HOW TO SHOP FOR SHEEP | BEGINNERS GUIDE to Buying Sheep
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
- Small Farmer Virtual Meetup: bit.ly/ShepherdessMeet
Join the Shepherdess Newsletter: bit.ly/ShepherdessNWSLTR
Here is a Beginner Guide to Buying Sheep. These are questions that I asked when I bought my new sheep or good bits of advice that I received from experienced livestock owners who counseled me as I bought my new sheep. I have broken this guide up into 3 parts: What to avoid when shopping for sheep, what to ask before buying sheep, and what to do when you bring your sheep back to your farm. I hope this beginner guide to buying sheep helps you as you shop for your own farm.
Thanks for watching!
the Shepherdess at Harmony Farms
Support my Channel on PATREON: bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon
READ MY BLOG: bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG
FOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/ShepherdessIG
SHOP MY MERCH: bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH
About me:
My name is Grace and I am the Shepherdess at Harmony Farms. I jumped into farming in 2020 with no previous experience in agriculture. My background is in business management and retail marketing and my goal in farming is to build a profitable farm business on 30 acres! I am doing this with full blood Dorper sheep and have a goal to be profitable on my small scale farm by 2027! Selling breeding stock and pasture raised meat are my end goal here. Thank you for following my journey and read more at www.HarmonyFarms.blog.
![Make Money Raising Sheep [Complete Guide]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/h15jeOF31TM/mqdefault.jpg)
thank you for the tips and information,,, this can also apply to all live stock,,, the only thing a " sale " barn should be used for is to supply the food chain
I would have to heartily agree about the sale barn. It was not a very positive experience for me at all.
Grateful as always for your support, Yooper!
-the Shepherdess
Here in South Africa we have certain days in the month that's designated for breeding stock exclusive , farmers in the region would then bring their registered livestock for sale or if its a big farmer with lots of animals he will held an auction at the sale barn . The benefits of working through livestock auctioneers is that they have all the contacts of everyone that would be interested and since the covid they had to step it up with online auction you can get the data about every animal pre auction ensuring a much bigger audience to bid on the price
@@juanpieterse4075 sale barns are a bit different in the USA. There are some very good sales that many of my rancher friends will ship their quality livestock to... however many of the local sale barns are outlets for sick animals that do not perform well on the farm.
Not all are bad, but if you are a beginner buying livestock in USA you are better off establishing a good relationship with the breeder and paying a little extra to buy off their farm.
-the Shepherdess
At the end of this video you said you have 4 sets of genetics capable of producing 2 independent bloodlines. I have 3 questions for you: 1. After raising a mixed flock of dorpers & katahdins for 5 years I'm at the stage where I need to trade out my rams to ensure genetic diversity. I'd be very interested in a whiteboard discussion of your genetics/bloodline management plan. 2. Since you do rotational grazing, I'm wondering how you keep the bloodlines from getting cross-bred? Do you keep the flocks separated, thus doubling or quadrupling your daily chores to move flocks onto fresh paddocks? 3. Regarding hoof care, I saw in your video that you use a 'deck chair' that lays a sheep on its back. I'd be interested in seeing you trim hooves, and hearing how you like that method versus other methods.
All very interesting points
Those are great questions I’m wondering too about the rams and rotation of them.
Thank you for sharing your faith as well.
Your passion for what you do is contagious and more over your wisdom to seek out both the Lord's blessing and guidance is wonderful. Hope you and your family are richly blessed so you can continue to be a blessing to others.
Thank you, Steve!
A lot of great advice on this video. I too have made the same mistakes years ago. It is so easy now to do your research. Back in the day I remember I had one rule. If I got out of the truck and didn't feel right on first sight I would walk away. Some farms I wouldn't even walk in the barn. You become what you settle for. You can be just another person with sheep. Or you can be the Shepherd that everybody else is judged by.
Your choice.
Yes sir! Lessons learned hard are hard to forget.
