GENESEO — On Nations Road this past week, Kyle Farms commenced their bi-annual shearing process for a large portion of their 2,200 sheep.
With the help of five other shearers and a few more assistants, including veterinarian, Anne Dewar, the crew sheared at an impressive speed for nearly 9 hours, grooming a total of 794 ewes.
“We try to keep the sheep relaxed as possible and you don’t want them to eat to much before shearing,” said kyle. “It would be sort of like running after Thanksgiving, you don’t do it.”
Matt Kyle began his flock with his brother and cousin in a 4-H program, growing it from a modest 200 ewes to an amazing 2,200.
Through agreements with neighboring land owners, the Kyle family uses Genesee Valley farm land beyond their own boundaries to allow their sheep to graze in otherwise empty fields. Grazing sheep is a non-invasive and productive use of land that creates a sustainable material, wool. Kyle Farms also produces lamb sausage as well as other meat products.
You can find more information on the family run operation on their Facebook page, and follow farm activities on their blog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uCLHAQ_Uz0