Sheep Shearing on the Scottish Borders
Over the last couple of weeks, farmers across the Scottish Borders have been busy shearing their flocks. Sheep can’t be shorn, or their wool packed, whilst wet, so the recent spell of nice weather has provided the perfect conditions for the sheep to dry-out, ready for shearing.
Anyone who has watched Clarkson’s farm will, firstly, know how mischievous sheep can be and secondly, how important shearing is for sheep welfare. Aside from helping keep the sheep cool in hot summers, shearing also prevents a build-up of manure and urine in the wool, which could cause an infection. It also creates a clean environment for newborn lambs.
At the Mainside Farm, just outside of Howman, the Weir family had a full team of helpers, including Darcy (6) and Fergus (4) to shear their 600-strong flock in the July heat. Laura Weir explained how they dealt with the warm temperatures.