It is sheep-shearing time in Iceland once again. The aromatic Icelandic lamb is not the only product our Icelandic sheep provide. Their wool is also an essential part of Iceland’s sheep-farming culture.
On the island of fire and ice, most farmers shear their sheep twice a year. The first shearing takes place when the sheep are brought into the barns for the winter, which means in November or early December. Currently, the weather in Iceland is also becoming wintrier and harsher.
From “ull” to “lopi”
Farmers sell the so-called “first cut” to spinning mills. Most of the wool here in Iceland is sold to the country’s only large spinning mill, Istex, although there are many small private spinning mills that purchase smaller quantities of wool. Raw or unspun wool is called “ull” in Icelandic. Once it has been spun, it is called “lopi.” From it, the most creative knitted pieces can be made, such as the traditional Icelandic “Lopapeysa” (wool sweater).
The sheep are shorn a second time in mid-February or March, which means the sheep-shearing season is beginning again now. The “second cut” cannot be sold for as high a price as the “first cut” because the wool is significantly shorter.
Not every sheep is sheared the same
However, each farm shares individually. Some sheep are only in autumn, others only in spring. This also depends on whether the sheep are kept outdoors throughout the winter, as they need their wool to keep warm.
The “pattern” in which the sheep are shorn also varies from farm to farm. For example, some farmers do not share the hindquarters of their older sheep to keep them warmer and protect them from potential illnesses. Very old or sick sheep are often only shorn on the front part around the neck and front legs.
Lambs, as well as one-year-old sheep, are usually shorn completely because their wool grows back quickly. However, if they return home very late — for example, in January — they may only be half shorn during the “first cut,” or it may be skipped entirely, and they are then shorn during the “second cut.” The same naturally applies to older sheep if they return home late.
If you would like to learn more about the shearing season, feel free to visit our Facebook or Instagram accounts. On both platforms, you can find us under the name Icelandiclamb. We also have Icelandic accounts on Facebook and Instagram called: íslenskt_lambakjöt.