Indiana Sheep Shearing School Open for Registration

Purdue University to host annual workshop for new and experienced shearers

Mar. 9, 2026 at 7:46am

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The Indiana Sheep and Wool Market Development Program is sponsoring a shearing school, hosted by the Indiana Sheep Association (ISA), on Saturday, March 14, at Purdue University's Sheep Unit. The statewide workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET and is open to beginners and experienced shearers looking to fine-tune their skills.

Why it matters

Sheep shearing is an essential skill for the wool and meat industries in Indiana, but there is a shortage of new shearers as older generations retire. This workshop aims to train the next generation of sheep shearers to support the state's agricultural economy.

The details

The beginner class will cover the skills and methods required to shear a sheep successfully, while the advanced class will focus on fine-tuning techniques to increase efficiency and reduce stress on the animals. All instructors will be experienced shearers, including organizer and master shearer Matt Kennedy.

  • The shearing school will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
  • Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. ET, and the workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

The players

Gerald Kelly

Manager of the Purdue Sheep Unit and shearing school co-organizer.

Matt Kennedy

Organizer and master shearer, whose family members have been shearing school instructors for generations.

Indiana Sheep Association (ISA)

The organization hosting the shearing school.

Indiana Sheep and Wool Market Development Program

The organization sponsoring the shearing school.

Purdue University Sheep Unit

The location where the shearing school will be held.

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What they’re saying

“There is a continuous need for new sheep shearers as the older generations retire. The Purdue folks are happy to help the industry, just as we have for more than 150 years.”

— Gerald Kelly, Manager of the Purdue Sheep Unit and shearing school co-organizer

What’s next

The beginner and advanced registration forms can be found at indianasheep.com and must be mailed to Emma O'Brien, ISA executive director, at 6840 S. 280 E. Lebanon, Indiana 46052. The completed registration form with the $50 fee enclosed must be received by March 10 or before spots fill up.

The takeaway

This shearing school is an important initiative to train the next generation of sheep shearers in Indiana, ensuring the continued success of the state's wool and meat industries. By offering both beginner and advanced classes, the workshop caters to a wide range of skill levels and helps to address the shortage of skilled shearers.