Small Flock Sheep Shearer

Hobby farmers, homesteaders, 4-H and FFA families, fiber farms and small sheep producers.

A set price per sheep, often with a minimum fee per farm visit to cover travel. Some shearers charge extra for hoof trimming or for very large or difficult animals.

• Physical strength and stamina
• Calm, confident animal handling
• Patience to learn a skilled technique
• Reliable scheduling

• General liability insurance, and check whether it covers working around livestock
• Check with your state or county for any business license or registration needed
• Shearing is hard on the back and shoulders, so pace yourself and build up gradually
• Biosecurity: clean your gear between farms to avoid spreading disease and lice
• Work is very seasonal, so check whether your area has enough demand outside spring

Startup costs are typically around $800 to $3,000, depending on the equipment you buy. These are estimates, so price out shears, gear and insurance in your area before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on how many flocks you shear and how far you travel. Work is mostly in spring, so check whether your area has enough demand outside that season.

Check whether general liability insurance covers working around livestock, and ask your state or county about any business license or registration. Also plan for biosecurity by cleaning your gear between farms.