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The Enthusiasts: The sheep shearer
July 23, 2003

Doug Rathke starts with the belly of this lamb. The wool from the underside is less valuable than the wool from the rest of the body. (MPR Photo/Steve Nelson)

Hutchinson, Minn. — Doug Rathke turned his enthusiasm into a living. Doug Rathke shears sheep for a living and competes in shearing competitions around the country and abroad. In the latest edition of our series, The Enthusiasts, Minnesota Public Radio's Steve Nelson pays a visit to Doug Rathke's farm near Hutchinson and meets Rathke, his sheep, and his electric clippers in a big white sheering barn.

In June, Doug Rathke represented the United States in Scotland at the Golden Shears World Championship. His team finished 11th out of 21 countries competing.

Select the audio link to hear the interview.

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