August 6, 2024
At Hunt Club Farm, we have various breeds of sheep: Baby Doll, Black Suffolk, and Katahdin sheep. Sheep can have either hair fiber or wool coats depending on their breed. Did you know that there are many ways to repurpose a sheep’s wool after being sheared? Besides a wool scarf or blanket, wool is used for rugs, carpets, and even insulation. Wool has many benefits for sheep, besides keeping them warm through cold months, the fiber helps in keeping the animal’s skin healthy and protected. Sheep’s wool is hypoallergenic and creates a barrier from adsorption of bacteria, mold and dust mites. Wool helps keep good moisture on the animal’s skin, which reduces their body odor. When people turn wool into clothing, it is very durable and can stretch 70% past its natural length and return to its original shape, making it ideal for clothing. Also, it is biodegradable in soil over a 6-month time frame, while synthetic fibers can take close to 40 years to biodegrade. One time during our annual shearing appointment for our sheep, I noticed that the shearer was taking some of the wool and wiping it on his boots. He explained that the natural oil that comes from the wool and the sheep’s skin is called “lanolin” and it’s a great way to polish and condition boots. Lanolin is also used in lotions and cosmetics. The cold winter months will be coming soon, maybe for your next winter coat, hat or scarf think about buying wool. You would have it for years to come and will definitely keep you and your family warm.