Seminars

Sheep Selection Process with Mattie Horchler (Live Stock Educator, Penn State Extension)

11:00 pm - 11:45 pm (Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12)

Thinking of starting a flock or expanding the one you already have? Join Mattie as she walks you through the essential steps of the sheep selection process. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of breed characteristics and flock goals, Mattie will help you make informed decisions that set you up for long-term success.

In this session, you’ll learn:

  • What to consider when choosing a breed

  • How to assess conformation, temperament, and overall health

  • Tips for sourcing quality animals from reputable breeders

  • Matching your selection to your purpose—whether it’s fiber, meat, show, or homestead

Whether you're a beginner or refining your current flock, this is a valuable opportunity to gain expert insight and ask questions in a supportive setting.

About Mattie

Mattie currently works as a livestock educator for Northwest PA, stationed in Mercer County. Mattie grew up in Lawrence County, just outside of New Wilmington. Her family farm, MSB Show Lambs, focuses on raising elite show sheep and breedstock. She graduated from Penn State with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and an associate degree in ag business. After graduation, she worked for Dr. Rachell Weiss at Applied Reproductive Concepts. While there, Mattie worked with emerging technologies for embryo transfer and artificial insemination in small ruminants. Fun fact about Mattie is that she crochets and also loves anything that supports the wool and lamb industries!


Wild Wonderful Wool with Melinda Wamsley (Boss Mare Shearing)

1:00 am - 1:45 am (Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12)

We’re all here for the love of wool as a fiber, but some of the terms can make you feel a bit sheepish.  Let's talk about how ‘woolly’ cool wool really is - from its microstructure, classifications, microns, woolen vs worsted prep, felting, superwash and lanolin. Ewe will flock out of this class with a new understanding of all the whys and hows while traversing the sustainable world of wool! Ewe may even learn about some unorthodox products made from wool.

[Structure, microns, classifications, lanolin vs wool wax, felt or no felt, super wash, worth the cost, how do we get it]

About Melinda

Melinda Wamsley is the owner/shearer of Boss Mare Shearing which has a home base in Washington, Pennsylvania. With a degree in Ruminant Production and Management from The Ohio State University she has taken her knowledge into her adventures while shearing. She also enjoys doing numerous educational demonstrations at notable festivals like Maryland Sheep & Wool, Fayette County Fiber Festival, Central Pennsylvania Fiber Festival  and her “Celtic Crossfit” at Scottish Highland Games. Since participating in Maryland Sheep Shearing School in 2020 she has traveled the east coast and beyond shearing all breeds of sheep, goats, llama and alpaca. Her love of shearing has evolved to a love of all things fiber related and has made her life's mission to teach about the sustainability and humane practices of wool products.

So You Want to Raise Sheep? with Audrey Ann Krzeminski (Shepherdess, 1824 Walker Farmhouse)

2:30pm - 3:15 pm (Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12)

Curious about starting your own flock? Whether you're dreaming of a few sheep for fiber or looking to raise a full herd, this session is the perfect place to begin. Join Audrey, affectionately known as The Shepherdess of Allegheny Township, as she shares practical, beginner-friendly insights from decades of experience.

In this comprehensive talk, Audrey will guide you through the key building blocks of successful shepherding, including:

  • What to Look for in a Breeder – How to find a reputable breeder and select healthy, well-suited animals for your goals.

  • Barn and Housekeeping – Essentials for shelter, bedding, and keeping your flock safe and comfortable.

  • Food For Your Flock – An introduction to feeding basics, nutritional needs, and seasonal considerations.

  • Health and Healing – How to monitor for illness, handle common health issues, and build a trusted care routine.

This is a must-attend session for anyone ready to take the first step toward shepherding. Bring your questions and get ready to learn!

About Audrey
A lifelong animal lover from a small town, Audrey's journey deepened when she married a farmer and discovered the world of animal husbandry. Together they raised purebred Suffolk sheep and later added natural-colored breeds. With just one book and a trusted mentor, she learned the ins and outs of wool care and spinning. Known locally as The Shepherdess of Allegheny Township, Audrey has supported nearby farms with lambing and sheep care, and now rescues and rehomes sheep of all kinds. Passionate about giving back, she loves mentoring others who are starting their own sheep-raising journey.