Jim McRae lives in Vermont, but roams the Northeast shearing sheep, something he loves. To him, it is an art to be practiced with skill and compassion, and also care. He has some bone-chilling stories to tell about the ways a shearer can be injured or hurt. He knows how to hand sheep and how to help them if they are injured or strain muscles.

These are the ancient arts of rural life, and they are in danger. These craftsmen, these farriers, shearers and equine dentists represent a way of life. It is always a struggle for them, fewer and fewer people keep large flocks of sheep, they live for the love of work, not money. I hope I can get Jim McRae to come to every Open Hose we have, he touches people deeply and leave them thinking and talking for hours.