How to Shear Sheep & Why It’s Important
Dr. Temple Grandin, award-winning author, professor, and animal welfare advocate, introduces the ethical and humane handling of sheep for shearing. Directed by Jody Shapiro, this compelling 12-minute film showcases the beautiful dance between sheep and shearer, the importance of sheep shearing to the health and well-being of sheep, and the impact that Slow Fashion and local wool have on the economy and local community.
In this video, you will:
🐑 Meet expert shearers and rare breed sheep
🐑 Learn tips on the best way to shear humanely, including preparing the sheep for shearing and best tools for the job
🐑 Understand why shearing is important for the health of the sheep
🐑 Watch the art of humane sheep shearing
🐑 Discover how you can support a sustainable industry and help save rare sheep breeds from extinction. (Hint – it’s by supporting those that raise them, shear them, and make products from their fiber)
Interested in using wool and fiber for crafting? Learn more about the Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em Initiative.
Thank you to Isabella Rossellini, Executive Producer of the film and Ambassador for The Livestock Conservancy for her generous gift that made this project possible. Thank you to all of the people who opened up their farms, shearers, and people who helped with this video, including:
- Jody Shapiro, Producer
- Stacey Foster, Editor, Sound & Color Correction
- Dr. Temple Grandin, Animal Behavioral Scientist, Lifetime Member of The Livestock Conservancy
- Stephany Wilkes, Shearer and Author
- Tabbethia Haubold, Shearer, Long Island Yarn & Farm
- Mary Jeanne Packer, Founder of Battenkill Fibers, Shave ‘Em to Save ‘Em Sponsor
- Brian Jackson and Tinx Chan, Cinematography
- Brett van Deusen, Location Sound
- Andy Byers and Jody Shapiro, Camera
- Howie Beck and Andy Byers, Music
- Owen McClean, Sound Design
- Robin Lynde, Meridian Jacobs Farm, Member of The Livestock Conservancy