| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Jami |
Posted - Oct 26 2008 : 10:48:31 AM
Well, we turned the rams in this morning and boy, is sheep amore' happening! This is always a fun day..trying to guess who is going to lamb first the last week of March when we will start. Sheep gestation is 5 months.
There is something very calming and "circle of life-ish" about the seasons on the farm and by seasons, I mean breeding, lambing, weaning, turning out to pasture, haying, culling, marketing lambs, butcher time etc. I love raising sheep.
Tess, our herding dog was just all aflutter today knowing what was going on and helping us move the breeding groups to different pasture and trying to second-guess which ones went next and where (she's too smart for her own good).
Thought I'd share the moment.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/ |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| therealshari |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 3:32:46 PM
For us to string perimeter fence, we'll be looking at a western line of over 600 feet, a northern line of close to 500 feet, a southern line of nearly 700 feet, and a short eastern line of nearly 200 feet. We're not sure the most economical method, and really our only need is to keep our critters on our property. At this point, I think we're looking at a minimum $1000 to do the job properly. That would include all the posts, wire, charger, other hardware and one gate.
To do the small area that encompasses the current pens with gates should cost us less than $500.
Wouldn't ya' know it, other projects got in the way of the chicken coop addition, and we may even get "weathered out" until spring now. That means we'll have to catch every "good day" we can in March, so we can have chicks ready to lay eggs in August.
Shari Thomas
From the "middle of nowhere" Beryl, Utah. Our farm is nearly complete with 3 horses, 6 ewes, a cow and heifer calf, 19 chickens, 5 dogs and four country gals. I blog about it at http://sharithomas.com |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 24 2008 : 12:17:07 PM
Perimeter fencing is what we did first, then we started dividing up with cross fencing as money afforded and now we do rotational grazing on 6 pastures plus have our hay field. The perimeter fencing is nothing fancy, T posts and woven wire with a hot tape across the top to keep the horses from leaning over them and wooden posts every so often for stability when stretching and wooden corner posts. It has held up well and seems to keep the neighbor dogs out although coyotes can still dig under. We have a guard dog who does a good job with the coyotes. For gates we use "hog panels" tied on with baling twine to the posts. Need to hang those permanently but we just never get around to it.
My last chickens just bit the dust and I'm so happy not to have anymore right now. Maybe I can actually finish up some flowerbeds. Those girls just dug everything to bits in the yard. After purchasing a turkey today for Thanksgiving, think we'll get our run fixed and increase our hen house as well and get more in the spring. Have fun.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| therealshari |
Posted - Nov 20 2008 : 6:01:27 PM
As of now, we have access to both Nubian goats and Boeher goats. Until we get some more area fenced, water lines added, and a shelter built, goats are out of the question, but on the drawing board.
A lot depends on our income, jobs, retirement, online, etc. If the price of fuel stays down, and drives the price of hay down, then the priorities could change. Right now, it's the cost of fencing, but at least we're beginning to talk about it and plan some configurations. I don't see us doing a perimeter fence as we're open on three sides at the present. Rather, we'll go west past our cedar post round pen and then south to match up with the current end of the sheep pen, and east to hook up. That will include 2 12' gates, so you can see, there's some cost.
This weekend project is to get the chicken coop doubled in size and then order a batch of birds. We can add heat lamps, so they'll have enough warmth. Then, we'll hunker down for winter, await lambing in March.
Shari Thomas
From the "middle of nowhere" Beryl, Utah. Our farm is nearly complete with 3 horses, 6 ewes, a cow and heifer calf, 19 chickens, 5 dogs and four country gals. I blog about it at http://sharithomas.com |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 20 2008 : 12:54:32 PM
I understand your situation pretty well now from your explanation. You are making the best of your environment and resources and trying to make it work. Good for you! Do you have goats as well? It seems they would like to eat a lot of that stuff you mentioned you have. I know the ethnic folks like goat meat as well.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| therealshari |
Posted - Nov 18 2008 : 09:07:42 AM
Jami, our sheep (ewes and lambs) are 100% feedlot as all we have here is sand, sagebrush, greasewood, rabbit brush, and tumbleweed. We feed a "controlled" diet of 100% alfalfa. That means each ewe gets one flake of alfalfa per day. We feed twice a day, so for our 7 ewes, we typically give 3 flakes in the AM and 4 flakes in the PM.
