Beginners as well as the more experienced fiber producers are sure to gain valuable hands-on skills, and knowledge with respect to fiber quality, and what to look for. You will be physically touching, feeling and seeing the difference between various fiber and fleece types in the presence of an instructor. The instructor will show and demonstrate what you need to look for in a quality fleece or fiber. You will also learn how to skirt a fleece and what the best uses are for the different fibers. There will be a sheep shearing demonstration with a commentary on what needs to be done at this stage to ensure the best quality.
Participants will go away with an understanding of the different certification programs and how they might be beneficial to their farm business.
Topics to be covered:
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Challenges and Rewards of Raising Animals for High Quality Fiber
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Cornell University Small Ruminant Program - What to Expect
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Wool and other Fibers Certification Programs – What’s Out There, Advantages and Disadvantages
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Impacts of Certifications - Panel Discussion: Farmers and Retailers
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Quality Exploration with Animal Fibers
Registration
Registration opens April 1, 2024. Advance registration required by June 3, 2024.
Conference is limited to the first 50 participants.
For registration questions contact Dara Boudreaux: tff24 [at] cornell.edu
Fee
There is a $30 fee per person. The fee includes free admission to the Central New York Fiber Festival on Sunday to explore during your 1.5 hour lunch break. Food vendors will be on site.
New York Veterans will have their registration fee reimbursed by the Farm Ops Program.
