Whether you’re a new shepherd or you’re just curious and want to learn a little more about sheep food – it’s important to answer the question: “What do sheep eat?” Providing sheep with proper nutrition is the key to a thriving flock.
What Do Sheep Eat? Read More »
The Shropshire sheep breed originated in England. Farmers developed the breed by crossbreeding Leicester, Southdown, Cotswold and native sheep. In 1855 the Shropshire sheep breed was introduced to the United States. Shropshires were an immediate hit with US shepherds.
In this article I’ll discuss the basics of sheep reproduction, including information and tips for successfully breeding sheep. Learn about the physiology of this species and sheep mating habits and management best practices.
Breeding Sheep (a guide to sheep mating & reproduction) Read More »
Chances are you’ve heard the old saying…anything worth doing is worth doing right. Keeping sheep on your farm and deciding to become a sheep producer is one of those things. Raising sheep can be a profitable and rewarding experience … if YOU allow it to be. No matter how big or how small your operation, if
Keeping Sheep (how to prepare your farm & yourself) Read More »
One of the most common questions asked by both new and experienced shepherds is “How Many Sheep Per Acre of Pasture is Ideal?”. While there are good numbers to base your sheep stocking rate decisions on (and we’ll include those in this article), the short answer is that the sheep space requirements in your flock
How Many Sheep Per Acre of Pasture is Ideal? Read More »
The Ouessant (pronounced: Ushant) sheep breed is a domestic breed which is named for the island where it originated. The island of Ouessant is a small piece of land located just off the coast of Brittany, France and until early in the 20th century the Ouessant sheep breed could only be found on this small
The American Miniature Brecknock is also referred to by its former names, which include the Small Cheviot and the Southern Hill Cheviot. This breed was imported to the United States in 1833 by a company in Washington called the Hudson Bay Co., and today the American Miniature Brecknock is best known for its fleece, which
American Miniature Brecknock Sheep Read More »
Many people wonder about the name of a female sheep, and are surprised to discover that there are several commonly used names a female sheep is called. Your sheep’s age and the role she plays on the farm are both factors which help to determine what your female sheep should be called.
What is a Female Sheep Called? Read More »
If you plan to raise sheep for profit or at least try to break even while raising sheep, one of the most important steps you can take to set yourself up for success is to develop a business plan for sheep farming. A well-considered business plan is an essential part of operating any business, and
How to Create a Business Plan for Sheep Farming Read More »
All sheep are not alike and deciding on the type of sheep you want to raise is a big choice. There are literally dozens of breeds of sheep to choose from when choosing a breed for your farm. In this article I’ll share some of the best sheep breeds for beginners. I’ll also provide an overview of
Best Sheep Breeds for Beginners (your options) Read More »