PHOTOS: For Some Sheep, Getting Their Wool Shorn Can Feel Like A Back Massage

By Xandra McMahon
Listen Now
<p>Hart Van Denburg/CPR News</p>
<p>Bob Schroth of Strasburg gives a sheep shearing demonstration on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. In 2018, <a href="https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Colorado/Publications/Annual_Statistical_Bulletin/Bulletin2018.pdf">the most recent numbers from the US Dept. of Agriculture</a> show Colorado with 435,000 head of sheep and lamb, making it the third largest producer behind Texas and California. Colorado ranks fourth nationally in wool production.</p>

Ever wondered what shearing a sheep looks like? At the National Western Stock Show in Denver, you can find out.

Strasburg sheep farmer Bob Schroth runs shearing demonstrations at the annual event. All sheep have to be shorn, but Schroth said a few even enjoy it.

"Yeah I’ve got some ewes that I think really enjoy the vibration," he said. "The clippers, a lot of times when you run the shears down their back bone, they’ll start kicking their back legs like a dog does when it feels good when you’re scratching them."

The National Western Stock Show runs until Sunday, Jan. 27.

Latest Stories