I'm pretty insistent that they clean up the stems,too. Right now, they're leaving the stems laying around, so they're getting one less flake a day.
In the past, I've added some grain to their diet, but find that I run the risk of getting them too fat, and the lambs too large too fast, so will not be doing that this year.
When the lambs come, we let them nurse for at least 90 days, and sometimes even 150 days. As long as the ewe is dry for a couple of months before breeding again, I'm ok with it.
Projecting that feed cost out per year, it costs me just under $250 a year to feed the ewes. That pretty much means they must give me twins or better, and I need to sell them as soon as possible (before the lambs start eating
This next spring, we'll be lambing in March. We'll be "pre-selling" from the moment of birth. That means the customer pays us up front and we set a "date certain" for when they want to come slaughter, or when we need to deliver to the processor. I expect to sell 5-7 of our lambs this way.
By mid-August, we'll be looking to sell of the remaining wethers either at auction or through the local Farmers' Market. The "festival" lambs should be all spoken for as they will have to be butchered in late August, to late September.
I know elsewhere I've printed that I get about 12 flakes per bale. That's on the low side. I actually counted the flakes as I was feeding the horses the other day, and it's more like 15-16 flakes per bale. That brings our costs down to .68 per flake.
I just projected our annual per ewe cost at about $250 per ewe. That means each ewe must give me at least twins, and I'd best sell (contract) them as early as possible.
One thing, I really expect our alfalfa costs to go down this next year as fuel is now around $2.00 a gallon as opposed to $4.00 a gallon this past year. I would hope it drops to $9.00 a bale or less.
Shari Thomas
From the "middle of nowhere" Beryl, Utah. Our farm is nearly complete with 3 horses, 6 ewes, a cow and heifer calf, 19 chickens, 5 dogs and four country gals. I blog about it at http://sharithomas.com |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 18 2008 : 07:52:21 AM
Shari, do you have any fresh pasture when the lambs start to ruminate? Not sure about your environment/farm so wondered. You're so right, minimal input lambs that don't require feed ( = $) are a great way to go for sales. At what age or weight do you wean? We wean very late, have a thing about letting the sheep remain in family units until at least July (3-4 months old). The ewes still get their figures back before we breed in fall and the lambs have nice growth rates and ewe replacement lambs learn to flock well and what to eat from their mothers. I know this isn't feasible for many but we have plenty of pasture and that way it's all a pasture-raised low-input animal.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| therealshari |
Posted - Nov 12 2008 : 6:18:21 PM
Jami, unfortunately, we don't have a USDA processor in Southern Utah. That was the final reason (along with meeting some very nice Muslims) that validated we should be offering on-site ritual slaughter.
Our other options are to sell direct (you haul the lamb away live), sell live and deliver (for a fee) to the custom processor in Cedar City, or to sell at auction in Cedar City.
We don't turn away anyone with the money in their hands. We don't sell breeding stock. If you want us to raise a "ram lamb" you must pay for it in full before "banding" date, about 3 or 4 weeks after birth.
As for what is most profitable, it's probably the young "weaners" we sell for $50 a piece. They haven't had much time to eat a lot of alfalfa. Those are the you buy it and haul it home kind.
Shari Thomas
From the "middle of nowhere" Beryl, Utah. Our farm is nearly complete with 3 horses, 6 ewes, a cow and heifer calf, 19 chickens, 5 dogs and four country gals. I blog about it at http://sharithomas.com |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Nov 12 2008 : 08:21:36 AM
Ahh... but the problem is, I don't really ever sell anything. The people come in, find out how much the sheep cost, then right back out the driveway they go! Only the most serious buyers are willing to make the transaction. I don't sell my sheep for any more (actually, I think I sell for a little LESS) than other breeders here in CA, but I AM more particular as to WHO I sell them to. You can't come around here waving money in my face and expect me to sell you a lamb just because they are cute and you want one. You gotta have a purpose for them-- and the RIGHT ONE at that. (I have only sold one sheep with regrets as to the buyer, but I am happy to say that I found out she was sold to someone else who absolutely ADORES HER!!! YEAH!!!!!)
