local
Funday Friday: Sheep Shearing
By McShane, Sophie at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 10, 2026
· 1 min read
Minnesota Live is kicking off Funday Friday with one of its most unforgettable and woolly moments yet. For the very first time, the show is featuring a live sheep shearing right on set. Doug Rathke, who has represented the United States in hand blade shearing since 1996, stopped by to show off hi...
Key takeaway Doug Rathke, who has represented the United States in hand blade shearing since 1996, stopped by to show off his remarkable skills.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
This unique Funday Friday segment brings a taste of rural Minnesota to the city, showcasing a traditional skill that is still vital to the state's agricultural industry. As the most populous city in Minnesota, Minneapolis is often associated with urban amenities, but its proximity to rural areas and strong agricultural heritage make events like live sheep shearing a great way to connect with the state's roots. Doug Rathke's appearance on the show also highlights the expertise and talent that can be found in Minnesota, from farming to competitive shearing. The fact that he has represented the United States in hand blade shearing since 1996 demonstrates the high level of skill and dedication that exists in the state's agricultural community. This segment may inspire Minneapolis residents to learn more about the local farming industry and its many fascinating traditions.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Minnesota Live is kicking off Funday Friday with one of its most unforgettable and woolly moments yet. For the very first time, the show is featuring a live sheep shearing right on set. Doug Rathke, who has represented the United States in hand blade shearing since 1996, stopped by to show off hi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by McShane, Sophie at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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