Fencing tip: put your insulators and wire on the INSIDE of your t-posts. Animals, if they end up pushing or running at your fence, will cause less damage and not snap off the plastic insulators. Basic physics. This applies both to electric fences and standard wire field fence.
i agree - however on a middle pasture fence - there's going to be a side of the fence with the insulators. that fence appears to be splitting a field in half, so he had to chose one side.
@@gradym9841 Not necessarily for the middle fence. Alternate your t post facing one way then the other so that the fencing will be alternating on post sides, kind of like a basket weave down the fence line.
The timing on this video couldn’t have been better. Signed a purchase agreement on a 17 acre farm in South Central Kentucky a few days ago and was pricing out cheap just this morning! 15 acres of fenced in grass and clover with a half acre pond and a spring. I have spent three of the last six February‘s in Australia and I am addicted to lamb. Presented with lamb neck on my last trip and I was shocked how good it was. Probably helped that I was staying with a chef that knew what she was doing. 😊
Aussie here. People talk about how dangerous our wildlife is. I’ve never understood that because, despite having the potential to harm you, they usually don’t, it’s cows that do. Cows are responsible for the most lost lives in Australia due to animals. Sheep are also fantastic because, like goats, they get sick first and are cheaper if you lose them or for treatments. So they’re a great warning system that something is wrong out there. You can treat or tend to the problem before your cows get sick when you have sheep or goats with them to sound the alarm for issues.
Another advantage for the smaller farms is if you happen to lose an animal for any reason, replacing a sheep is a fraction of the cost of replacing a cow.
Awww man, you have just convinced me to change to sheep. I am 71. My bull that hurt his back after digging a pit wanting the cows next door kept tearing up my fences. and they are really expensive to ss people. I wanted a fence that was less expensive and keep my dogs on my acreage and the coyotes out. I think that would do it, but, make it a 6 footer so they couldn't jump it as easily. Thanks for the ideas. BTW: You are the reason I went full carnivore 30 days ago from ketovore. I couldn't keep from having my once a week splurge on carbs which turned into most nights having at least 1-4 cokes and some sweet item on my intermittent fasting.
Not rejuvenate, regenerate, get the soil working on your behalf. No chemicals, and eventually no vet bills. You're a busy man but it is fascinating. As Gabe Brown (rancher) likes to say "I like signing the back of checks, not the front of them."
I don't know if you'll ever see this post and I type fast on the phone while I am outside, so I never sit down and convey my thoughts perfectly. So in case you do see this Dr. Berry, thank you for all you do , you are very much appreciated! I have been in horses and cattle my whole life , sheep and goats for only around 15 years . They are great , I raise Nubians , alpines and for sheep Katahdin and a few Suffolk. I milk the Katahdins as well as the goats and make cheese. The sheep are a great meat source . I recently butchered a hogget and the flavor is amazing! I do not grain them just grass , hay or alfalfa . Same with my cattle. They are the most friendly and docile sheep I have come across. These hair sheep are low maintenance, as apposed to a Suffolk who need their tails docked and wool sheared. It sure is awesome to see a medical professional as yourself practicing what you preach! You are the life raft for so many! Never change!
So fascinating! We're relocating back to Indiana and will have some acreage so this video is food for thought .....and possibly raising food ...See what I did there lol
I raise goats. You're a big strong guy, you can handle a "rambunctious" ram. For some one who isn't as fit, ALWAYS be aware of where the males are! You'll get injured from a male before you will from a female, especially during mating season. I have goats because I have some steep hills with a lot of brush. My goats are enjoying every bite! Both goats and sheep bring a better price/lb than beef. And you don't need huge equipment to handle them.
We have both. I love em! Goats have a lot of woods for forage and sheep take the fields. Goats are however escape artists but milder mannered. Definitely a lot easier to manage and afford than cows. Goat is a great meat source too!