As for fleece, well, I'm not an expert in the wool department. I know which of my ewes have softer wool, which produce more, etc... but I know nothing of "Crimp," "Blood Count" -- all that spinners lingo. Also, I do all my own shearing, and, I'm afraid, I'm not very good at it. I've ruined more fleeces than I can count just trying to get it off the sheep! By the time I'm done with them it looks like a flock of demented poodles have taken over the farm!!! (LOL!!) (I leave the head wool on each sheep-- it's the only way I can tell them apart!! Once that's off, they all look the same and I need to be able to tell who's who come breeding time since I have a few ewes that I do not breed at all-- they are just pets)
I have tons of books on all aspects of sheep ranching (and specialty niches), but I have yet to actually sit down and map out a plan. Any suggestions ladies on WHERE to begin? I do not want to run a huge commercial business and I certainly don't want "Big Brother" knowing any more of my business than he already does, so nothing that has to do with the "authorities." (Not that I have anything to hide, I just feel that their involvement complicates matters and we do not own this property!) Any and all advice would be appreciated. Happy breeding!!! ~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 12 2008 : 08:00:53 AM
Tracy, wow, people knocking down your door for sheep! You go, girl! You've got a good thing going there. Happy for you.
Shari, do you have access to USDA processing for your lamb?
I think you have some good ideas and I wish you success.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 2:27:36 PM
I'm with you Jami on the "No outside sheep (or GOATS!)" policy. If an animal comes to the farm, it STAYS on the farm. If it leaves the farm it does NOT return. I keep all my own ewes for breeding stock-- I don't buy any outside sheep except for a replacement ram or a buck now and then.
I have a small flock of Babydolls which are a "specialty niche" in themselves, but have not done much in the way of marketing research or advertising. They pretty much "sell" themselves-- if you can believe THAT! I get calls all year long from people wanting breeding stock or pets, from Vintners and organic farmers wanting the sheep for alternative weed control. (I also get calls from crazy people living in the CITY who want them for the same purpose-- but I tell THEM to hire a neighborhood kid, or buy a LAWN MOWER!!!) People drive in off the street wanting me to sell them fleeces.... it's CRAZY!!!!
When I bought my first "Quartet" (a black ram and 3 white ewes 10yrs ago) I never thought I would have so many (all but 5 born and bred here on the farm) or that they would become so popular. I got them because I wanted to help save the breed from extinction and because they were just so DARN CUTE!!!! At that time too, black (and colored) sheep were VERY hard to come by. Apparantly, they STILL are, but I guess I take that for granted. Over half my flock is BLACK ! -- thanks to my current ram. You are SO right about the ram being HALF the flock Jami! Not only has he been a blessing with the color gene, but he's also a high % ewe producer!!! I tell you, that boy is WORTH his weight in gold! Now it's time to find an equally wonderful "Prince" for his daughers!!
Thanks for sharing all the info on your business Shari. You've got the wheels in my own head turning now. hmm........
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| therealshari |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 10:15:17 AM
Hi Jami,
I've not talked with our alfalfa supplier about whether or not he raises his crops organic, and that would be our biggest hurdle. Between our horses, sheep, and cattle, we're now purchasing at least 6 72-bale stacks per year. We don't have any pasture land. With limited water, and all tumbleweed, rabbit brush, sage brush and sand, we're better off to use the water for the stock.
I've done tons of research over the years, as I used to own a commercial USDA-licensed rabbit processing company and a 200-doe rabbitry. Niche markets are mandatory as you'll beat your brains out trying to mimic any mainstream marketing.
As for pricing, the historic auction prices have rarely topped $1.00/lb in the past three years. We stay close to that, as we know that's a price folks will pay. It doesn't cover our full costs, but we're able to at least defray the feed costs. Another issue is that we're located so far away from our customers. At the minimum, it's a 100 mile round trip, so we figure that into our pricing.
The majority of our marketing revolves around the Cedar City Farmers' Market, which opens in late July and runs into October (weather permitting). We're also members of "Local Harvest" and I blog about our farm in several different ways.
As for the blogging, I have the story of how we four gals got together at "Four Country Gals"... http://fourcountrygals.com and then I blog about life on the farm at "Shari's Gone Country!"... http://sharithomas.com and then I blog about the farm as a "work from home" project at "Ask Me Why... Work From Home... http://ask-us.biz - that's my way of getting folks to realize that working from home doesn't always involve making money in online programs.
