We see them everywhere, dotted around the countryside.

But are they Bleu du Maine, Blackface or Charollais?

They could be Devon and Cornwall Longwool, Hampshire, Vendeen or one of many other breeds and this year there are extra Roussin classes.

Come and see them in all their finery and speak to the people who farm them. Learn about the different breeds and the important industry they are part of.

For around six thousand years, sheep shearing and wool production has been an important part of this country's sheep industry.

And you can see just how it's done, at the Royal Cornwall Show. It's fascinating to watch.

Since sheep breeds no longer naturally moult, shearing is necessary to prevent the animal from overheating either when indoors, or outside during hot summer months. When shorn, sheep are also much less prone to fly strike.

Shearing timetable 2010

Sheep Shearing Timetable 2010

All Competitions staged in the shearing building

Thursday 10th June

• 10.30 a.m. Lodge & Thomas Auctioneers Young Farmers Competition
• 11.15 a.m. Lodge & Thomas Auctioneers Junior Championships
• 12.00 p.m. Pfizer Intermediate Championship Heats
• 2.00 p.m. Pfizer Intermediate Semi - Final
• 2.30 p.m. Lodge & Thomas Auctioneers Young Farmers Final
• 3.00 p.m. Lodge & Thomas Auctioneers Junior Final
• 3.30 p.m. Pfizer Open Intermediate Final
• 4.00 p.m. Presentation of Prizes

Friday 11th June

• 9.30 a.m. Jefferys Auctioneers Senior Championship Heats
• 10.30 a.m. Zintec Feed Supplements Open Championship Heats
• 2.30 p.m. Jefferys Auctioneers Senior Championship Final
• 3.00 p.m. Zintec Feed Supplements Open Championship Semi-Final
• 3.30 p.m. Jefferys Auctioneers Senior Championship Final
• 4.00 p.m. Zintec Feed Supplements Open Championship Final
• 4.30 p.m. Presentation of Prizes

Saturday 12th June

Events sponsored by Cornwall Farmers Limited

• 10.00 - 11.30 am Demonstration of shearing, wool rolling and spinning.
• 12.00 - 1.30 pm Demonstration of shearing, wool rolling and spinning.
• 2.00 - 3.30 pm Demonstration of shearing, wool rolling and spinning.

Fleeces of British sheep can be classified into three main types: carpet wools, down wools and long wools, each with suitable for different products.

Of course, for many centuries, wool was the country's main export. And today it's an important product although its value is not as great as farmers would wish.

Grading of fleeces is an expert task. You can watch the job being done and see for yourself what a wonderful natural product wool is, at the show.