@@akbananachucker2441each have their own unique flavor but they are similar. We recently butchered one of our goats and I made burgers. Cooked just in salt and butter they were soooo good. Not gamey to me . Sheep and goat liver is actually one of my favorite things to cook as well. Goat is definitely consumed in many other cultures but I guess the main stream stores may not have a big market for it
I'm sold! Going to get a sheep shed built and look for some healthy sheep near Western Kentucky. I've been thinking about this for some time as we have two open acres that we have to mow constantly in the Summer which takes time away from my orchards, flower and vegetable gardens. They could keep it under control and provide meat. It's a win-win situation. Thanks for making this video, I am convinced I need sheep.
A neighbor here in MN where we can see -30f, has sheep. The only time any of them get time in a shed is if one gets bred in the fall and is going to give birth when the temps are very low. He has a 250 watt heat lamp set up above a straw bed in a little covy. After a couple weeks he opens the small door to let them and moma out in a small pen, by this time the babies know where to go if they get cold.
A couple more reasons (which apply to meat goats, too): if you have cattle, you'll need to overwinter the calves at least once to get them up to butcher weight (if you are raising your own meat). With sheep or goats, assuming you have good meat breeds that grow quickly, you should be able to butcher your meat lambs by the time they are six to eight months old. So all you have to keep over the winter is your breeding stock. Another reason for keeping goats or sheep instead of cattle is that, if you want or need to do your own butchering, the smaller carcasses are easier to handle. It is *possible* to butcher an eighteen-month-old steer at home if you have a farm, but it's a heck of a lot more work.
Was raised in same neighborhood as a sheep ranch. Basque herders and all. Shearing time was a mountain of wool. Lots of bummers for the neighbor kids. Any way. Claude always docked their tails. So we did.Was a cleaner way for them. Just for grins, i have a picture of my grandpa casterating a ram lamb with his teeth. Go get em Dr. Berry!!
I saw that on a nature show, but with a type of reindeer. They called it partial castration, It crushed the testicals in the sack. It removed the breeding drive and allowed them to grow huge being they were not expending energy fighting for mating rights. Being huge size allowed them to break through the hard packed snow and ice so the lighter animals could get to the grass under the snow.
If only I could. But I'm grateful for what I do have. Our chicken's finally went outside yesterday, as we got their chicken run finished. And after so long wanting one, I'm setting up my Birdie's raised bed. I recently moved to my dream forever home. It's small, inexpensive on 1/2 beautiful acre. I am blessed.
I want to get into farming and I'm still learning and planning before I make the leap. Got a few questions for you brother. 1. My family includes my 2 daughters and myself. When it's time to process the sheep, about how much meat will we have? I mean more along the lines of how many months' worth of food will that one yield? 2. What is the average weight I can expect my sheep to get? I tried looking online and it's a bit confusing. I see weight ranging from 90 to 300lbs. Much appreciated partner!
Years back I saw and enjoyed a PBS feature about a rural Florida guy who raised some wild turkeys. They would follow him around in the pastures and woods. Eventually, of course, the turkeys grew up, and "turkey boy," the tom turkey who had followed him the most, attacked him with sharp turkey spurs. That was the end of that tom turkey.
You actually have the best commentary. I’ve wanted to get into farming for a long while, but I’m allergic to most pollen pretty bad so animal husbandry appeals to me. Less sneezing. I’ve pretty much decided on sheep but you’ve provided some really good insight so thanks!
I love the taste of sheep. I need to clear more of my 8 acres mountain property in North Georgia. I was waiting to get a freezer and a back up Battery because we loose power often. I have been wanting to transition to a mostly carnivore diet. As I was raised by a mother who followed Atkins and she is now 102 and takes no medications. I am 74 today and relatively good health. I had a very enlarged prostate and no body could tell me why. One theory is the hormones they feed the cattle after the farmers sale them at the auctions. I don't need a lot of sheep just enough to butcher for my wife and I.
I knew that face when scrolling through sheep videos! Dr. Berry! So glad to see that you’re also a farmer. Just sub’d and can’t wait to watch your other videos. Happy New Year!
