Should I Get Into Sheep?

[Farming5]

I have a 200 acre farm. I plant soybeans in the field every year and I have 20 holstien cows. And I was wondering if it was worth it at all to get into some sheep? They don't seem that hard to maintain seeing as how i already have hay equipment for my cows and a Bobcat to clean out the barn. And if I did get into sheep could i keep them in the pasture with the cows?

 

[jaotguy]

sheep graze to the roots ... compete with cows in pasture

hooves need rocky soil to wear down , or you'll be trimming regularly

price for wool / meat is low ... unless you are supplying local spinners / food outlets

easy predation compared to cows ...

 

[Fossil Farm]

Neighbor has had sheep all his life. A lot of work. If you want to raise them for income, find something else. If you want to raise them for fun, it would be OK. Do you know how to shear sheep? He learned to shear himself because finding someone to do it is nearly impossible around here unless you have a friend who does it. During lambing, prepare to get up every 4 hours for feeding if you get twins or triplets. As jaotguy said, coyotes and dogs can do a number on lambs and sheep. He is always asking me if I have seen any new coyotes or stray dogs around. Everything is easy when outside looking in. Maybe with Columbus close by, you could find a market for specialized wool or organic meats, but do some research first into the marketplace.

 

[Tx Jim]

I remember this old saying from my youth "Sheep are born looking for a place to die". I tried raising some Dorper sheep about 7 years ago and they still want to die. I'll stick with cows. Yes you can graze sheep in same pasture with cows.

 

[stephan]

Yes. A few table sheep are always very tasty. Pick the right breed.

I keep a few Dorpers for the table and they are easy to look after, meat breed and no shearing required.

Cattle facilities are not always suitable for sheep nor is the fencing.

You still need to drench and vaccinate.

Attributes

 

[newbury]

That's got to be one of the most racy thread titles I've read in a while.

If you do start raising sheep think of getting a Corgi for a herder.

 

[stephan]

That's got to be one of the most racy thread titles I've read in a while.

If you do start raising sheep think of getting a Corgi for a herder.

Everyone knows Corgi's are cattle dog's not sheep dogs

 

[newbury]

Everyone knows Corgi's are cattle dog's not sheep dogs

Corgi's are what Brit's use to herd the Queen!

 

[stephan]

Corgi's are what Brit's use to herd the Queen!

That's why they have 5. She unruly. Hard to manage.

 

[300UGUY]

Just be careful who you tell. Some folks get jealous !!