Shepherding the Future through Vocational Training (Sheep School)
Fibershed partners with vocational training programs to provide career pathways in land stewardship and shepherding, equipping individuals with transferable skills for sheep farming and fiber production. This supports personal growth, strengthens the local economy, and advances climate-beneficial agriculture. These programs contribute to the local fiber industry by addressing the regional skills gap.
Additionally, Fibershed funds select programs to offer equity pricing and scholarships based on financial need and social equity, removing barriers to entry and promoting a more inclusive, skilled workforce in the fiber and textile industries. This drives climate-beneficial practices and regional economic growth.
Grazing School of the West - Grazier and Shepherding Training
Grazing School of the West (GSW) partners with Fibershed to support regenerative agriculture and fiber production through targeted education and training. Together, we work to equip graziers with the knowledge and skills to manage livestock in ways that enhance soil health, promote biodiversity, and produce high-quality fiber. Workshop attendees include a range of people from rural/urban settings because prescribed grazing operations can thrive in both environments; people in urban contexts must understand that this work is for them as much as it is for more rurally based populations
Hopland Research and Extension Center (HREC) - Shearing and Basic Sheep Care
Fibershed partners on curriculum development, financial assistance, and fiscal sponsorship to beginner-level sheep handling training and education that HREC offers programs that provide foundational skills for those currently working in or desiring to work in this sector.
View upcoming 2025 Sheep Shearing classes here.
KAOS Sheep Camp
In 2024 Kaos Sheep Outfit launched its Live Lambing and Delivery Class, a bilingual, hands-on training program that teaches lambing assistance, ewe care, and health management. The camp is focused on developing more offerings in Advanced Shepherding and Sheep Care.
View upcoming February 2025 Sheep Camp information here.
View past Sheep Camp information here.