I watched a video once where a guy recommended starting out with sheep because they have quicker turn around. He said with cattle you have to wait a few years before you can sell. And that video was put out by a guy who raises both. As for tips, I don't have the personal experience to help in that area. Although the Greg Judy video's I've watched talked about the need to cull Ruthlessly to get the traits desired. I guess your freezer can help with that.
I think raising my own sheep would be a great deal more affordable than buying a pound at a time. Trying to figure out how much land I’ll need is the hard part! Maybe 10 sheep to start?
Ken your pasture looks like it could use some agricultural lime to balance your ph of your soil. Balancing your ph with lime is natural limestone dust and will increase your productivity by double. Lime is cheap the co-op can tell you where to get it in your area. In Tennessee the sage grass is a tell take sign you need lime. I farmed 125 acre in Putnam County Tennessee for 25 years and about ever fourth or fifth year I limed my hay production doubled when I started doing this.
My herd of Katahdin get Alfalfa nuggets to help them find their new paddock when they are doing a long move but it's all grass other than some winter time on hay.
Saw you cutting trees down for sheep to forage. Our pigs and goat go mad for willow. We have been raising our livestock grain free. It takes more time but they really enjoy so many plants ie willow, cardoons, bind weed, leaves. We can also replenish the top layer so pigs don't get smelly, dirty or bored. We throw in some taters now and again too. With proper management I think the whole industry could come away from grains. Grow high nutritionally dense swards of meadow for cows, sheep, geese and diverse woodland, forage area for pigs.
I’m loving every video you make of your farm, and because of your channel and several others here on TH-cam I’m certain I want to raise hair sheep regeneratively someday.
Dr. I’ve been following your other channel for years. I didn’t know you had a farm channel. I’m very excited to peruse your library. You should talk about it more on you other channel to funnel more subscribers Ike my myself.
So you practice intensive grazing management? It is a process of moving your animals through your land in such a way that the land is restored. I have learned alot from a man named Joel Salatin. Also he wrote a book especially for small farms. "Polyface Micro" success with livestock on a homestead scale. ❤
I finally found this channel. I am so inspired, but so ignorant. I'd love to learn how to raise my own Proper Human Diet ❤🤩😁 I may just have to go to college & figure this all out. I'll let you know in about 5 years 😂
I raise wool sheep in western NC for the past 12 or so years and a few have gone to the butcher. Would like to add a few meat sheep but my acreage is too small and I have to buy hay to get through the winter as it is. Need more land!!! Last year was my last year to lamb, I had gotten up to 24 sheep and am now down to 7--might be getting a few more--I can't help myself. Keep on doing what you are doing.
Great video Dr Berry love your info on raising Sheep which i was a younger lady i’d have a sheep farm. Love how you are learning to live off the land and the great food they get by rotating your pastures. Lovely!!👏👏👏👏👏👏🫶🏻🐑🐑🐑🥰🇨🇦
Planning for ranching as a rookie 🏞️ 🐑 🐏 🐾 What is best? Acquire flock and LGDs at the same time? Or 1 before the other? I wouldn't want to get a flock and have it unprotected. At the same time, getting LGDs first and then they don't have a flock to protect. Everything including animal additions & dynamics are processes in themselves. Each one, especially different species, takes time to acquire, work with, creating an overall lifestyle. Blessed be 🌈 Rae Fae
How do you deal with predators when you don't have a barn up yet? Coyotes, etc. And you said sheep is healthiest, healthier than other meets; not disagreeing but can you comment on how it rates compared to goat meat?
I have a small flock of Dorper sheep. They work all day eating grass on the pasture. I just love them. the one benefit to sheep that I would add to your list is: they multiply quickly. A one year old ewe can be bred and 5 months later sheep will produce lambs. She will usually produce one the first year and 2 per year after that. A well cared for flock grows exponentially! one small correction to your video; a group of sheep is a flock not a herd. Love the video, keep making more please.
@akbananachucker2441 yes, I purchase a young ram about 7 months old. They are easier to manage and less dangerous once the youngest ewes are 1 year old. After 2 to 3 months all my ewes are bred I then sell the Ram for the sa.e price I bought him. Free stud service. Only keep the females, sell all males.