-the Shepherdess
Solid information for first timers, like me. I haven’t yet bought any sheep until I’m sure that I know what & how to buy, where to buy, and how to effectively manage them. The pasture I have is small and needs improvement. So I’m running pigs and chickens to regenerate the soil and activate the seed bank. Then a perimeter fence must be installed/repaired and some earthworks must be done to control run-off. Some swales and ponds, trees planted to stabilize this previous, and rotational plans established. After this, there are perhaps 5-10 acres adjoining that need the same development to allow for expansion of the flock in a few years. I don’t want to be the one who buys just any sheep and throws them in a pasture hoping to turn a fast buck. Your videos are very beneficial. Thank you. You are truly impressive and I’m sure God made sure I found you first.
I found your channel the other day. I subbed because of good content. Because of being "really grateful to the Lord", I'm gonna have to hit that notification bell!
Thank you!
Me too! 🙏🏽
My brother who is 17 years older than me and I have been discussing different bio/regenerative ag ideas and what livestock would be best in our location and in the current global crisis. I am leaning strongly towards sheep and my brother keeps telling me to go watch your content well I was searching for a video on sheep selection and here I am now following you for content. Thanks so much for the amazing content!
Sweet Possum Farms
Marsalin Archer
Ferriday, Louisiana
When I had sheep I used an idea from my wife's uncle. The 4 H auction at the fair will have ewes in the market category. They are top quality stock. I found ones bought by someone for the advertisement. Usually they go to sale barn then buyer pays difference. I offered buyer sale barn price and a deal was made. I got one or two good ewes a year this way.
Thank you so much for sharing the good and the difficult. I am inspired by your vision and faith filled approach to your business in combination with a passion for caring for your herd and practicing good stewardship with your land.
I love your educational and entertaining videos.....very honest and very competent!!! Great Job !!!!!
Good advise thanks I will be using it when my pasture is full and green from me planting fresh grasses, legumes.
For got to add. I got Hampshire and Suffolk sheep. I live in Michigan. Wool good for winter. I also had marginal pasture. I supplemented with mash from making beer. I got this for free from a brew pub.
Brilliant!
Been waiting for this video!!
Hope it helped you! Thanks for all your support, Alvaro.
-the Shepherdess
Great video as always. Keep up the good work! Your sheep look fantastic 😍
Thank you, sir! Same to you!
-the Shepherdess
God is with you. Thanks Glenn
Just what I was looking for!
Thank you so much and God Bless!
You are so welcome!
Thankyou fire the info
Good questions 👏🏾🙏🏾
I love you and your honesty I hear it in your voice and see it in your face excellent video for me I'm in the process of extending my farm and sheep is my next go beautiful video and thanks 1 million ❤❤😊
You have to be careful buying from people as well. I've had bad luck visited the farm twice before buying from them. Everything looked great but they lied ALOT! I do agree with the sale barns tho. As soon as i bought my first sheep had huge problems and found local help and shadowed the guy that helped me helped him for free just to get the knowledge
I really love your videos, I commented a few days ago but basically I´m signing the deeds on a farm tomorrow and plan to raise Black Hebridean sheep, I only have 13 acres including the property and outbuildings but there are two large fields and a smaller field. I will defintely be doing more research, probably about at least a year away, need to fix fencing and stuff first.
Always good information
Thank you, Evelyn! I am always glad when your comment comes through!
-the Shepherdess
Top class info
Keep it going, Shepherdess!
Thanks, Robert! You are a huge part of my encouragement going forward. Thanks for always showing up!
-the Shepherdess
OMG look at their ears when they are running... aww cute, man.
Am Just impressed on how u explain things I learn alot dea ,am just a beginner with around 10 sheep bt not a good quality breed ,bt hopefully am yet to learn alot from uuu
Thank you. It's always interesting.
Appreciate you so much, Patricia! Thank you!
@@theShepherdess you're welcome.
Think you're a great business woman and farmer.. inspired!
Really pretty and healthy looking flock. Thanks for the information!
Thank you, Matt!
i love your content
Awesome great tips for what to look for in purchasing sheep for a first time sheep owners. As you may know, from the binge watching comments we've been doing on your channel, we are wanting to be sheep owners. What are some things we should have in place next year before we own sheep? And when is the best time to start owning a small flock?
