Today, Clayton Ubben Sheep Shearing hit the road, from everything from Babydolls to one giant Columbia ewe🐑. He visited several small family farms and even got to learn some unique wool-processing tools along the way.
First stop: A small family farm with 14 head flock of CVM (California Variegated Mutant). This breed produces some of the best fine wool, with a micron count of 15-18. This farm directly markets their wool and uses a skirting table (shown in the background) to remove second cuts, tags, and other organic material, ensuring only the best fleece goes to customers. Direct-marketing wool ensures it goes from farm to hand without losing any quality. We were thrilled to assist them and see their dedication to high-quality wool firsthand.
Second stop: After a much needed coffee break☕️. North to Fountain, Minnesota, in the southeast corner of the state just outside the Driftless Region, an area untouched by past glaciers. Limestone bluffs kept the land rolling and scenic, making it a gorgeous road trip. Here, Clayton sheared 15 Babydoll sheep inside a unique stone dairy barn, retired from its original farm life but still full of character.
Third stop: Goodhue, Minnesota, where 10 Babydoll ewes got fresh haircuts while their bouncy baby lambs added energy and excitement to the barn.
🌱Spring is definitely near!
Final stop: Zumbrota, Minnesota, for 8 commercial ewes and one massive Columbia ewe, just as Clayton would say, the one we were looking for, the last one! As Clayton packed up, one curious ewe even peeked around the corner, perhaps happy to be done for the day.
Thanks for tagging along on today's jobs, follow along for more shearing adventures and message Clayton to get on the schedule for this spring!