Interested in Starting Your Flock of Sheep?

If you are interested in raising a flock of sheep first have an idea of what a production year will feel like on your farm or ranch.

Are you really aiming for low inputs and a grass based flock?

Will your flock be out 365 days a year?

Will you be lambing on pasture or in a barn, how will you manage through your winter season?

Not all breeds of sheep are created equal. The prolific breeds of sheep are less likely to thrive in a low input, grass based set up. The dairy sheep will need more attention, and some of the hair breeds may not fair as well on a year round basis in colder and harsher climates.

Next consider what traits in the various sheep breeds are most important in order to work in your production year. Is lambing on pasture what you're after or prolific ewes who can produce multiple lambs? Rank all your traits in order of importance if you need to. Also consider what each trait will cost or save you.

Once you have a solid idea of what you're looking for start asking around and phoning. Other producers and local sheep boards are a good start. Ask many questions and if it sounds really good arrange to visit the farm and see the flock of sheep you're interested in.

When you're visiting take a hard objective look and read between the lines so to speak. Are the animals really doing what you need them to do at your place? Do they have the main traits you need? Are they managed in a similar fashion?

Taking the time to search out the animals to suit your ranch will save you time, effort and money in the end. However, when you get your new flock home, keep in mind that even if you buy the best your money can buy there is always a bottom percent of the group that will not adapt. No two ranches are alike and the differences will always weed out a few culls.

If you're used to raising livestock in a barn and corral system you're used to having a lot of control and having to control a lot of things. With a grass flock the goal is to have the sheep look after themselves, thus giving up the control.

Consider that the more complex a system is made the more vulnerable its sustainability becomes. Fewer things go wrong when the system is simple and efficient. A simplified grass based flock is easier to sustain long term.

Switching an existing flock of sheep to a new management system is more challenging. Sheep are adaptable but still require time to make the adaptation. If you are changing up your management practices expect that many animals will not keep up or adapt at all. In particular, taking barn raised, grain fed ewes and tossing them into a grass based system will do more harm than good.

Whatever type of operation you run you need animals suited to the system. Beginning with sheep from an established grass flock is the most sensible way to start if you wish to go that route, although it may take some searching to find such animals within a reasonable travel area.

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