Wilfong Farm to host sheep shearing event

Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer

There are thousands of World Records for all kinds of disciplines and talents – from the largest rubberband ball to the shortest living woman.

This Saturday, July 21, at the Wilfong Farm in Green Bank, Rick Jones, of Pennsylvania, will attempt to break the U.S. record for number of sheep sheared in a 24-hour period.

Charles and Michelle Wilfong have a large herd of sheep and, each year, they have shearers come to the farm to help with the wool harvest. Jones was one of those shearers, and he asked the Wilfongs if he could use their sheep to attempt to break the record.

“He asked if he could use our lambs and do it here and we said, ‘sure,’” Michelle said. “That’s how it all came about. He’s going to be shearing for twenty-four hours. He will get a few breaks and the time stops, but he’s going to try to shear 630 sheep.”

Volunteers, including several Pocahontas County High School students, will help keep the “sheep train” moving through the shoot and keep track of the count. A counter will be on display for the spectators, as well.

Along with attempting to break a record, Jones wanted the event to raise funds for a charitable cause. Jones chose Farmer Veteran Coalition, a non-profit organization that helps veterans transition from military service to farming and mobilizes veterans to feed America.

The event will include concessions for spectators and silent auction items with all proceeds going to Farmer Veteran Coalition. The Wilfongs have also received donations from local businesses for the project.

“Charles and I, whenever they actually shear our lambs, we pay them by the head, so instead of paying Rick, we’re writing a check to the Veterans Coalition,” Michelle said.

The event begins at 8 a.m. at the sheep barn at the Wilfong’s home on Wesley Chapel Road.