Sheep are carefully shorn to protect the valuable fleece and the sheep that provides it. In some climates, sheep need shelter after being shorn. And yet, within a week, their fleeces have grown back to provide protection from all but the worst weather. The eight to twelve pounds of wool on each animal must be shorn every year to keep the animal comfortable and healthy. Even so, up to 10 percent of lambs are lost to predators.
Sheep are defenseless against predators.
Attacks by wild animals or domestic dogs can cause great stress, suffering and even death. A mixture of management tools including guard animals, shepherds, fences and other control practices are used to deter predators from the flock. That, and a lifelong commitment to quality and conservation. The sheep industry is a unique blend of the past, the present and the future. Producers are stewards of the land and their animals.