I only heard your first reason sheep eat weeds. I made that mistake once, and unfortunately they eat weeds and then they poop weeds and spread them everywhere. So where we once had beautiful grass, now we battle weeds everywhere! Never considered that they would be reproducing the weeds. Lol
@@OBFARMS We just went into it NOT thinking about that. We only had goats for a short time, we raise beef cattle. And it did not do well for us. But I can see that being a benefit for you.
My father had a small piece of land and had 1 ram and about 13 ewes. When lambing time comes we found that some ewes rejected their babies. Do you find that a norm amongst sheep?
We only have a small area, a little under 2 acres. Is this too small to raise a small herd? Say around 5? And can sheep be milked like goats and their milk used for various things such as soap? I’m d love to have a homestead, but right now we only have chickens.
I thought the little pig who went to market was the same one who had roast beef. He bought the roast beef at the market, and came home to eat it. The other pig didn't go to market, so he didn't get any roast beef.
I’m getting some of these or goats I’d rather have sheep because I’ve heard the meat taste better but I think my land is really better suited for goats
![7 Reasons Hair Sheep are Better! [Best Sheep for Your Farm] - 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2l5eKQsQ6GY/mqdefault.jpg)
![7 Reasons Hair Sheep are Better! [Best Sheep for Your Farm] - 2024](/img/tr.png)
![6 Reasons to Add Sheep to Your Homestead [especially for first-timers]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mQYc7v39WzY/mqdefault.jpg)
My mother grew up on a self sufficient farm established over a hundred years ago and she always said that sheep were the easiest farm animal of all.
I found hogs the easiest with the least problems. I have raised cows, sheep, and hogs.
Fencing tip: put your insulators and wire on the INSIDE of your t-posts. Animals, if they end up pushing or running at your fence, will cause less damage and not snap off the plastic insulators. Basic physics. This applies both to electric fences and standard wire field fence.
i agree - however on a middle pasture fence - there's going to be a side of the fence with the insulators. that fence appears to be splitting a field in half, so he had to chose one side.
@@gradym9841 Not necessarily for the middle fence. Alternate your t post facing one way then the other so that the fencing will be alternating on post sides, kind of like a basket weave down the fence line.
@@MrGordy61 Great idea. #1
@@MrGordy61nice - thanks
Very true
The timing on this video couldn’t have been better. Signed a purchase agreement on a 17 acre farm in South Central Kentucky a few days ago and was pricing out cheap just this morning! 15 acres of fenced in grass and clover with a half acre pond and a spring. I have spent three of the last six February‘s in Australia and I am addicted to lamb. Presented with lamb neck on my last trip and I was shocked how good it was. Probably helped that I was staying with a chef that knew what she was doing. 😊
We have a collar and bell on our ornery rams.
Aussie here. People talk about how dangerous our wildlife is. I’ve never understood that because, despite having the potential to harm you, they usually don’t, it’s cows that do. Cows are responsible for the most lost lives in Australia due to animals.
Sheep are also fantastic because, like goats, they get sick first and are cheaper if you lose them or for treatments. So they’re a great warning system that something is wrong out there. You can treat or tend to the problem before your cows get sick when you have sheep or goats with them to sound the alarm for issues.
Another advantage for the smaller farms is if you happen to lose an animal for any reason, replacing a sheep is a fraction of the cost of replacing a cow.
Awww man, you have just convinced me to change to sheep. I am 71. My bull that hurt his back after digging a pit wanting the cows next door kept tearing up my fences. and they are really expensive to ss people. I wanted a fence that was less expensive and keep my dogs on my acreage and the coyotes out. I think that would do it, but, make it a 6 footer so they couldn't jump it as easily. Thanks for the ideas. BTW: You are the reason I went full carnivore 30 days ago from ketovore. I couldn't keep from having my once a week splurge on carbs which turned into most nights having at least 1-4 cokes and some sweet item on my intermittent fasting.
Now everything I know about sheep I learned from an MD! Awesome!
