In addition to shopping on the day Mariah went to school, the moms also visited the neighbors shearing shed. A small operation, we were lucky enough visit on a day the shed was in use. Before we arrived they had sheared sheep and they were crutching when we arrived. Crutching is shearing their bottoms to clean them up a bit before being sent to market (for meat).

(L) Young sheep ready to be shipped off for meat. These are about 5 to 6 months old. (R) Crutching uses the same shears as for shearing, but with a different purpose and the wool is definitely not saved!

 

I found the bailing process quite fascinating. Two boxes are filled with wool -- and it may be different lots. If so, notes are made and layers are created using newspaper. When they are sufficiently packed (accomplished using the grape-stomping method -- climb on and jump!), the wooden box is swung over the metal baler. Then the lid is cranked down and compresses everything together into the blue bin. Giant claws hold the wool in position while the bale bag is secured with metal staples. You can see full bales of wool in the background.

Gordon, owner of the shearing shed, also is the proud owner of several working dogs. Here you see them anticipating working and herding the sheep. As he calls the dogs and they do their work it is very much like a whole new language. Even the youngest dog (still in training) knew exactly what Gordon wanted done with the sheep.