Inside Shearing Day at Harehill Alpacas and Why It Matters
Shearing day at Harehill always starts with a different kind of quiet. The alpacas know something is up long before the kettle has boiled. Gates are checked, clean bags are laid out, halters are ready, and the shed slowly fills with that soft mix of straw, fleece, and early morning nerves.
For us, shearing is one of the biggest days in the farm calendar. It is busy, hands-on, and a little messy, but it is also one of the most important things we do for the herd.
The morning starts with calm handling
We try to keep the day as steady as possible. Alpacas are sensitive animals, so a quiet approach makes all the difference. Each animal is brought in gently, with time to settle before the shearer begins.
There is a rhythm to it once we get going. One person helps guide the alpaca, another keeps an eye on comfort and safety, and someone else gathers the fleece as it comes off. We talk softly, move carefully, and work as a team.
The actual shearing is quick, but we never treat it as a race. While the fleece is being removed, we also check the alpaca over. It is a good chance to look at body condition, skin, toenails, teeth, and any small issues that might be hidden under a thick coat.
Why shearing matters for welfare
Alpaca fleece is wonderfully warm. That is part of what makes it so special. But by late spring and early summer, that same warmth can become a problem.
Without shearing, alpacas can overheat, especially during mild or humid weather. A heavy fleece can also collect dirt and moisture, and it can make it harder to spot skin problems or changes in condition.
For the younger ones, shearing can feel like a big new experience. For the older ones, it often seems like a relief once the fleece is off. They walk away looking slimmer, brighter, and sometimes slightly surprised by how light they feel.
At Harehill Alpacas, we see shearing as care, not just maintenance. It is part of keeping the herd comfortable, healthy, and ready for the warmer months ahead.
The fleece is sorted with care
Once the fleece comes off, the work is far from finished. Each blanket fleece, the best section from the alpaca’s back and sides, is gathered separately. We keep colours and qualities apart, because every fleece has its own character.
Some are fine and soft, ideal for spinning. Some have more texture and are better suited to felting, craft projects, or practical farm uses. The shorter or dirtier pieces are separated out too.
We call this sorting process skirting. It means removing bits of straw, guard hair, and any sections that are not suitable for the final use. It takes patience, but it is satisfying work. A fleece that was keeping an alpaca warm in the field can go on to become yarn, felt, nesting material for crafts, or beautiful handmade items with a real connection to the farm.
The best part of the day
By the end of shearing day, everyone is tired. The alpacas are lighter, the bags of fleece are labelled, and the shed needs a good tidy. There is usually a moment, once the last animal is back out in the field, when we stop and watch them settle again.
They graze, stretch, roll, and get back to being themselves. That is the reward.
Shearing day may look like a practical farm job from the outside, but for us it is a yearly reminder of why we do this. Every fleece tells us something about the animal it came from, and every freshly shorn alpaca reminds us that good care is often found in simple, seasonal routines.
Step inside shearing day at Harehill Alpacas in County Down, from calm handling and alpaca welfare to sorting and using the fleece afterwards.
