Registration is now open for the 2009 Sheep Shearing School.

"The school will be held April 17 and 18 at the Livestock Pavilion on the Western Illinois University campus in Macomb," notes Dick Cobb, University of Illinois Extension sheep specialist.

The school begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 17, and continues until 5 p.m. It reconvenes at 8 a.m. Saturday and ends at 3 p.m. Students will learn to maintain equipment as well as to shear. The school is open to adults and children.

"Students should be over 15 and have enough size and strength to handle mature sheep," he says. "They should also have a sincere interest in sheep production and the chance to shear sheep after the school.

The school is limited to 20 students. The enrollment fee is $50 and the deadline is March 31. Checks should be made payable to the University of Illinois.

For additional information, contact Cobb at 217-333-7351 ([email protected]).