Advertise on podcast: The Shepherdess

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  Got sheep questions?  I've probably answered them already!  This episode pulls from a live audience Q&A at my monthly Virtual Small Farmer Meetup, where I tackle everything from breed comparisons and land prep to the real costs of raising a flock.  We cover drought management, shearing, parasite control, and other skills and knowledge I’ve gained along my sheep farming journey.  If you're trying to get started or fine-tune your own sheep operation, join me as I answer some of the questions you may have! TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Welcome to the Virtual Small Farmer Meetup live audience question and answer session 00:04:26 Preparing your pasture, providing portable shade and water, leasing land for sheep farming 00:10:31 Comparing large vs. small flock setup, my favorite way to consume sheep, dairy goats vs. dairy sheep 00:16:03 Differences in Dorper breeds, actual cost of raising a sheep, ideal starter flock size, acres needed to start 00:26:49 Feeding during a drought, DIY shearing vs. professional, sheep choking on feed and the CDNT vaccine 00:35:31 DIY processing vs. USDA inspection, my thoughts on registered sheep, separating rams and ewes 00:45:23 Risks of buying sheep from a different climate, choosing a lower maintenance breed, copper bolus for parasite management RESOURCES MENTIONED Join my monthly livestream community  Check out my YouTube videos to learn more: Learn how to build a DIY sheep shade structure5 delicious ways to cook lamb Sheep vs. goats breakdown on Shepherdess Live The 15 costs of raising sheep Australian White sheep in Australia with Macintyre Brook Lamb (Learn more about Macintyre Brook Lamb here)Raising 6 dairy sheep on 1.5 acres with Nancy Butchering a lamb for the first timeShop 250’ Polyethylene Tubing for watering systems Find local raw milk in your area Follow my Facebook updates at Harmony Farms Dorpers / The Shepherdess Check out my recommended shearing tools at Premier 1 Supplies: Premier 4000 Shearing MachineApache 9-Tooth CombSpitfire CutterCONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  Deciding between raising sheep and goats on your land comes down to more than preference alone.  In this episode, I'm breaking down the differences from my own farm: grazing and browsing habits, containment considerations, copper and mineral needs, hoof care, health issues, and the best meat and dairy breeds for each.  I’m also sharing why I chose goats for milk and sheep for meat. If you're trying to decide which animal fits your homestead best, I hope this episode gives you clarity! TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Overview of my farm and livestock, and why I farm the way I do 00:07:38 Sheep vs. goats on your land: grazing and browsing habits 00:14:33 Containment considerations for sheep and goats 00:22:13 Answering questions on using goats to clear land, guardian animals, and sheep as browsers 00:26:25 Copper and mineral needs for sheep vs. goats 00:30:59 Feeding dairy goats vs. meat sheep 00:36:11 Health and parasite differences between sheep and goats 00:38:29 Best meat and dairy goat breeds 00:41:09 Best meat and dairy sheep breeds 00:43:03 Why I raise dairy goats instead of dairy sheep 00:46:09 Answering more of your questions on milking goats, sheep breeds, shearing, processing goat’s milk RESOURCES MENTIONED Shop these products at Shepherdess.com: Copasure Copper boluses for goatsRedmond Sheep MineralRedmond Goat MineralCheck out my YouTube video featuring Lydia at Harmony Heritage Farm to learn more about dairy sheep, buying breeding stock, and more! CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  Food preservation matters just as much as food production, and today’s guest is here to prove it. Angi Schneider of Creative Simple Living shares the confidence-building lesson from her grandmother that started her journey into food preservation, and we dive into the most common practical questions about canned meals.  Angi also shares her thoughts on freeze dryers, what Hurricane Harvey taught her about self-sufficiency, and her best advice for beginning a garden or a homestead without burning out. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introducing Angi Schneider and why food preservation matters as much as production 04:10 Angi’s current homestead and navigating life after her husband's cancer diagnosis 06:28 How Angi’s grandmother instilled in her confidence that changed everything 8:38 Overcoming the fear of pressure canning and canning meat for the first time 10:53 Practical questions: shelf life, nutrient breakdown, and rotating canned goods 15:01 Preserving the harvest and setting realistic goals for jar inventory 18:47 Strategies for getting picky eaters to eat canned meals 20:37 Canning gamey meats, why lamb comes out more tender, and the best cuts to can 24:21 Angi's honest take on freeze dryers and what 2020 taught her about self-sufficiency 28:42 Starting a garden without burnout: fruit trees, raised beds, and a simple soil approach 41:20 Avoiding homestead burnout by starting small and evaluating your capacity ABOUT ANGI Angi Schneider lives on a small homestead along the Texas Gulf Coast with her husband and children. For over 30 years they have sought to reduce their dependence on commercial products and the grocery store by growing and preserving food, living a DIY lifestyle and cooking simple, tasty meals from scratch. Angi shares gardening tips, food preservation recipes and other simple living ideas on her blog Creative Simple Living (https://creativesimpleliving.com). She has also written two books on preserving food – The Ultimate Guide to Preserving Vegetables and Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond.  RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out Angi’s books: Pressure Canning for Beginners and Beyond The Ultimate Guide to Preserving VegetablesCONNECT WITH ANGI Website: https://creativesimpleliving.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeSimpleLiving/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creative_simple_living/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/creativesimpleliving/ CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  I was so excited to sit down with Carolyn of Homesteading Family, whose videos gave me a huge head start on my first pressure canning project.  We cover water bath vs. pressure canning, the most common mistakes that lead to failed seals and siphoning, and how Carolyn shapes her family’s diet around what actually grows and preserves well instead of trying to stock her pantry like a grocery store.  If you're new to food preservation or looking to simplify a system that's become too much work, this episode is full of practical, tested advice you can begin using today! TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Introduction to Carolyn’s North Idaho homestead and how she arrived at this lifestyle 00:06:20 Why community sufficiency beats total self-sufficiency 00:08:03 Shaping your diet around what you actually grow instead of stocking every ingredient in your pantry 00:10:25 Practical tips to streamline your growing, preserving, and eating 00:14:12 Fighting homestead burnout by giving up the pressure to “do it all” 00:17:20 Water bath vs. pressure canning, and the pH science behind food safety 00:22:54 Signs that your canned food has gone bad, and what's actually safe to eat 00:26:35 Troubleshooting failed seals, fat layers, and siphoning in the jar 00:34:45 Nutrient loss in canned vs. freeze-dried food and how to build a rotation system 00:40:16 Practical ways to fit canning into your schedule and choosing the right canning equipment 00:44:21 Troubleshooting liquid loss and when to choose freeze-drying instead of canning RESOURCES MENTIONED Shop the All American Pressure Canners—Carolyn’s top choice for pressure canning Check out the Presto Electric Canner she recommends for beginners Get step-by-step guidance from Carolyn’s canning class on water bath canning, pressure canning, safety, and recipes Subscribe to the Homestead Kitchen Magazine for tested preserving recipes, homesteading tips, and more! CONNECT WITH CAROLYN Website: https://homesteadingfamily.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HomesteadingFamily Podcast: https://homesteadingfamily.com/podcasts/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesteadingfamily/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homesteadingfamily/ CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  I sat down with Bowen Troyer of the Rational Ranchers, and I'll be honest, I brought him on knowing we'd have a little bit of a friendly feud over Katahdins vs. Dorpers.  Bowen runs Katahdin ewes, South Pole cattle, and Royal White sheep across two ranches in Arkansas and Missouri, and we get into his hair sheep vs. goats decision, his no-blanket-dewormer parasite protocol, and his surprisingly fascinating sheep-to-silver and cattle-to-gold ratio videos.  He’s intentionally building his ranch as a family legacy, and I know his story will inspire you in your own farming or homesteading journey. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Introduction to Bowen’s ranching operation in Arkansas and Missouri 00:04:20 Stats on Bowen’s flock, grass-fed lamb weights, and sale avenues 00:06:26 How Bowen built his full-time ranching operation from the ground up 00:09:38 Why Bowen chose hair sheep over goats and what he recommends 00:14:12 Parasite management protocol and livestock breakdown 00:17:31 Bowen’s predictions on the near future of the cattle market 00:19:07 The curiosity that started Bowen’s popular video series exploring the livestock-to-silver ratio over time 00:22:43 Bowen’s long-term vision for his family ranch CONNECT WITH BOWEN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RationalRanchers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ranchers-Rational-61580788962777/ Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/rationalranchers/ CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  Rotational grazing is about as close to a silver bullet for parasite control as you'll find in sheep farming, and in this episode, I'm breaking down my complete grazing system.  I cover how regular rotation builds pasture health and keeps feed costs low, plus the practical details: paddock rest, pasture recovery, fencing setup, and more.  I’m also diving into some audience questions on stocking rates, deworming, minerals, and grazing sheep alongside other livestock.  My goal in this episode is to help the beginner shepherd avoid some of my own early mistakes, so listen in! TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 What’s the big deal about rotational grazing? 