Not rejuvenate, regenerate, get the soil working on your behalf. No chemicals, and eventually no vet bills. You're a busy man but it is fascinating. As Gabe Brown (rancher) likes to say "I like signing the back of checks, not the front of them."
Your meadows are so lovely to see...loved hearing the lambs...I bottle-fed two lambs last Spring...a truly wonderful experience!😊❤
I don't know if you'll ever see this post and I type fast on the phone while I am outside, so I never sit down and convey my thoughts perfectly.
So in case you do see this Dr. Berry, thank you for all you do , you are very much appreciated!
I have been in horses and cattle my whole life , sheep and goats for only around 15 years .
They are great , I raise Nubians , alpines and for sheep Katahdin and a few Suffolk.
I milk the Katahdins as well as the goats and make cheese.
The sheep are a great meat source . I recently butchered a hogget and the flavor is amazing! I do not grain them just grass , hay or alfalfa .
Same with my cattle.
They are the most friendly and docile sheep I have come across.
These hair sheep are low maintenance, as apposed to a Suffolk who need their tails docked and wool sheared.
It sure is awesome to see a medical professional as yourself practicing what you preach!
You are the life raft for so many! Never change!
Hi there would dorper get along with boer goats? Thanks in advance advance.
I've been following your keto page for years only to find out that you have a farming page too. Nice
So fascinating! We're relocating back to Indiana and will have some acreage so this video is food for thought .....and possibly raising food ...See what I did there lol
I raise goats. You're a big strong guy, you can handle a "rambunctious" ram. For some one who isn't as fit, ALWAYS be aware of where the males are! You'll get injured from a male before you will from a female, especially during mating season.
I have goats because I have some steep hills with a lot of brush. My goats are enjoying every bite!
Both goats and sheep bring a better price/lb than beef. And you don't need huge equipment to handle them.
Goats will clear out kudzu, right?
We have both. I love em! Goats have a lot of woods for forage and sheep take the fields. Goats are however escape artists but milder mannered. Definitely a lot easier to manage and afford than cows. Goat is a great meat source too!
@@fairviewhomestead wonder why there's no goat at the store? Does sheep taste better? Less gamey?
@@akbananachucker2441each have their own unique flavor but they are similar. We recently butchered one of our goats and I made burgers. Cooked just in salt and butter they were soooo good. Not gamey to me . Sheep and goat liver is actually one of my favorite things to cook as well. Goat is definitely consumed in many other cultures but I guess the main stream stores may not have a big market for it
@@fairviewhomestead did you only make burgers? And if so why? Is it tough meat? Thanks
Thanks! Not a sheep expert, but have recently started including lamb meat to my mostly carnivore lifestyle. Can tell your animals are well cared for.
Dr. Berry can please video yourself and your ram fighting? That would be great tv!!
I spin wool! I wash fleece, dye and weave also!! I love wool!!
That is actually sooo coolll 😭💗 I’d love to learn how to spill wool
Hair sheep = no wool
My favorite farm critters are ducks. Good eggs, good meat and tips the entertainment meter over too.
You should have more children Dr Berry. We need more like you.
Finally started milking our sheep. So excited to make yogurt. My kids love it!
I am a Livestock Educator and as a rule we teach that 7 sheep are equivalent to 1 cow.
I'm sold! Going to get a sheep shed built and look for some healthy sheep near Western Kentucky. I've been thinking about this for some time as we have two open acres that we have to mow constantly in the Summer which takes time away from my orchards, flower and vegetable gardens. They could keep it under control and provide meat. It's a win-win situation. Thanks for making this video, I am convinced I need sheep.
Sheep don't need a building.
Gregg Judy.
@@borispetkau1246Really? Where will they sleep? In the pasture?
@@JamieSantos yep
Yes sheep don't need pen cause you will end up with parasites.- Greg judy
A neighbor here in MN where we can see -30f, has sheep. The only time any of them get time in a shed is if one gets bred in the fall and is going to give birth when the temps are very low. He has a 250 watt heat lamp set up above a straw bed in a little covy. After a couple weeks he opens the small door to let them and moma out in a small pen, by this time the babies know where to go if they get cold.
