The month of July has been a busy month for me. The temperatures in July have been near or over 100 degrees fahrenheit. There has been no rain with the high temperatures, the grass has stopped growing. I am having to feed hay. The hay we purchased for fall and winter feed is being fed…… Continue reading July 2022
Category: Sheep Farming
A Tribute
Big Bertha and first set of twins I would not be a sheep farmer if I did not have sheep. I strive to become a better sheep farmer each day. There are good times and there are bad times. And some days are just sad times. My oldest group of ewes is in the process…… Continue reading A Tribute
Waiting for Lambs
My ewes are due to start lambing anytime. The first date for lambs to start appearing was July 4. But since I do not use any hormones to cycle my ewes, the first cycle may come days after I put the ram in with them. Sometimes waiting for lambs to be born is similar to…… Continue reading Waiting for Lambs
My “Happy Spot”
I think about sheep and the business of raising sheep almost constantly, other than when I am sleeping and sometimes even then. Sometimes a person needs a break from sheep. I take a break every morning with my first cup of coffee. I visit my “happy spot”. My “happy spot” has nothing to do with…… Continue reading My “Happy Spot”
Getting Started
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and starting with the first one. Mark Twain If you are starting to raise sheep for the first time, adding sheep to your existing operations, or wanting to make changes in the way…… Continue reading Getting Started
Great Things
All great things have small beginnings Peter Senge I like this quote. When we begin raising sheep or something else, we do not start out grand. Wal-Mart started with one store and grew into a giant retail. Likewise, you begin being a sheep farmer with the first sheep you purchase. Do not despise small beginnings,…… Continue reading Great Things
Celebrate
Photo by rovenimages.com on Pexels.com Have you ever asked yourself these questions: “How do I feel about being a sheep farmer?” I like being a sheep farmer. I get self-fulfillment being a sheep farmer. I look forward to the different times of lambing. I do have a hard time selling some of my old ewes…… Continue reading Celebrate
Marketing Strategy
Every sheep farm needs a marketing strategy. As a sheep farmer what are your dreams and goals for your sheep farm? Do you enjoy the breed of sheep you are raising? What I mean by enjoy the breed of sheep you are raising, the products your sheep produce, do you use them? or are you…… Continue reading Marketing Strategy
Culling Lambs
I am getting ready to wean my spring lambs. During this weaning I will be looking at individual lambs to sort into three groups: registered sheep, commercial sheep, and market or cull sheep. Before I begin the process I review the Dorper Sheep Breed Standard. Since my plan is to improve my Dorper herd to…… Continue reading Culling Lambs
Reaction Unexpected
Photo by David Hablu00fctzel on Pexels.com As a sheep farmer we work outside daily. There are different hazards we face, some large such as working around farm machinery or handling an aggressive ram. There are also small hazards we do not think about until we are injured, cut from fence wire, hitting our finger with…… Continue reading Reaction Unexpected
Granny's Homestead 