Thank you so much for commenting! I really appreciate your support.
Here are some things I would consider:
•Know what dewormer methods you will use. Sheep can die pretty quickly ones worms get a hold of their system, so always be watching for that.
•invest in good fencing (electric poly netting is a good choice for getting started).
•if you live somewhere with wild dogs or cayote, be sure to keep the sheep close enough to your house to watch them yourselves, or buy a livestock guardian dog.
As far as best time: Don’t rush into anything... and be sure you buy quality over quantity. Even if they cost a bit more and you only start with 2 ewes, go for quality. 👍🏻
-the Shepherdess
Well done!
Thank you, Skip!
-the Shepherdess
MashaAllah Great..Very informative..Keep it up..Regards
That's so nice
Nice comprehensive beginners guide! Good job!
Thanks, Brent! I definitely wish this topic was discussed more. So many opportunities to buy in trouble unless you’ve got the right source.
Thanks for your support!
-the Shepherdess
@@theShepherdess True and to some extent...there's probably always going to be some sort of issues needing serious attention. Folks should be sure to have a reliable source of assistance and advice before they ever spend a thin dime on livestock. It's a pretty scary encounter with despair when you have a sick and needy animal and you don't know what to do. No matter how good a person is with animals, you can never be over prepared to deal with issues.
@@Digger927 that's a really good point. I get to thinking if I cross all my T's there won't be problems... finding out it's more a matter of learning how to deal with the challenges than avoid them... the latter is not possible in this line of work... correct me if I'm wrong... 'cuz I'd love to be on that front. haha.
@@theShepherdess Ha, yeah me too!
Farmer simon from Kenya (East Africa).Webuye area-(Western Kenya)
Learning alot
Hi Simon. Are you using rotational/regenerative techniques on your farm?
@@david.bull. No.
We plant mainly corn every year in between the harvest time we interchange with short season crop like pinnutbutter...welcome to Kenya...We can host you.good day.from farmer Simon
@@simonngenyi2685 I'm from Canada and I'm currently staying in Eldoret. I'm looking to get some land here to do some regenerative farming. How do I contact you?
Def ask re teeth filing and history of colic, or any other ailments, great video , bless you.
thank you
Greetings from the LooseNatural farm in Andalusia Spain where we currently looking into buying sheep
Ohhh wow thank you for this video! Love the credit you give to God. ❤
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the support!
In South Africa auctions are a best place to buy quality animals (stud or commercial breeding stock). The farmers also sell their culls often they will be labelled as fat stock or slaughter animals. In auctions you will pay a higher price compared to when buying directly from farmers, but the farmers like the auctions for optimum prices and don't really like one-time buyers. Thank you, Shepherdess, for sharing your knowledge.
Here is the opposite. The only animals at the sale barn are culls. If you are looking for low grade animals for slaughter then the auction is for you.
1:46 Hey! We love Carl's Hat! Maybe we could send a hat to you too, Grace?!
I think that's a great list. We are getting our first set of sheep tomorrow! They are from a friend that raises them exactly how we want to. I agree with you regarding sale barns. I considered buying them from one but after visiting a few times there is no way I ever would. We saw rams butting each other into a bloody mess after they were sold. Ewes were getting bred with whatever they were in there with and obviously sick animals. I just wouldn't risk it. - Mike
Congrats!! Keep me updated on your journey!!
-the Shepherdess
@@theShepherdess Thanks! So far things are going well. We got 5 katahdin ewes. We are looking for a Royal White ram but haven't had any luck finding one in our area (NC). -Mike
@@theShepherdess - Oh and thank you for your videos. They have been very helpful! -Mike
Great video. You mentioned not getting from a stock yard and I totally agree. One thing I truly try to look out for is independent farms that "sell their herd" but have just recently gone to a stock yard and purchased a lower price due to volume and then sell off those sheep in smaller quantity to make money. Lots of different ear tags from lots of different places (states) will be the proof in this. I'm sure you don't see that as much in registered sheep, but we see it often in the non registered arena. Have you run into this before?
