A “perfect” shearing day
Shearing day from a shearer and farm perspective
By Chuck and Elaine Gerber - Woodland Meadow Farm, LLC, and Barbara Crocco - Copper Star Alpaca Farm
Shearing day is considered by many to be the most important day(s) on an alpaca farm. Having the day run smoothly requires the shearer's know-how and the farm's preparation. At a minimum, three people are required for shearing day. There is a lead shearer, a handler holding the alpaca’s head, and a third person to gather the fleece as it comes off the alpaca and to assist as needed.
Ideally, having extra people on hand to trim teeth and toenails and to sweep the shearing area makes the day go smoothly. For the shearer, knowing what the farm expects is imperative. Things such as which alpacas are receiving preferences for how their fleece is collected, whether it is noodled on paper, plastic, or simply bagged, will help keep the momentum. Will shots be administered, the fleeces weighed, the animals weighed? Do you want to collect your seconds and thirds individually, by color and grade? Knowing your preferences ahead of time and relaying your needs to everyone can make post-shearing work easier for you.
Let’s not forget water and food. Plenty of water throughout the day for everyone. One or two breaks for a snack and a stretch, and of course, when the shearer is spending the day....Lunch! If you’re lucky enough to have someone who prepares a meal or if you order pizza or sandwiches, this will keep your shearer and helpers fed, hydrated, and happy.
This is an excellent opportunity to evaluate your alpacas. Check ears, membranes, skin condition, nails, teeth, and take a brief moment to admire their fleece. Evaluating your alpaca throughout the year is essential to good animal husbandry, but shearing day is an opportunity to assess how well you and your alpacas are doing.
Alert your shearer to any concerns pertaining to an individual alpaca, such as skin issues, pregnancy, hernias, or nodules. Good communication with your shearer and helpers will help to minimize or eliminate the chance of the alpaca getting injured.
Cosmetics – Let the shearer know your preference for topknots, tails, and legs. Some people like to leave the legs in full fleece, some like to have them shorn down, others like a full face, while there are those that like a clean face, etc.
Shearing day essentials:
Paper towels
Blood stop
Antibiotic ointment
Crazy Glue
Bandages
Materials and tape for noodling
Clear fleece bags
Sample bags
Labels
Brooms
Garbage cans and bags
Pens, markers, scissors
If shots are being given, medications, needles and syringes
Toenail Clippers
Sponge or cloth, bucket and clean water for teeth trimming
Shearing day from a shearer’s viewpoint
I will bring clean equipment to service your alpacas. I will be sure to have enough fresh combs and cutters. My restraints and mats will be clean and in good operating condition. To the best of my ability, I will cleanly shear your animal and keep your harvest in the best usable condition.
Unfortunately, accidents sometimes occur. An animal may get cut, your fiber may not come off perfectly, and I may get cut. Please remember none of this is intentional, and I will feel worse than you.
Shearer’s ideal client
All my clients are ideal. The following helps to make an ideal shearing day:
A mapped out location of where shearing will take place prior to the arrival of the shearer.
The area is broom-cleaned, no beans, no puddles.
The animals are penned and ready to be brought to the mat.
Heads up when a talented spitter is coming to the mat.
Plenty of water for the humans is readily available.
The appropriate number of extra hands is available based on herd size and expectations for the day.
Prior to shearing day, has informed the shearer if guest alpacas will be arriving, and how many.
Tries not to stress out over shearing day, but instead enjoys the one day of the year they get to see their harvest and fully assess their animals that have been hiding under all that fleece.
Locate a designated area for bagged/noodled fleece that is away from the shearing area.
Have fun and enjoy the experience.
Smile, remember this is the day you have been working for all year!
Essentials
Clean, well-lit area. At a minimum, a 10’ x 20’ space is desired.
Easy access to electricity.
Place to anchor ropes.
People collect fiber as it comes off the animal.
People are to clean up the mats between animals.
Have animals ready to go on the mat.
Water for teeth trimming.
People to clean up spit, urine, and other excretions during shearing.
Extra person for “hips” as necessary.
Nice to haves
Shade.
Thank you
Shearing day from a farm’s perspective
Please be on time and avoid rescheduling. I have prepared the area, lined up help, prepared food and have made all necessary arrangements to be available according to our scheduled date.
Treat my animals with respect.
Please do not show how strong you are by manhandling my animals - if there is an animal with a reputation for bad behavior, I will let you know.
Treat me with respect. I appreciate the job you do and will show you respect, I ask for the same in return.
I will provide meals, snacks, and beverages for the duration of the time you are on my farm. Please let me know if you or your helpers have any dietary restrictions.
I will not make you ask for payment. I will have my checkbook ready and collect payment from any guest on your behalf. I will not expect you to be involved.
Please wear clothing that covers your body - cracks are for plumbers and sidewalks. (No offense to any plumbers :) )
Smile, this is the day our farm has been working for all year!
Hopefully, these views will alleviate some of the anxiety that shearing day may bring and allow the shearer and the farm to both enjoy the experience and have a great day!