 320-583-7281 with any questions on the equipment needed.
What you will learn:
• Preparing for shearing
• Understanding & appreciation of shearing gear
• Selecting combs & cutters
• Setting up a hand piece
• Setting up the shearing work area
• Learning the basic shearing pattern and footwork
• Learning how to properly sharpen your tools
• Modifying the shearing pattern for different types of sheep
Students must have their own sheep shearing equipment as this is a hands-on school. Questions about equipment? Doug can help guide you. Call him at 320-583-7281.
Cost: $315 (NO REFUNDS)
A maximum of 12 students.
Doug also offers private sessions. E-mail info@lambshoppe.com for more details on the one-on-one instruction and scheduling.
To Register: NY Sheep Shearing School 2025 | Lamb Shoppe LLC or call Doug at 320-583-7281
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Announcements
Herbicide Resistance Screening
We are screening weed species for herbicide resistance.Species we are looking for include, but aren't limited to:
- Tall Waterhemp
- Palmer Amaranth
- Marestail
- Redroot Pigweed
- Foxtails
- Common Lambsquarters
- Common Ragweed
Reach out to Katelyn Miller at 716-640-2047 or km753@cornell.edu for more information.






