Michigan Farmstead, Home of the Critter Barn, invites you to join us at Michigan Farmstead for our once-a-year sheep shearing. Watch as competitive shearer Timothy Wright zooms through our flock and learn all about the shearing process from 10 am to 11 am. Keep the little ones engaged with fun, hands-on sheep themed activities running from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Best of all, this family-friendly event is fully included with your standard farm admission—so mark your calendars!
“People may be surprised to find that we shear our sheep in November considering the cold weather,” said Livestock Operations Coordinator Ian Klaes. “However, shearing leaves about a quarter-inch of wool, which feels like wearing flannel pajamas to them. If the weather turns bad, we keep them inside the barn on plenty of dry bedding.
“Sheep are fall breeders with a five-month gestation period. Bred during the ‘R’ months—September through November—they give birth in January, February, and March and are shorn four to six weeks prior to lambing. Shepherds raising lambs on pasture rather than in barns typically breed for May lambing.
“Removing the wool before lambing ensures newborn lambs find milk quickly rather than grabbing dirty belly wool, and feeling the mother’s direct body heat strengthens their initial bond. We’re excited for our first Michigan Farmstead lambs to start arriving in January!”
Michigan Farmstead is the new name of Critter Barn – a name chosen to better reflect the organization’s expanding educational offerings.
Event Details:
What: Sheep Shearing
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Where: Michigan Farmstead (formerly Critter Barn), 2950 80th Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464
Cost: Included in general admission. $10 for youth and adults, $8 for seniors and military, ages 2 and under are free
