Ever want to learn to humanly slaughter and butcher your own sheep? This workshop is for you!

We’re so lucky to be hosting Ellen Van Vleck of The Meating Place and Fat Chap Co. for a two-day immersive workshop.

Learn whole-animal butchery through hands-on instruction with Icelandic sheep, a heritage breed prized for flavor and sustainability. Over two days, participants will practice knife skills, safe cutting techniques, and the step-by-step breakdown of a whole animal into primals and specialty cuts. The workshop also covers nose-to-tail utilization, culinary applications, and breed background. Tools are provided, and attendees take home a half-share of lamb. Ideal for homesteaders, farmers, home cooks, or anyone interested in the art of butchery.

What You’ll Learn:

• Fundamentals of humane, respectful slaughter, butchery, and nose-to-tail utilization, including skinning for hide tannery

• Step-by-step breakdown of a whole Icelandic sheep

• Knife skills, tool handling, and safe cutting techniques

• Identifying and separating primals, sub-primals, and specialty cuts

• Traditional and modern applications for each part of the animal

• Discussion of Icelandic sheep husbandry, flavor profiles, and culinary uses

• All about Fog & Fleece Sheepery

Workshop Details:

• Duration: 2 days of instruction and hands-on practice with a guided farm tour

• Format: Group learning, intensive, hands-on training guided by Ellen Van Vleck, an experienced butcher from The Meating Place and owner of Fat Chap Co.

• Included: Tools and safety equipment provided; participants take home a half share of lamb that they butcher

• Location: Fog & Fleece Sheepery, on farm at 4269 Y Road in Bellingham, WA 98226

• Dates: Saturday & Sunday, September 27th & 28th - 10am to about 4pm both days with a 1-hr lunch break (please bring a lunch, or visit the historical Rome Grocery for wood-fired pizza, just a 3-minute drive away)!

• Cost: $700 per person for the full two-day workshop and a half lamb share, or $120 per day without any lamb take-home

• Accommodations: You are welcome to tent camp on the farm for an additional $20, or camp at Rusty Ranch, an award winning campground across the street (at their seasonal rates). Car camping is welcome at no extra cost, and we have parking for trailers and campers as well. Please note there is a porta-john on site, but no full restroom access

Who Should Attend:

• Farmers and homesteaders interested in whole-animal sheep processing

• Enthusiasts of heritage livestock and traditional foodways

• Anyone looking to learn a new skill and support small local farms and teachers!

This workshop emphasizes respect for the animal, skill-building, and a deep appreciation of Icelandic sheep as a unique culinary resource. Whether you’re a chef, a farmer, or a passionate home cook, you’ll leave with practical skills and a deeper connection to the craft of butchery and the incredible breed that is Icelandic Sheep!

Additional things to do: The farm offers sheep hang-outs for an additional cost, which includes on-pasture time with the sheep. You get a blanket to sit or lay on and a small bucket of apples to feed the sheep, included in the $40 per person cost. This is great for knitters or crafters!

REFUNDS - please note that we will not be able to offer refunds for the class cost ($120 per day) as we need to pay our teacher no matter what. However, we can refund you the cost of the lamb share if you cancel by 9/21.

Register here!