FURNACE, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Sheep & Wool Growers Association has combined efforts with the American Sheep Industry to offer mentoring opportunities to people interested in becoming shepherds.
“In order to keep the industry’s infrastructure, we need more lamb and wool,” explained Clint Krebs, President of the American Sheep Industry.
With efforts to help rebuild the sheep numbers, the industry has taken a ‘Let’s Grow’ approach with mentoring programs being one of the key pieces.
This year there will be five Mentoring Field Days across the commonwealth offered to those considering sheep as a new enterprise as well as anyone new to the industry with basic startup questions.
Each event will be hosted at a successful sheep farm where the shepherd has agreed to open the operation for a tour and question/answer session.
Field Days are free with door prizes and light refreshments. More information is available at www.pasheep.com or call 570-864-6027.
Schedule
Events are scheduled as follows:
• May 17, 1-3 p.m., Lebanon County, Ben and Mary Bow, Locust Ridge Farm, 100 Clear Spring Road, Annville, Pa. 17003.
• June 7, 10 a.m. to noon, Luzerne County, Greg and Laurie Hubbard, Hillside Shepherd, 1384 State Route 239, Huntington Mills, Pa. 18622.
• June 14, 10 a.m. to noon, Somerset County, Tom and Leanne Calvert, Shober Farm, 137 Archery Road, Berlin, Pa. 15530.
• July, TBD, Mercer County, Harold Dunn. Check www.pasheep.com for updates.
• October, TBD, Berks County, Roger and Nancy Bowman, Winterside Farm, 1402 Old Route 22, Lenhartsville, Pa. 19534.