00:05:48 The importance of taking seriously our own food security 00:07:40 Diving into the transformation in my flock since implementing rotational grazing 00:08:51 How rotational grazing significantly improves pasture health, not just flock health 00:13:00 Addressing the pushback: “I don’t have time for rotational grazing” 00:15:19 My recommendation on how often to move sheep and how long to rest paddocks 00:22:39 Choosing the right electric fencing and training sheep to respect it 00:27:40 Exactly how I stockpile pasture to ease the burden of winter feeding 00:32:41 A walkthrough of my exact fencing setup, including perimeter fencing and electric-wire paddocks 00:40:35 Prioritizing flock health through deworming and culling for disease 00:42:24 The first line of defense against predators 00:43:38 Creating the right paddock size for the size of your flock 00:44:41 Evaluating the health of your soil and providing proper mineral access to your sheep CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  Healthy lambing starts long before delivery day.  In this episode, I'm walking through how to prepare your ewes in the months and weeks before lambing, what normal labor looks like, how to recognize and assist with common malpresentations, and the critical components of a successful first 24 hours.  If you're new to lambing or want a refresher before the next season, this episode will help you walk in feeling prepared. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Introduction to successful lambing 00:06:46 Preparing your ewe before lambing: nutrition and minerals 00:11:20 Why deworming matters at lambing time and which products I recommend 00:17:36 Evaluating your ewe's udder before lambing, plus troubleshooting tips 00:23:38 What normal labor and delivery looks like in a healthy ewe and lamb 00:28:55 How I decide when to intervene during birth 00:34:38 Lambing troubleshooting: placenta issues, catching and handling ewes, post-delivery support 00:41:53 The critical first 24 hours: setting your lamb up for a healthy life RESOURCES MENTIONED Sign up for my Raising Sheep 101 Course to get the comprehensive guide on raising sheep and building a successful flock Enroll in the Lamb for Life Course for step-by-step help in raising your lambs past their critical milestones Watch the full tour of my friend Roberta’s farm, where she raises 300 hair sheep in Louisiana Check out my recommended sheep supplies: - Redmond Sheep Mineral - Cydectin Dewormer - NutriDrench - CL Ewe Replacer - Tube Feeding Kit for Lambs CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

📦 Explore my Shipping Products 101 e-book for a complete list of all my recommended resources and links to run your home-based shipping operation 🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  I've been selling and shipping products since 2004, and in this episode I'm walking you through the basics of shipping in your business.  We'll cover setting up a simple, efficient shipping operation for your farm products: supplies, packaging, and pricing your shipping the right way. Tune in to learn how a smart shipping system can open the door to a whole new income stream for your farm! TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 My story of selling and shipping products since 2004 00:02:45 Why you need a newsletter, website, and e-commerce BEFORE products 00:08:03 Finding a low-ticket item to sell alongside your farm products 00:10:45 Basic shipping supplies for small-scale orders including polymailers, bubble mailers, and stay-flat mailers 00:16:34 Thermal label printers and shipping software for higher volume 00:20:41 Use your packaging as a way to market your offerings 00:23:09 How to ship frozen meat with dry ice 00:25:16 Flat rate vs. free shipping vs. calculated shipping costs 00:29:20 Why building an online income takes time RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out my Shipping Products 101 e-book for direct links to all of the shipping supplies referenced in this episode Sign up for my Marketing Farmer Masterclass to learn my step-by-step strategy for setting up your website, launching a newsletter, and generating traffic through free social media marketing CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  If your goal is to raise low-input, grass-finished beef cattle, this conversation with 20-year regenerative rancher Karl Ebel is packed with practical grazing tips that work on any acreage. From stockpile grazing and year round pasture management to keeping your cost per cow well below the industry average, this episode will change the way you think about your land as your most valuable resource. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to low-input cattle ranching and tonight's topics 03:06 How Mr. Ebel got started and why regenerative ranching takes time 07:10 Choosing the right breed and seed stock for a grass-based operation 12:45 The land is your resource — not the livestock 17:03 Audience Q&A: cold climates, goat weed, herbicide use, transitioning off supplemental feed 23:25 Preconditioning calves and selling direct vs. commodity market 28:35 Stockpile grazing and year round grazing without depending on hay 36:39 Annual cost per cow and keeping inputs low 45:39 Matching your animal to your forage and low-input systems in cold climates 52:52 Surviving drought, body condition management, and treating bloat 57:49 Best timing for calving and troubleshooting pasture problems 01:00:33 Financial planning and realistic expectations before you jump into farming RESOURCES MENTIONED Grab your copy of Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep by Paula Simmons and Carol Ekarius CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  Karl Ebel had no farming background, bought exhausted go-back land, and built one of the most intentional regenerative ranches I've ever seen… right down the road from me!  