Our goal is to have a maximum of 15 ewes. Because we are concentrating on breeds that provide at least twins, in a couple of years, we should have 30 or so lambs (both sexes) to offer. Of course that means we'll go through about 4 stacks of hay (about $750 per) for the sheep. Hopefully, as we grow, and offer better services, we'll be able raise our prices to come closer to breaking even.
The wool isn't bringing much yet, as I sold each fleece for $5. Now this fleece was right off the animal, un-skirted and pushed into a large trash bag. Our staple has been running just under 3 inches, and feels a little coarse. Each fleece has been weighing about 5 lbs or so. The good news is that there was no additional labor. The bad news was it cost $6.25 per animal to shear so the price next year will equal at least the cost of shearing.
Shari Thomas
From the "middle of nowhere" Beryl, Utah. Our farm is nearly complete with 3 horses, 6 ewes, a cow and heifer calf, 19 chickens, 5 dogs and four country gals. I blog about it at http://sharithomas.com |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 08:04:10 AM
Shari:
Great you've found a niche market! Many folks are finding this to be a very reliable market for their lambs and more power to you, girl! It's good you have access to reliable rams that you know well. Cool you don't have to worm....are you going to try to go organic with your sheep? Worming is usually the obstacle with not being able to go organic with lamb.
Are your prices reflective of what the ethnic market is willing to pay in your area? It seems lower than the current commercial markets for lamb and usually it would be much higher. I'm just curious.
I'm glad you're finding a way to make money with sheep...it's people like you who keep the industry growing as we reach into niche markets. How do you market your wool--farmer's market or ads or what?
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| therealshari |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 08:15:58 AM
We're so isolated here in the high desert that we very rarely ever have problems. There are three of us that "trade" sheep stuff, the big outfit (about 500 or so ewes), our closest neighbor (he works for the big outfit) and ourselves. Our original stock is from the big outfit (at least the heirs to the original), and our neighbors sheep are related to ours.
Given our extremely dry area, no one worms their sheep here. We don't have foot rot thanks to the sand and weather. About the only thing we've ever had to watch for was lice and the occasional tick.
As for rams, we borrow (that means free to use) rams from the big outfit. The only stipulation is that we use them BEFORE the big outfit is ready for breeding. As an option, the neighbor has a Suffolk ram that we can use as a back up.
We're raising primarily meat sheep for the specialty market with wool as a by-product. I've found a market for the wool by selling it as garden mulch and pet shelter insulation. Since we have a location that is ideal for "on-site slaughter" that is the direction we're heading. Our neighbors (all at least 1/4 mile away) have agreed to the process.
There is a Muslim community in SW Utah (Cedar City and St. George) as well as Las Vegas, so that is where we're heading. I've had the pleasure of learning a lot about what's required for "ritual slaughter" and am more than happy to provide the support needed for this community to have animals that meet their needs.
We have all seven of our ewes bred and that should provide us 10 to 14 lambs total. Hopefully, we'll have at least 6 to offer for direct market. Around here, we get $1.00 a lb live (approx weight), so that means we should get 80 to 100 for each lamb.
I'm building a mailing/phone list of folks I meet (at Farmers' markets) who want "custom raised" lambs. At lambing, I'll notify each of these potential buyers. If one wants a specially raised animal (not banded male or only milk-fed) then I will require up-front payment.
We don't plan to charge for using our on-site services as anyone who drives as far as these folks have to, have already put substantial investment into their animals. We will require a "liability waiver" as our insurance company requires. That means you do your work on our land at your own risk. We remove as much unrelated risk as possible, but won't be responsible for risks involved with the actual slaughter/dressing process.
Shari Thomas
From the "middle of nowhere" Beryl, Utah. Our farm is nearly complete with 3 horses, 6 ewes, a cow and heifer calf, 19 chickens, 5 dogs and four country gals. I blog about it at http://sharithomas.com |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 08 2008 : 12:00:42 PM
Sarita, quarantining is a great idea. We quarantine any new flock additions for 3 weeks with no contact with our sheep and worm them and give shots upon arrival. I'm really overboard on a strong health program and I know many others just take a more relaxed approach. There is no right way. We will be a certified scrapie free flock in June of 2009 and OPP free--have put a lot of investment into getting these accreditations and I am not going to jeopardize that for anything. I have had people want to bring sheep here when we shear or borrow a ram. No way. No visitor sheep allowed.
