At Lanado , we place paramount importance on animal welfare . Our soft and durable wool products are the result of work that respects both the animal and the environment . But before you can enjoy the wool, there's an essential, often misunderstood step: shearing . Why do we shear sheep today? Is it really necessary? And above all, does it harm the animal? We'll explain everything, with complete transparency.
The origin of mowing: a need created by evolution
In the wild, sheep naturally shed some of their wool throughout the seasons. However, modern domestic sheep (such as Merino or Texel) have been selectively bred for centuries to produce more wool. As a result, they no longer molt naturally , and their fleece grows continuously year-round .
This means that today, if a sheep is not sheared, its wool continues to thicken , which can lead to numerous health problems:
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Overheating in summer , which can lead to thermal exhaustion.
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Skin infections due to moisture trapped under the wool.
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Parasite infestations , such as lice or maggots (myiasis).
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Difficulty moving around , especially in breeds with dense fleece.
- And in the case of pregnant ewes: to concentrate their energy on lactation rather than on wool production.
Indeed, when a ewe is sheared shortly before the birth of her lambs (often 2 to 4 weeks before), this has several advantages:
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It produces milk more easily , because its metabolism is no longer stressed by the growth of wool.
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It is cleaner , which reduces the risk of infection during birth.
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Lambs find the udders more easily .
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She is more receptive to care and more mobile.
Some fast-growing breeds may even require two shearings per year , especially if climatic conditions warrant it.
In Australia, a sheep named Chris , which had gone feral, was found with over 41 kg of wool on its back after several years without shearing. It struggled to walk and its life was at risk. This is an extreme but telling example: shearing is not a luxury, it's a necessity .
Regular shearing = a healthy sheep
Contrary to what some may think, shearing doesn't hurt sheep . It's a bit like a haircut: if it's done properly, the animal doesn't suffer and comes away relieved. At Lanado, we work with professional shearers trained to handle sheep gently and efficiently , adhering to European animal welfare standards.
Why do we mow every year ?
In Belgium, and particularly in Wallonia , sheep are generally sheared once a year , often in the spring (April-June), before the heat of summer. This frequency allows for:
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To prepare the animal for the summer , while avoiding heatstroke.
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To reduce the risk of skin or parasitic diseases .
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To promote better wool growth for the following year.
Some fast-growing breeds may even require two shearings per year , especially if climatic conditions warrant it.
In Wallonia, a reasoned mowing, spread throughout the year
At Lanado, our commitment goes beyond simple shearing. We operate throughout Wallonia , and we collect wool in an organized and respectful manner. Each year, we organize six wool collections in different locations across Wallonia. These collections allow us to:
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Centralize wool sourced from small local farmers.
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Promoting a local and natural product , often overlooked.
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Ensuring complete traceability : we know where every kilo of wool comes from.
👉 In 2024, we collected nearly 2.5 tonnes of Walloon wool , sorted, cleaned and used for our products.
And what about animal welfare in all of this?
This is the question we hear most often, and rightly so: "Is shearing a sheep good for it?"
The answer is yes , provided that certain best practices are followed:
✅ Professional mowing
Our partner shearers use approved methods that minimize stress and prevent injuries. Each shearing session lasts on average 3 to 5 minutes per animal.
✅ Gentle and respectful handling
The sheep is kept in a sitting position (which is not painful for it), which naturally calms it. No sharp or dangerous tools are used.
✅ Carefully chosen moment
Shearing is done at the right time , neither too early (to avoid the animal getting cold), nor too late (so that it does not suffer from the heat).
Local, ethical and sustainable wool
By choosing wool products from our network, you support:
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A local and circular production .
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The work of Walloon farmers , often forgotten in traditional commercial channels.
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A responsible sector , respectful of animals and the environment.
Did you know that the majority of wool used in Europe comes from Australia or New Zealand? At Lanado, we believe in another way: valuing what we have here, at home, in Wallonia.
Some key figures 🐑
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1 sheep = approximately 2 to 4 kg of wool per shearing (depending on the breed).
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In Wallonia, the number of sheep raised is estimated at 150,000 (source: SPW Agriculture).
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An unharvested fleece can grow up to 10 cm thick in one year.
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In 2024, Lanado organised 6 collections in the provinces of Liège, Namur, Hainaut and Luxembourg.
In conclusion: shearing, an act of care and respect
Shearing is neither a fad nor exploitation , but a fundamental maintenance practice for the well-being of sheep. At Lanado, we are proud to practice ethical, local, and responsible shearing, with complete transparency.
By purchasing our products, you are making an informed and committed choice. You are supporting a sector that cares for its animals, values local resources, and respects the seasons. And you are giving your home a touch of that natural and lasting warmth that only wool can provide.
