The two-week course in Sheep Shearing and Wool Classification is currently underway in Loxton at the Ubuntu Local Municipality in the Pixley ka Seme District.
Agricultural Development Technician Mr Samuel Mlahlwa said the two weeks course seeks to equip the Swart Opkomende Landbou Forum members (SOLF) with new techniques on sheep shearing and wool classification. He is quoted saying “The significance of the two week marathon course for the 19 members is an opportunity to gain entrepreneur skills on wools-classing and to be able to monitor sheep shearing. The course will benefit them as they will be able to gain valuable experience and knowledge as it entails also the practical part of it”.
He further explained that the course entails the following:
- Skills transfer
- The quality of wool
- Wools classifications
- Sheep Sharing
Mr Mlahlwa added that after the completion of the course, members will be able to differentiate between good and poor wool.
Sheep shearing or clipping is the process by which the woollen fleece of a sheep is cut off.
Typical mass shearing of a sheep work flow included:
- Removing the wool.
- Throwing the fleece onto the wool table.
- Skirting, rolling and classing the fleece.
- Placing it in the appropriate wool bin.
- Pressing and storing wool until it is transported.
The course ends on the 30th of May 2013.