A couple more reasons (which apply to meat goats, too): if you have cattle, you'll need to overwinter the calves at least once to get them up to butcher weight (if you are raising your own meat). With sheep or goats, assuming you have good meat breeds that grow quickly, you should be able to butcher your meat lambs by the time they are six to eight months old. So all you have to keep over the winter is your breeding stock. Another reason for keeping goats or sheep instead of cattle is that, if you want or need to do your own butchering, the smaller carcasses are easier to handle. It is *possible* to butcher an eighteen-month-old steer at home if you have a farm, but it's a heck of a lot more work.
Was raised in same neighborhood as a sheep ranch. Basque herders and all. Shearing time was a mountain of wool. Lots of bummers for the neighbor kids. Any way. Claude always docked their tails. So we did.Was a cleaner way for them. Just for grins, i have a picture of my grandpa casterating a ram lamb with his teeth. Go get em Dr. Berry!!
I saw that on a nature show, but with a type of reindeer. They called it partial castration, It crushed the testicals in the sack. It removed the breeding drive and allowed them to grow huge being they were not expending energy fighting for mating rights. Being huge size allowed them to break through the hard packed snow and ice so the lighter animals could get to the grass under the snow.
If only I could. But I'm grateful for what I do have. Our chicken's finally went outside yesterday, as we got their chicken run finished. And after so long wanting one, I'm setting up my Birdie's raised bed. I recently moved to my dream forever home. It's small, inexpensive on 1/2 beautiful acre. I am blessed.
I want to get into farming and I'm still learning and planning before I make the leap. Got a few questions for you brother.
1. My family includes my 2 daughters and myself. When it's time to process the sheep, about how much meat will we have? I mean more along the lines of how many months' worth of food will that one yield?
2. What is the average weight I can expect my sheep to get? I tried looking online and it's a bit confusing. I see weight ranging from 90 to 300lbs.
Much appreciated partner!
Years back I saw and enjoyed a PBS feature about a rural Florida guy who raised some wild turkeys. They would follow him around in the pastures and woods. Eventually, of course, the turkeys grew up, and "turkey boy," the tom turkey who had followed him the most, attacked him with sharp turkey spurs. That was the end of that tom turkey.
You actually have the best commentary. I’ve wanted to get into farming for a long while, but I’m allergic to most pollen pretty bad so animal husbandry appeals to me. Less sneezing. I’ve pretty much decided on sheep but you’ve provided some really good insight so thanks!
My sheep love the leaves of briar leaves and acorns in the fall.
I knew that was your voice before ever seeing you. Love your videos.
I love the taste of sheep. I need to clear more of my 8 acres mountain property in North Georgia. I was waiting to get a freezer and a back up Battery because we loose power often. I have been wanting to transition to a mostly carnivore diet. As I was raised by a mother who followed Atkins and she is now 102 and takes no medications. I am 74 today and relatively good health. I had a very enlarged prostate and no body could tell me why. One theory is the hormones they feed the cattle after the farmers sale them at the auctions. I don't need a lot of sheep just enough to butcher for my wife and I.
Where's your mother? You are just going to feed your wife you?
@@akbananachucker2441 My mother is 102 and lives 450 miles away with my brother.
I knew that face when scrolling through sheep videos! Dr. Berry! So glad to see that you’re also a farmer. Just sub’d and can’t wait to watch your other videos. Happy New Year!
We have royal white sheep.
Ken you should get a royal white ram for next year. The meat tastes so much better than st Croix.
I hear Dorper Sheep don't have Gamie taste
I watched a video once where a guy recommended starting out with sheep because they have quicker turn around. He said with cattle you have to wait a few years before you can sell. And that video was put out by a guy who raises both. As for tips, I don't have the personal experience to help in that area. Although the Greg Judy video's I've watched talked about the need to cull Ruthlessly to get the traits desired. I guess your freezer can help with that.
