Why The Farmyard Collective

From burnout to rebirth — how shearing led to something bigger.

Where It All Started

In 2017, I moved to Arizona trying to figure out my next chapter. I had just come off several intense years of back-to-back shearing seasons — working in the U.S. and Australia without much rest in between. I was burnt out.

After trying a few different entrepreneurial ventures, I thought, Maybe I’ll just see if there’s a need for shearing around here. And it turned out — there was.

I didn’t have a business name, so I sat down with my wife to brainstorm. People often misheard my name as “Nick” instead of “Mick,” so I went with something simple and clear: Mick Hofmann Shearing. I printed some cards, started cold-calling, and said “yes” to just about everything that first season.

“I went from zero to 130 clients in year one — all by getting my name out there and letting my work speak for itself.”

What Started Changing

Originally, I just offered shearing. But almost right away, people started asking me:

“While you’re here, could you trim the hooves too?”

At first, I didn’t think that was my role — I was there to shear, not to do the farmer’s job. But over time, more and more people started asking for more and more help.

What started with hooves turned into vaccines. Then dewormers. Then alpaca teeth. Then — miniature pig hooves.

“I realized that what I offered wasn’t just a service. It was support.”

By 2023, I was doing a lot more animal care than just shearing. And I started to feel it:The name no longer fit.

Why I Chose The Farmyard Collective

I needed a name that:

• Included more than just shearing

• Made sense whether I was working on pigs, goats, sheep, or alpacas

• Gave me room to grow into products, guides, and education

In early 2025, I finally settled on it:

The Farmyard Collective

It reflects what I actually do now — and where I’m going.

From hoof trims and calm handling to practical help with nutrition, water, and care — I’ve grown into a role that’s part shearer, part animal whisperer, part guide.

And the name now fits the mission.

What’s Stayed the Same

Even with the new name, the heart behind my work hasn’t changed:

• I still offer the same services — shearing, trimming, wellness help

• I still show up with respect, care, and know-how

• I still aim to leave animals healthier and more comfortable than I found them

What’s Next

This new name also gives me room to expand:

• Blog posts and resources to help you care for your animals

• Merchandise and products I personally use and believe in

• Simple guides and how-tos for goat owners, pig parents, and backyard farmers

  
  

Thanks for Being Here

To those who’ve been with me since the start — thank you.

To those just finding me now — welcome to The Farmyard Collective.

Let’s take great care of your animals together.