Sheep shearing is a popular activity in the industry, there is no doubt about it. If the shearing is done in summer, the wool grows before winter. As a result, summer is a peak season for summer.

But did you know you had to take extra care of the sheep during this season? Heat is a concern for the sheep because their wool also provides warmth. It is important to know how you should look after the sheep in summer. 

With the temperature rising, shearing farms are gearing up for shearing. Summer is the perfect time to kick off the process because the flock can survive without their thick coat of wool. Moreover, removing their coat of hair also prevents the consequences of the extreme heatwave.

In recent years, with the number of accidents increasing in agricultural and animal farms, the Australian government has intensified its efforts in propagating farm safety education and awareness campaigns. The concerned authorities have been urging the stakeholders in the shearing industry to make sure that proper protocols are in place so that nothing tragic happens on the premises. 

Did you know shorn ewes are typically found to be more nurturing mothers? Shearing before lambing bears a set of advantages that you must know. Every shearing contractor is concerned about the welfare of sheep. Besides the health of mamma sheep, shearing before lambing ensures better flock productivity and management. It’s safe to say that the practice is indeed a plus for sheep and shepherds.

So, let’s have a look at the significant benefits of shearing before shearing.

Summer is around the corner; this means it’s the time for shearers to shear away. But did you know extreme heat could wreak havoc on sheep? High humidity and high temperatures are two things that could be stressful to the flock.

Is crutching a healthy practice? The main reason to carry out crutching is to prevent the risks of fly-strike. As you know, flies feed off the sheep leading to a nasty condition. During shearing, crutching is a beneficial practice.

But what is exactly crutching? The procedure removes clumps of stained wool (called dags) from the rear end of sheep. Due to dags, the cases of inflammation are not uncommon. Sometimes new-born sheep suck on dags instead of teats.

Have you ever wondered why summer is the peak season for shearing? The reason is simple – the fleece helps sheep survive the cold, inclement weather. For allowing protection against the shivering weather, farmers choose to shear after winter.

Did you know that sheep with empty stomachs are easier to handle? They are not grumpy and less likely to put shearers at risk.

Just think how you would feel after a big meal. If someone comes to force you to do something, you would be agitated, right? The same goes for sheep – at the time, they are likely to kick and shearers have to struggle more.

This fiasco hampers the welfare of stock, not to mention the shearing professionals. But it is possible to get away with such mayhem only if you follow the fasting policy at the farm. Let’s dig deeper!

With the domestication of cattle and sheep in Asia Minor thousands and thousands of years ago, wool came into human lives. The emergence of warm clothing through wool later spread among Romans, Persians and Greeks and finally reached western countries.