A couple of weeks ago we purchased a small flock of sheep. 4 adult ewes (female sheep) with 7 lambs (sheep less than a year old). The lambs consisted of 3 rams (male lambs) and 4 ewes. All total 11 new animals on the farm. So why did we add sheep to all the other things we have going on? There are a number of reasons that led to the decision.
1. Sheep eat more different types of plants than any other livestock. They can turn undeveloped and weed filled pastures into more lush productive land. Sheep can improve the appearance and usability of neglected pastures in a short period of time. Since our farm has not been managed effectively in 20 plus years, adding sheep to help improve the pasture is an important benefit.
2. Sheep are very hardy, tolerant animals. The breed we chose are Dorper sheep. These are a cross breed of the Dorsett Horned and Blackhead Persian variety. They were developed in South Africa to be drought tolerant and forage on sparse vegetation. In the southeast region of the United States, they are a proven performer that can also withstand cold winters. So, ease of care was a big factor in the decision to add them to the farm.
3. Sheep manure is a valuable fertilizer. Since they graze on less than desirable ground, their manure helps to improve fertilization and growth of better forages. By rotationally grazing (moving them onto different areas of pasture) the sheep, we spread their manure and urine onto areas needed most at our control and on our timing. If there is an area that needs a fertilizer boost, we simply put the sheep on that specific area for a few days and let them do the work. No chemicals needed.
4. Sheep are easy to manage, move and maintain. Due to their strong herding instincts, sheep are easy to keep together in a tightly managed flock and don’t disperse out over a wide area. This makes it easier to offer protection through electrified netting as well as direct them very specifically onto a spot in the pasture.
5. Sheep do not require expensive infrastructure, buildings or feed inputs. Because they are such hardy animals, sheep thrive in an open pasture operation. They do require fencing, or in our case electrified netting, to keep them in their assigned areas and to keep predators out. Expectant ewes do utilize portable shelters during lambing.
6. Sheep require low labor inputs. While sheep are not a “set it and forget it” breed of livestock, they do not require a lot of labor management. Sheep are moved onto a new pasture daily which takes about 20 minutes along with a quick check to ensure water is clean and fresh. During the daily moves, sheep can be observed for changes in behavior and any health concerns that may arise.
7. Lamb and mutton are desirable cuts of meat. Grass-fed lamb has increased in popularity over the past few years. Lamb chops, roasts and “lamburger” are lean, and have added health benefits over beef. With most grass-fed lamb being produced in New Zealand and Australia, we want to offer a local option for those who enjoy sheep products on their table.
8. Sheep have the potential to be a profitable enterprise to the farm. As with any other business, we have to keep cash flow and profit in mind, so we can maintain and grow. With their low labor inputs, lack of expensive infrastructure needs, easy of management and ability to help improve pastures, we added sheep to help support the ongoing work of the farm.
So those are the reasons we chose to add sheep to the pigs, chickens, cows, turkeys, and ducks (more on those guys later) to the farm.