Very good point here! I have not run into this yet, but it would be good to ask if the flock is closed or open.
Hi there could you please tell us about royal whites and Australian white sheep?
the lord is my shepherds
Amen!
-the Shepherdess
How far way should I for foundation stock in regards to time the sheep are in the trailer?
I want sheep so bad!!!
Life is cruel and full of knocks. But as you have done, learn dust yourself off and try a new method to achieve your goal. You have time on your side (you are very young compared to me) so the odd hiccup is expected. You have a good head on your shoulders with very good hearing. This means that you extract as much information from your elders as possible and then come up with your own reasoned plan. Thanks for posting
Thank you as always for your encouraging words! I have to say: I’m learning more and more to keep my ears wide open the the words of my elders... they have steered me from so much trouble... and I’ve only encountered trouble when I try to shove it off.
Blessed by your support,
-the Shepherdess
Good farm
Thank you for sharing the story of the misanthropic ewe. If we ask the Lord will protect our operation overall but allow mistakes that teach us lifelong lessons. I’ve not ever made the mistake of buying too high quality anything; but I’ve bought alleged high quality and been fooled like you.
What I appreciated learning is that there are sheep mills just like puppy mills for pets. It’s horrifying but important for me to know.
Keep up the good work.
Pretty animals 👍
I want to start goat and sheep farming, Can you make a video on how to choose a land, location. Which state to chose. For beginners? Much obliged.
Excellent advice. It is not easy getting quality animals. Unfortunately people don't always tell you the truth about their program. Sale barns have a place, but I have had poor luck buying replacement cattle from them.
Yes, I was glad for the firsthand experience at a sale barn, but also glad I didn’t bring anything back from there. To me it was worth the extra $$ to buy straight off pasture.
Can you share sources that you purchased from?
Do you allow on site visits to see your operation?
Do you have Full blood Dopers? Also, Are you selecting for S African standards?
Finally do you have any ewes for sale?
Thank you for sharing
Do you have a video on your genetics process and goals?
Not yet, but I’ll probably create one once I begin breeding in October.
-the Shepherdess
I would also love to hear how you are closing your flock, genetically speaking. Thank you for some great advice too!!
If you could would you get dorper sheep from South Africa recently
Imported stock lines or ones that have been USA raised for some time?
She prefers stock that have been raised in a similar climate to her own, with a similar grazing method.
Nice video that covers the basics and principles we follow as well.. Hope the ram has adapted to your operation.
He's really loving life so far!
-the Shepherdess
Just a quick question from a very new future farmer :), i have always been confused about breeding. How do you avoid line breeding or inbreeding when your flock is closed. Same thing with cattle. Do you suggest any books or a video that might explain this a bit better to me ? Thank you so much and hope you are well
I breed father to daughter and father to granddaughter without any problems. 👍🏻
I would like to know how many lambs each ewe has? Are your ewes giving you singles, twins, or triplets?
What about the amount of time the sheep need to be in a barn in winter time.
Where I live we have 7 to 8 months of winter every year.
Tho the sheep would be able to go out to the barn yard for at least half of the winter days. Day time is only 4 + hours in December.
Yes, winter months are where the risk of confinement comes into play. Typically if bedding is clean and dry there a lot fewer issues!
-the Shepherdess
I'm not looking to have a full on farming operation... yet. But i do want to start my item homestead flock for myself and a few neighbors who want to land share with me for a bit of personal meat.
How old is a good age to purchase a "learning" sheep/flock? I don't even know if I will like raising sheep I'm so used to goats.
I currently raise dairy goats, and I received "learning" does from a trusted friend for my first goats. Bred then to another friends buck once they came into season and was hooked. I've really cut my teeth on them. I know what i like and don't like for that type of livestock now. But there was a learning curve.
Is it wise to get a good quality line, but maybe an older ewe that only has one-2 seasons left? Is this a bad idea? Or do I want a bottle lamb?