In this episode, we talk about rehabilitating depleted land, the importance of grass-based genetics, pairing the right livestock to your resource, and answer your questions on starting small, guardian dogs vs. donkeys, running cows and sheep together, winter feeding strategies, knowing your WHY, and more.  If you want to farm smarter, not harder and actually see the numbers work out, you don't want to miss this conversation. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Getting started in cattle even if you think you can’t afford it 04:15 The process of rehabilitating the land and becoming profitable 10:21 How livestock quality impacts sustainability and profitability 15:36 Pairing the right type of livestock with the land you currently have 17:06 A discussion on marketing strategies and considering your own capacity  20:08 Answering your questions: how many cattle to start with, grain finishing, keeping pastures clear of forest encroachment, guardian dogs vs. donkeys 27:14 Weaning calves to minimize stress, running cows and sheep in the same pasture,  34:25 Using outside resources for consultation and economic support 37:20 Karl’s strategy for feeding his herd over winter without hay 38:49 Questions on calving season, electric fencing management, starting a flock of sheep on small acreage 44:36 The importance of knowing your WHY behind farming RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out Karl’s preferred agricultural resources: - National Resources Conservation Service - Noble Research Institute CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  Record-high cattle prices have many asking the same question: is now the time to get into cattle?  In this conversation, regenerative rancher Karl Ebel joins me to discuss the current cattle market, sustainable pasture management, the true cost of raising beef, and what beginners should know before buying their first cows. With over 20 years of experience running a regenerative pasture-based cattle ranch on 1,000+ acres, you won’t want to miss Karl’s insights into building a profitable operation that can weather changing market conditions. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Introduction to co-host Karl and his neighboring cattle farm 00:04:14 A look at the current state of the record-high cattle market and its ups and downs in recent years 00:10:24 The history of Karl’s 1,000+ acre property 00:11:48 Considering the factors contributing to the current all-time high in the cattle market 00:14:56 Taking a look at the history of the cattle market and looking to the future 00:18:51 A discussion on the market impact of tariffs and imported beef 00:26:53 Words of wisdom for those looking to get started in the cattle industry 00:30:15 The important features to look for when starting a cattle herd 00:40:42 Is it the right time to get into the cattle industry? 00:42:14 How much land is needed per cow in order to run a grass-based operation? 00:49:34 Breaking down the cost of raising grass-fed cattle 00:55:06 Answering audience questions: pasture management troubleshooting, specific breed benefits, and more RESOURCES MENTIONED Karl’s recommendations for staying updated on the cattle market:  - Dr. Derrell Peel at Oklahoma State University - Texas A&M Beef Cattle Extension - Kansas State University Beef Extension CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  Pasture rotation, parasite management, breeding and lambing, fencing systems, direct marketing, and flock health… we are tackling it all in this sheep farming Q&A.  I’m addressing your specific questions to the best of my ability and sharing practical examples from my own farm.  If you are dealing with problems in your flock or simply looking for ways to set yourself up for success, may you walk away from this episode with encouragement and direction. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Kicking off this sheep farming Q&A 00:01:47 Considerations for setting up paddocks and establishing a strong rotational grazing program 00:10:02 Transitioning sheep from grain to pasture, building robust grass-based genetics, providing proper minerals 00:16:19 My best marketing tips for maintaining a profitable farm despite market fluctuations 00:22:12 Troubleshooting perimeter fencing, optimal time for lambing, feeding through the winter, breeding windows 00:26:00 Natural vs. conventional deworming methods, why I raise Dorper sheep, my preferred handling setup  00:32:22 Running into problems with young lambs, weighing and treating sheep, government overreach, breaking down the numbers on sheep sales RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my book The Basics of Raising Sheep on Pasture Butchering by Adam Danforth  I’ll show you how to build a DIY portable shade structure for your sheep Freebie: Launch a Profitable Email List My top marketing tips: How I Sell My Sheep for $480 Each and How I’m Marketing My Sheep Livestream: Answering 30 Sheep Questions Check out The Shepherdess Starter Kit collaboration with Lakeland Farm & Ranch Direct View my list of recommended books on regenerative agriculture (free shipping!) CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage  Choosing the right sheep breed can make or break the success of your for-profit farming operation, especially if you are running a pasture-based system.  In this episode, I’m answering your sheep farming questions and breaking down the pros and cons of popular hair sheep vs. wool sheep breeds, what I’ve learned from raising Dorpers in a high-rainfall environment, how to find quality breeding stock, and why carcass size, minerals, and lambing timing matter so much in a profitable sheep operation. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 Welcome and overview 00:02:25 Which hair breed sheep I have chosen for my farm 00:03:44 Pros and cons of three popular hair breeds 00:06: 24 Why carcass size matters when you are running a for-profit meat operation 00:07:42 The importance of investing in high quality breeding stock to start your flock 00:10:00 My best tips on where to find good quality stock for your specific area 00:12:38 What has changed about raising wool sheep in the modern economy 00:17:59 Pros and cons of three major wool sheep breeds 00:19:27 What you need to know about purchasing stock on Facebook 00:21:58 Why you don’t need a huge farm to implement my sheep farming systems 00:23:05 The importance of timing your lambing with the weather in your area 00:26:29 Why you need to focus on minerals before breeding and lambing season RESOURCES MENTIONED 🐑 Check out my masterclass Lamb for Life for everything you need to know about raising healthy sheep from birth to eight months Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep by Paula Simmons and Carol Ekarius DorperSheep.org Katahdins.org StCroixSheep.org Busy Ewe Farm and Fibers Harmony Heritage Farm Prairie Shepherdess Cheviots.org American Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Association on Facebook Navajo-ChurroSheep.com Dorper Sheep USA on Facebook CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head: https://www.shepherdess.com/480 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage: https://bit.ly/ShphrdssBOOK As any shepherd learns early on, things can go wrong quickly in sheep farming if you do not stay on top of your flock’s health.  In this episode, I’m walking through 20 problems and solutions straight from my own experience.  From nose to tail, I’m sharing the symptoms I look for, the root causes behind these issues, and both the quick fixes and long-term preventative measures that have helped me avoid more loss on my farm.  If you are looking for more tools in your shepherding toolbelt, this episode will leave you feeling prepared for anything your flock may throw at you. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and some disclaimers 06:44 Recognizing and treating pink eye in a matter of days 09:10 What to do about abscesses 10:15 What nasal bots and how to get rid of them quickly 11:53 The easy fix for pregnancy toxemia (also called twin lamb disease) 14:05 Why hypocalcemia (milk fever) is indistinguishable from pregnancy toxemia and how I treat for both simultaneously 15:58 Prevention and treatment for umbilical cord bleed in lambs 18:02 A quick, catch-all supplement for undiagnosed lethargy 19:09 Quick fix for bottle jaw (plus some long-term preventatives) 22:34 Coccidiosis treatment and the extra-label product that works wonders both as treatment and prevention 25:47 A quick fix and long-term fix for visible worms in manure 28:28 An almost immediate solution for foot scald 29:55 How to know when a sheep has developed foot rot and why I usually recommend culling 32:05 Root cause and treatment for retained placenta at lambing 33:17 Why selenium deficiency can lead to “crippled” newborn lambs 35:24 Another illness tied to selenium deficiency– white muscle disease 37:11 What I do about a ewe whose udders are too small to feed her lambs 38:31 Products I use when a ewe requires my assistance at lambing 39:23 Recognizing, treating, and preventing mastitis in lactating ewes (and why I cull for this) 42:48 Toxoplasmosis– a warning to pregnant women interacting with lambing ewes 44:00 Pulling out the big guns for pneumonia treatment 44:44 Why rectal prolapse warrants a trip to the vet 47:55 Why ring-womb is so serious– one story of success and one story of loss 50:12 Answering a handful of audience questions RESOURCES MENTIONED I’ve put together a first aid kit of the 32 most important products I wish I’d had on hand as a beginner shepherd CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head 📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage Worms are one of the biggest health challenges in shepherding, but with a few tested management strategies, I have found a system that works on my farm.  In this episode, I start with the basics of internal parasites, how to spot early symptoms, and the management practices that have made the biggest difference on my farm after losing half my flock in the beginning.  You might be surprised to hear my take on chemical dewormers and parasite tolerant sheep.  While worms are the biggest enemy to sheep farmers, they don’t have to be the downfall of your operation. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and preview of content 02:27 Why rotational grazing is foundational to a flock’s health 07:40 Understanding the life cycle of worms 13:12 Signs of infection to look for in your sheep 19:58 The difference between parasite resistance and tolerance 22:17 How rotational grazing breaks the life cycle + other management practices 32:06 When and how to use conventional/chemical dewormers 37:05 Natural strategies for worm management 40:38 The results of my experiment in deworming with lye 46:37 Answering your deworming questions RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out the Redmond Sheep Mineral I use and recommend CONNECT WITH ME Email: [email protected] Patreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon  Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG Merch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpers MORE FROM THIS EPISODE View full show notes and transcript on the blog Watch this episode on YouTube Send the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode! Support the show