I think raising my own sheep would be a great deal more affordable than buying a pound at a time. Trying to figure out how much land I’ll need is the hard part! Maybe 10 sheep to start?
How much land have you?
STRAIGHT TO THE POINT! I love it
Good morning
Dr Berry you're awesome. Had no idea you were a farmer too. Glad to see it. Thanks for sharing.
Ken your pasture looks like it could use some agricultural lime to balance your ph of your soil. Balancing your ph with lime is natural limestone dust and will increase your productivity by double. Lime is cheap the co-op can tell you where to get it in your area. In Tennessee the sage grass is a tell take sign you need lime. I farmed 125 acre in Putnam County Tennessee for 25 years and about ever fourth or fifth year I limed my hay production doubled when I started doing this.
I know you're right. I'm trying to correct it without adding lime...
Love to watch your farm grow. Love how you’re learning as you go. Your explanations are greatly appreciated. 🐑
Thank you guys for all the tips!
My herd of Katahdin get Alfalfa nuggets to help them find their new paddock when they are doing a long move but it's all grass other than some winter time on hay.
I have a few sheep myself. Dr Berry's points are spot on!
Thank you Dr. Ken! A very timely video for me.
I found your channel with the algo. The minute the video started I laughed, that’s Dr. Berry! 😂😂😂 I’m looking at St Croix.
Aww dr Berry you're living the life of my dreams!! 🤎
Saw you cutting trees down for sheep to forage. Our pigs and goat go mad for willow. We have been raising our livestock grain free. It takes more time but they really enjoy so many plants ie willow, cardoons, bind weed, leaves. We can also replenish the top layer so pigs don't get smelly, dirty or bored. We throw in some taters now and again too. With proper management I think the whole industry could come away from grains. Grow high nutritionally dense swards of meadow for cows, sheep, geese and diverse woodland, forage area for pigs.
Had a mean ass ram hit me once from 30 feet away. Got me right in the thigh I went down like a sack of potatoes.
I’m loving every video you make of your farm, and because of your channel and several others here on TH-cam I’m certain I want to raise hair sheep regeneratively someday.
Thanks Dr Berry! Could you please take some video the next time you move the sheep to a new paddock so we can see how you do that? 😊
Will do
It did help :) thank you. This is one of my dream plans for my future.
I recommend moving your animals daily. The benefits to the land and the animals are undeniable
I wish I had the time; I know daily moving is better
I have a small dairy farm . I have chickens and sheep and goats . I get meat birds in the spring and turkeys .
Good stuff. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Mornin' y'all!!! From the hills of east Tennessee !
You should process your own sheep, save alot of money.
Dr. I’ve been following your other channel for years. I didn’t know you had a farm channel. I’m very excited to peruse your library. You should talk about it more on you other channel to funnel more subscribers Ike my myself.
Good Morning. Enjoyed your video with my coffee. Thank You.
Life goals! Great looking sheep!
So you practice intensive grazing management? It is a process of moving your animals through your land in such a way that the land is restored. I have learned alot from a man named Joel Salatin. Also he wrote a book especially for small farms. "Polyface Micro" success with livestock on a homestead scale. ❤
He is the OG of pasture raised animals. I love Joel Salatin!
I have white Dorper sheep and just bought some Aberdeen Angus which are small cattle, smaller then dexters, short legged. To rotate with the sheep.
Thinking about starting out. I had planned for the cattle first, but you changed my mind. Thanks.
This was so enjoyable to watch. 😊 Thank you, Doc!
I finally found this channel. I am so inspired, but so ignorant.
I'd love to learn how to raise my own Proper Human Diet ❤🤩😁
I may just have to go to college & figure this all out.
I'll let you know in about 5 years 😂
You are hilarious Dr K! Sheep are the best. Thanks for the farm update!!
Thanks for posting. I'm planning on raising sheep too.
They're precious.
I raise wool sheep in western NC for the past 12 or so years and a few have gone to the butcher. Would like to add a few meat sheep but my acreage is too small and I have to buy hay to get through the winter as it is. Need more land!!! Last year was my last year to lamb, I had gotten up to 24 sheep and am now down to 7--might be getting a few more--I can't help myself. Keep on doing what you are doing.
