Sheep Shearing Day at Home Winds Farm: A Hands-on Lesson in History, Science, and Sustainability 

In an immersive educational experience, Gill St. Bernard's School students spanning the First through Twelfth Grades engaged in an annual Homes Winds Farm tradition on Wednesday, February 28, 2024: Sheep Shearing Day.  

The all-day event was not just a hands-on learning experience but also a vibrant link to the past, connecting students to the millennia-old tradition of sheep shearing. Historically, sheep have played a pivotal role in human civilization. They first became domesticated 10,000 years ago in Central Asia, one of the first animals domesticated by humans, and they were raised primarily for meat, milk, and skins. The first evidence of spun wool arrived in 3500 BC, with the first known articles of woolen clothing appearing around 400-500 BC.  

“For centuries, woven clothing made from sheep's wool was essential for survival,” Farm Manager Ned Lincoln emphasized. “While the process of making it is often unseen today, understanding its roots is valuable.” 

Research has shown that woolen clothing kept the Vikings warm on their long sea voyages, enabling their global explorations between 800 AD and 1100 AD. Wool yarn was also used to weave their sails. When scientists replicated the sail-weaving process, they discovered that each sail required about two tons of fleece, or the annual production of about 700 sheep. Some, therefore, argue that the Vikings’ desire for conquest was fueled as much about land acquisition for their flocks as it was about material riches.  

Fast forward to the present, and today’s wardrobes are dominated by cotton and synthetic fabrics, with the latter primarily derived from oil-based plastics. Yet, wool remains unmatched in its properties: insulating efficiently, staying warm when wet, and resisting odor by inhibiting bacterial growth. This context sets the stage for Sheep Shearing Day, an event that educates students about the entire lifecycle of wool, from shearing to spinning, and the ecological impacts of different textile materials.  

“In Third Grade science, we are focusing on how you go from sheep to sweater,” said Lower School Science Teacher Lynn Prosen. “As a society, we are so reliant on the natural world. By studying each step of the fiber production process, students will have a better understanding of where the materials in our world come from.” 

“The sheep were very fluffy,” admitted Hunt, one of the Third Graders who participated in sheep shearing day. “But the fleece was very greasy. I didn’t know it was going to feel like that. It doesn’t feel like my shirt at all.” 

“It was interesting how they put the sheep between their feet to hold them, and they didn’t move when their fleece was shaved off!” added Mia. “And there was a lot of wool on each sheep. I couldn’t believe how much came off.” 

Shearing sheep requires experience and skill, honed through years of practice. To handle our flock of twenty-three, GSB secured the talents of Ben Urmston from Northeast Shearing, who was certified under the Penn State Sheep Shearing Extension Education program and who has been shearing sheep for over seven years.  

"Sheep shearing is a very technical skill that you can only learn by spending a lot of time doing it. It’s a real niche," Lincoln emphasized, underscoring the dedication behind this ancient craft. 

Students rotated through the barn, observing the before, during, and after effect on the sheep while Farm Manager Lincoln explained the process, the history, and the habits of sheep and shearing. Students then had the opportunity to handle the fleece and ask questions.  

“As part of life science, sixth graders are learning about cellular respiration along with photosynthesis,” Middle School Science Instructor Mary McCloskey shared. “The sheep shearing experience has a direct connection to the curriculum. By being able to observe this process, they are making connections to what we’ve learned in the classroom and what they see today.” 

“The sheep completely survive off of photosynthesis, as it produces the grass they eat,” Farm Assistant Amaia Owens explained. “When sheep are healthy, they produce good fleece, and then that fleece becomes the clothes we wear. Students can see how the clothing they wear all stems from photosynthesis; they can see the full circle.” 

A notable change in this year's shearing schedule saw the sheep shorn one month before lambing, instead of one month after, based on research highlighting the benefits of colder weather shearing. This timing encourages pregnant sheep to consume more calories, leading to healthier and more robust lambs at birth. This strategic decision also avoids the stress-related fleece damage that can occur during lambing, ensuring the integrity of the wool for spinning. 

At the end of the day, this year’s flock of 9 ewes, 13 lambs, and one ram produced roughly 120 pounds of raw wool, with the ram’s fleece weighing in at ten pounds—the largest of the group. Usable fleeces are collected and sent to Twist of Fate Spinnery in Connecticut to be spun into yarn that will then be sold at the Home Winds Farm farmstand and on the GSB Online School Store. Fleece that is too short or compromised in some way is turned into compost—nothing goes to waste. 

Sheep Shearing Day at Home Winds Farm is more than an annual event; it's an immersive educational experience that connects students with the history of textile production, the science of agriculture, and the ethics of sustainable living. Through this hands-on learning, students gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human history, animal husbandry, and the environmental impacts of our clothing choices.