We are the Gobles And Raise sheep in central Utah . We wanted to show people our operation, and explain the benefits of sheep and grazing.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Shearing Time

Wool: Mother Natures Most Renewable Natural Resource
In a world where going green and enviromental concerns run rampant, wool fits the demand for a natural renewable resource. It grows back every year and is mother natures way of providing for our needs. Sheep are usually sheared at least yearly for their valued fleeces. These fleeces are then turned into a variety of products from coats, suits, hats, lotion and waterproofing compounds. Wool has a misconception of being a winter only use, but in reality is a year round product. Wool is used in winter for its thermal properties which include retaining warmth while being wet. There are also many properties that make it a great summer wear as well. Because wool has the ability to remove heat, and wick away moisture it is used in everything from bikers suits to socks that keep feet dry. It's ability to also cool in the summer is shown in the middle east where they wear long loose wool clothes. The wool holds the heat on the outer side of the garments and away from the skin. This is also true for the sheep. Studies have shown that 1 inch of fleece on a sheep's back will leave the skin 10 degrees cooler than the outer edge of the wool.
Wool also has a misrepresentation of being itchy. This comes from the difference in wool types from different breeds of sheep. Coarser wooled sheep's wool is used for carpets or hats. It's felting ability, or ability to hold together, makes it great for cowboy hats. Finer wooled sheep's wool is used for undergarments, blankets, or where it is used close to the skin. The itchiness is associated with coarser wool, and the structure of the fiber. The individual fibers have scales on them. The coarser the wool the more prominent these scales are and thus the feeling of itchiness. They have now created a process of removing these scales to make the individual fibers smooth. This itchiness factor also leads people to believe they are allergic to wool. This is also a false notion. As explained earlier with the removal of the scales the itchiness and false fact of an allergic reaction are also repealed. Thus wool is also hypo-allergenic.Because of wools ability to take dye's very well, and its ability to resist wrinkling many elite fashion designers are drawn to wool. Another great fact is that wool is flame resistant, thus firefighting suits, and many carpets and furniture in large hotels are made from wool.  Mother nature has also produced a natural healing agent among the wool. The greasy feel of wool is a natural oil known as lanolin. This is a great cure for dry chapped and cracked skin. This is produced by the sheep to heal wounds that may be obtained. Lanolin is also used for its waterproofing ability . So between keeping your boots dry, your skin hydrated, and looking beautiful with make-up lanolin is a great way to replace petroleum products.                                                                               So as you can see wool is a renewable product as it is grown from the sheep and never quits growing during the life of the sheep. Hopefully we can all realize the role wool has played in our lives.