Sometimes people question the need to shear sheep at all. Isn't it more humane to leave them be? A proper answer to the question begins with a little history. Sheep began to be domesticated about 12, 000 years ago when ancient farmers in Mesopotamia tamed the original wild Mouflon. Over the millennia, different breeds have been developed as people have tried to maximize traits they have seen to be positive and desirable and minimize those traits felt to be less so. Primitive

There could be any number of reasons why you may have missed getting the sheep sheared earlier this year. Perhaps there wasn't a good time, no extra money, or the sheep shearer just didn't call you back. Whatever the reason, as the season begins to cool, you might be thinking that you're too late and maybe you'll just wait til next year and try to get it done earlier. I'm hoping to convince you otherwise. It isn't too late. The longer you wait the more this year's fleece weat

I came home late last night from judging indoor exhibits at our Santa Fe County fair. I love the fair and, since our children aged out of 4-H, I miss being more closely involved. As I walked through the barn and felt the hustle of the families preparing the animals for the livestock shows, I basked in the glow of fun memories and, I admit, felt some relief that it wasn't me this year. I thought I would share just a bit of advice for our 4-H friends, and others who are prepari