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Cut the fluff: sheep shearers perspective of a tough industry

Kristen Sindelar
Jan 23, 2026
Jan 23, 2026

Sheep shearing industry 5.JPG — Mark Burenheide runs an accelerated lambing program on his farm near Howells, Neb. He began shearing sheep about four years ago.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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While shepherds kept their flocks by night, someone had to shear those sheep during the day.

Sheep shearing industry 1.JPG — Loren Opstedahl of Union Center, S.D., has been shearing for 36 years.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Sheep shearing industry 2.JPG — Loren Opstedahl of Union Center, S.D., marks a pen of sheep before sorting them for the sheep shearing contest at the Nebraska State Fair.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Top U.S. contenders flock to Nebraska for sheep shearing contest

“Our job is shearing the sheep, making a product for the farmer to sell. On an average day, you just want to shear and keep your stamina, to be steady.”

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Sheep shearing industry 3.jpg — Mark Burenheide, far left, of Howells, Neb., helps unload a trailer of lambs at the fairgrounds before the Nebraska State Fair Sheep Shearing Contest.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Sheep shearing industry 4.JPG — Professional shearer Alex Moser, center, of Larchwood, Iowa, teaches shearing schools and is anticipated to represent the U.S. at the world champion shearing contest next March.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Sheep shearing industry 7.JPG — Navidad “Junior” Cornejo of Gustine, Calif., finds his zen while shearing.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Sheep shearing industry 6.JPG — This sheep is overdue for a trim. Domesticated sheep need to be sheared for health and comfort.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.