Hi so how much is a sheep if I want to buy
I'm thinking of either getting goats or sheep for a pet/lawnmower never had any before. Maybe interested in getting into milking but mainly just a pet to keep the grass down in the backyard. I'd like a smaller and preferably a sheep that has hair and actually wants to be around humans and be pet and follow me around. Is there any breeds you suggest looking at or do you think I'm better off with a goat. I've just been looking Into this today but any advice and knowledge would be appreciated
Goats are cantankerous and love getting into mischief. They also do best in a rocky/hilly terrain. Also remember you can't buy lone goats or lone sheep. You need to buy sheeps in groups or goats in groups.
I look for animals that slicked off earlier than others
Sheep vs goat which is best and profitable
Many of the sections of this video the audio is not working.... but it seems it was working at some point, can you reupload or send to me please. this is an important video.
Do Dorper sheep breed seasonally or all year round
Year round breeding is possible with dorpers, but it is typically a genetic trait you have to select for.
-the Shepherdess
Do you finish your sheep on grass? And do they grow a lot of hoof on a 100% grass diet?
Yes, aside from hay and protein supplement over winter, my sheep run on 100% grass.
I trim hooves once a year. I have heard that grain presents more problems with hoof overgrowth than grass does.
Thank you!
-the Shepherdess
@@theShepherdess Thanks for your reply. I had never really considered Dorpers until the last couple days when I saw some of your videos. How do they compare to Katahdins or Saint Croix when it comes to carcass weight and parasite resistance?
Dorpers can present about a 30-50% greater carcass yield, but are less parasite resistant than the St. Croix and Kathadin. This is not based on personal experience, but from feedback from a veteran shepherdess (20yrs).
Thanks so much!
-the Shepherdess
Wish we watched this before we bought 5 sheep. only1 survived after less than a year
How do I go about registering my sheep help with profit
Go to the breed website for more details. You can find Dorper info at Dorper.org
Where you located I’m interested to start my farm with dorper lambs I’m in Kentucky
Sbe is in East Texas.
Madam
Your sheep are very beautiful, what BREED is it?
What green and dry féed you give your sheep
Do you keep your male lambs separate and tide
These are dorper sheep.
I feed pasture grass (whatever is growing seasonally).
I keep the lambs and ewes together… unless they are ram lambs.
@@theShepherdess
Latter when ram attends adult age do you sell.
Whereas in India we look after such lambs for a year and feed dry grains twice a day for better and fast growth, for mutton taste and good texture latter we sell it gets a good price
Further a suggestion please plant lot of Mullbbury trees as pasture it gives quality mutton and shear wool after giving through bath to sheep appoint two skilled workers weave wool thread and garments you can market. There are more profitable sources in sheep farming.
I know this is a year old , but why didn't you go to the vet first before going home. ? The vet may have information from a check up .
According to your financial analysis you can gross $26,640 on 23 acres at capacity. To be able to net $30,000 (@ 30% of $100,000 target gross income), you would need 86 acres and 300 sheep. How would you be able to manage 300 sheep over 86 acres by yourself in order for you to be able to earn a reasonable ($30,000 annual income)?
Also, I don't believe your costs included the carrying costs for financed land (or related rent).
There are a few value adding elements to my operation that I have covered in this video: ruclips.net/video/bueCUidTslA/видео.html
Here is another video that touches on farming being a part of a well diversified business portfolio: ruclips.net/video/BLvaLC41aLw/видео.html
Here is a video on lease land and how much it costs in my area: ruclips.net/video/Fw5BfBQCeUI/видео.html
Hi I am from India can I buy sheeps from foreign countries
Suggestion: since people like shorter vids, you might be money ahead to skip telling us what's ahead in the vid, maybe tease with "7 things to look for when buying sheep". The number keeps people in to the end
Great suggestion!
You did a good thing taking in that ewe. Is she a good wool producer?
Thank you, Judy! The Dorper doesn't produce wool... just meat :).
Not sure why you are so secretive about naming the good places to buy grass fed sheep..? Are there not really any good places or do you just don’t want to share?
Great info.
Life is full of ups and downs.
We learn along the way. Even us old timers.
🇺🇸☮️🎚