Raising Sheep for Wool – Shearing & Processing

Tuesday, Dec. 15 | 2-3 p.m.

In partnership with Iowa Sheep Association

Wool production can be a profitable enterprise with certain niche markets. In this three-part series, Regina will lead us on three tours showing different aspect of her wool operation.

In part 3, we’ll learn what happens to wool fleece before it’s turned into yarn. Join Regina and shearer Emily Chamelin-Hickman on shearing day. They will show us how they prepare for shearing to create a smooth and safe process for everyone involved. We will see how a fleece is skirted and prepared before moving to the next step. (Note: The date may move based on weather)

Host: Regina Frahm | Esther Purl Fibers

Other Speaker: Emily Chamelin-Hickman – shearer

Speakers:

Regina Frahm owns and operates Esther Purl Fibers, raising registered white Cormo breeding stock and colored Cormo sheep. She recently opened Esther & Company, her modern-day mercantile featuring local fibers and foods. With her family, she runs Frahm Farms in Newton, Iowa, raising sheep, beef cattle, corn, soybeans and hay.

Emily Chamelin-Hickman has been shearing sheep since 2001. She and her husband have sheared around the world, but spend most of their time in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest. Emily has experience handling sheep, skirting fleeces and sharing ideas with other shepherds.

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