I so agree on choosing a good ram, that's 50% of the genetics in your flock and shows up quickly, good or bad. We've invested in some nice rams and it's improved our Texels tremendously over the past 5 years. Kind of fun to look back and see the improvements. I would be embarrassed to sell the breeding stock now that I sold back then!
Sedalia was a lot of fun. Met a lot of sheep people that I still keep in contact with. That fairgrounds is gorgeous. I think your "almost" Corriedale ram must have gone to the NAILE in KY. That starts this coming week again and I have friends from down the road who are showing sheep there. I guess you can watch the shows online at the NAILE website? Anyhow, hope White Knight is doing his job. Our boys are quite busy out there. With 3 breeding groups we'll probably have a bunch of lambs all at once. Love hearing your sheep stories.
Jami in WA
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Nov 08 2008 : 09:28:23 AM
Jami, were you in Sedalia, Mo to get that software? If so you were about 2 hrs from me. I have been thinking about using a software program to manage my flock, just have not got around to looking yet.
I attended the State Fair 2 years ago and set up a deal to lease a Corriedale ram....I couldn't get him until Dec 1st because he was going to big show in Nov in Ky. He had the wool, the body, and personality. I waited up to the 1st of Dec and got a call that when they brought the ram home and put him back in with the other rams that he went to butting with his old pen mate and got his neck broke...I was in a panic. I ended up leasing another one of their rams but not nearly as nice. I believe strongly that if you want nice lambs...take a look at the ram. Jami, I leased him but I kept him penned for a couple of weeks to see if he was healthy before I introduced him to my girls. I did not do that with White Knight and I know that I should have. I also check out the farm that the rams came from before buying or leasing. I look to see if all the flock looks healthy, eating good, wool healthy before bringing them on this place.
White Knight's flock mates were all good and healthy. I love his wool and his personality.
Sarita
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 12:15:21 PM
I use MDI sheep manager software that I purchased in Sedalia a few years back. It's just okay, not great but it does keep track of things if I enter the data! There's the kicker. How do you know that all of your ewes are pregnant, ultrasound?
Tracy, it's been my experience that when we have had less than a stellar year, the next year we do great and that is mostly because we change things around to manage lambing or something better. As I said before, raising livestock is fairly forgiving and always a learning experience, don't you agree? Otherwise, we'd all give up and throw in the towel.
So Shari, you lease rams, right? Have you ever had any health issues with doing that?
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 11:14:30 AM
Yes, Jami, it gets a little warm here in June. Then it's SCORCHING HOT during summer!!! ICK!! Doesn't seem to bother the goats though. I have Nigerians and they can breed ALL YEAR ROUND!!!!
Anyway, good luck to all the Shepherdess'. May you all have a successful breeding season and an even MORE successful lambing season! (God knows I'm PRAYING for a better season THIS YEAR!!) Hugs~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| therealshari |
Posted - Nov 04 2008 : 09:31:04 AM
Ok, every single ewe is bred here, even the ewe lambs. We use Ranch Manager software to track all of them. The ram has returned to the neighboring sheep station where he'll get to be with still another batch of ewes.
I think the girls miss him.
Shari Thomas
From the "middle of nowhere" Beryl, Utah. Our farm is nearly complete with 3 horses, 6 ewes, a cow and heifer calf, 19 chickens, 5 dogs and four country gals. I blog about it at http://sharithomas.com |
| Suzan |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 2:44:24 PM
How interesting! You all make me jealous...if only in another life... |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 03 2008 : 1:48:43 PM
Tracy I imagine you have warmer weather than we do in June. I like doing all of the pre-breeding prep work too, part of the process and makes me start making those lists I was talking about--who is going to woo who? I understand the joy you're feeling!
Things have calmed down here...the rams are almost to the boredom point. They have lost a bit of weight and are not interested in eating like the ewes are, the poor lovesick guys just can't think about food I guess! They were all fat and sassy when we turned them in so they needed to take off a few pounds anyhow. We plan for this.
