NEW GLOUCESTER, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Shearing sheep is often done with mechanical shears and clippers to make the job easier, but there are those interested in learning how to do it the old fashioned way.
To help those interested in learning how to do that, professional sheep shearer Kevin Ford held a weekend seminar at Shaker Village in New Gloucester. Ten people signed up to learn how to prep their shears as well as how to move over the sheep cutting with precision. One of those was Pam Rush from Delaware who is hoping to one day own her own flock of sheep.
"It was certainly very interesting just to watch Kevin, but also it makes me realize there's a lot to it. It's very impressive the way he deals with his tools," said Rush.
Ford has been shearing sheep for more than 30 years. Not just for his own pleasure, but also in competitions. According to him the two most important things to learn when shearing are blade prep and the position you're in when holding the sheep during shearing.
"It's exciting to see someone actually acquire the skills which I possess and which I value so much," said Ford.
The two day seminar was put on by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. To find out when the next sheep shearing class will be go to umaine.edu.