Then I sit and stew all winter waiting and hoping all of the ewes "took". I don't know why I worry about this every year because very seldom does a ewe not produce for us. I culled out my old ewes this year so all I have now are prime producing ages with a few that I'm holding back for winter breeding. We don't preg check the ewes either. It's just an "either they do, or either they don't" scenario.
So, I am hoping for a nice crop of lambs come spring and I do also hope the same for you. We can't do much better than we did this spring, only lost one lamb out of 75 so hopefully our run of luck will hold out.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Oct 30 2008 : 8:21:22 PM
Ahh.... breeding season. Such a JOY! I'm getting things ready a lot sooner THIS year! Normally I breed my Babydolls starting this month, but the last few years I've been slackin'. My last lamb was born in JUNE this year!!! No more of that--- it's just too darn HOT! I don't like lambs to come earlier than the last week or two of March because the weather is so crazy here-- usually wet, cold and WINDY! All of April and the first half of May are perfect, so that's my goal THIS year. I penned my breeding ewes up today, they'll be getting dolled up for the ram (some need a rear end clip, others a pedicure, one ewe needs full body clip!! She got into some stickers and looks like a fat prickly pear! (LOL!!), and the ram needs a little work as well, but he'll be in with the girls in no time. Good luck ladies! Hope the breedings are successful!
And Aunt Jenny, if you're looking for a SMALL ram there are several breeds that might work for your girls. Any shetlands, Babydolls or Soays in your area? The Sheltands and Soays are wool sheep of course, but Babydolls (miniature Southdowns really) are dual purpose. They're small, but the meat quality is excellent and the wool makes creat outer garments and socks. It also blends well with Angora rabbit and other fibers. I wouldn't breed one to your girls if they are small framed though. Babydoll lambs (even Cross-bred) tend to have big fat heads and very wide shoulders!! You wouldn't want any lambs getting stuck! ~~~Hugs~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| Alee |
Posted - Oct 30 2008 : 11:54:01 AM
You all are making me want to shave sheep! I have sheep envy! LOL
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| Keeper of the Past |
Posted - Oct 30 2008 : 11:14:56 AM
If you want to see a ram that thinks he is a real lady's man go to my blog. I put Smokin's picture up for a couple of parties that are interested in a shetland ram. He has Aliza, one of the black corredales standing by the fence waiting for him to get out. So funny!
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
The people who make a difference in your life are NOT the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones who care. |
| Jami |
Posted - Oct 29 2008 : 5:35:22 PM
New breeding "experiments" are always fun...that's why I make lists and lists of who's going to woo who...say that fast 5 times! 
Today I went outside the back door to hang up clothes to dry and all of the ewe groups are right out in the back pastures with the rams...I can see 2 of the groups real easily. I was singing the old disco song "I'm Just a Love Machine" while hanging up the laundry. Rams are so funny. They really think they are so cool when they have their harem around them. I just laugh because you can almost see the ewes all rolling their eyes like...sheesh, give it a rest buddy. My youngster, Angus, has a dirty face from fighting other rams through the fence (grass is always greener, ya know) and he stinks to high heaven--but still a legend...in his own mind.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| therealshari |
Posted - Oct 29 2008 : 3:00:13 PM
Hi Jami,
Actually, our "foundation stock" appears to be much more Suffolk than originally thought. Our original matriarch weighs just under 200 lbs, so is pretty good sized. She's consistently raised triplets after lambing quads. Her daughters are a little smaller (father unknown), but her granddaughters (2) are slightly larger, having been sired by a 330# Suffolk.
We also have one Polypay orphan ewe lamb.
As for size, I'd expect to get 75 to 80 lb lambs in time for the Eid of Ramadan. The Eid that is celebrated 50 days (or so) later should still allow for a lamb that is around 100 lbs.
We'd love to improve our wool quality as I have an interest in marketing the wool to handspinners. The only sheep that get sheared are breeding stock. We are saving all our ewe lambs until we reach 10 producing ewes and market all the ram lambs/wethers.
After considering all our costs, and the safety aspects of owning a ram, we now borrow or rent a local ram as necessary. As for the Delaine Merino, I was quite surprised to get him, and yes, we're giving up a little size in favor of improving our wool in future years. We're actually pretty happy about it, though.
Shari Thomas
Who's giving serious thought (j/k) to changing "Four Country Gals" to "Ms McDonald's Farm" as we're now adding a preggie cow, due in early September. |
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