So wool sheep don't grow meat as much?
Great video Dr Berry love your info on raising Sheep which i was a younger lady i’d have a sheep farm. Love how you are learning to live off the land and the great food they get by rotating your pastures. Lovely!!👏👏👏👏👏👏🫶🏻🐑🐑🐑🥰🇨🇦
Which hair sheep or "meat sheep" are the best milk producers? In other words, what is the best dual purpose breed?
Planning for ranching as a rookie 🏞️ 🐑 🐏 🐾
What is best?
Acquire flock and LGDs at the same time? Or 1 before the other?
I wouldn't want to get a flock and have it unprotected. At the same time, getting LGDs first and then they don't have a flock to protect.
Everything including animal additions & dynamics are processes in themselves. Each one, especially different species, takes time to acquire, work with, creating an overall lifestyle.
Blessed be 🌈
Rae Fae
Do they eat cedar trees?
How about milk? There's lots of different breeds and and that would make a good video about the differences.
Dr. Berry, are sheep the same as lamb? What kind of meat is sheep, mutton?
How do you deal with predators when you don't have a barn up yet? Coyotes, etc. And you said sheep is healthiest, healthier than other meets; not disagreeing but can you comment on how it rates compared to goat meat?
We have a great pyrenes that stays with the sheep; haven't lost a single one to predation yet.
@@OBFARMS Thank you for the reply. And good information in the video.
I have a small flock of Dorper sheep. They work all day eating grass on the pasture. I just love them. the one benefit to sheep that I would add to your list is: they multiply quickly. A one year old ewe can be bred and 5 months later sheep will produce lambs. She will usually produce one the first year and 2 per year after that. A well cared for flock grows exponentially!
one small correction to your video; a group of sheep is a flock not a herd. Love the video, keep making more please.
Do you have to change the ram once in a while to have different genes?
@akbananachucker2441 yes, I purchase a young ram about 7 months old. They are easier to manage and less dangerous once the youngest ewes are 1 year old. After 2 to 3 months all my ewes are bred I then sell the Ram for the sa.e price I bought him. Free stud service.
Only keep the females, sell all males.
@@timothydoyle373 you do this every year? Has to be the same breed so they don't get mixed? Thanks
req. number of sheep for 1 acre plot ?? What about inches of snow on the ground, then what?? Thanx to all for responding ....
depends on your area and climate. Check with your county extension. I have about 6/acre in western NC mountains and that is pushing it.
Love to get some hair sheep on our homestead.
At what age do you send your lambs to processing and if it's ram lamb what age do you castrate if it is to go to processing?
You inspire me! Again 😊
Do you shear your sheep? That's one thing about getting wool from sheep, you still have your inventory.
Wool sheep's meat stinks
nope. I raise wool sheep and there meat is tasty.
Those are hair sheep, no need to sheer.
My concern about getting sheep was having to shear them, but do these sheep need shearing?
Nope
I only heard your first reason sheep eat weeds. I made that mistake once, and unfortunately they eat weeds and then they poop weeds and spread them everywhere. So where we once had beautiful grass, now we battle weeds everywhere! Never considered that they would be reproducing the weeds. Lol
We love it when the sheep poop weed seeds; more free food!
@@OBFARMS We just went into it NOT thinking about that. We only had goats for a short time, we raise beef cattle. And it did not do well for us. But I can see that being a benefit for you.
My father had a small piece of land and had 1 ram and about 13 ewes. When lambing time comes we found that some ewes rejected their babies. Do you find that a norm amongst sheep?
All of our ewes are good mommas; any ewe who rejects her lamb gets to go to market...
Lots of good information! Thank you for sharing. 💖💖💖
We only have a small area, a little under 2 acres. Is this too small to raise a small herd? Say around 5? And can sheep be milked like goats and their milk used for various things such as soap? I’m d love to have a homestead, but right now we only have chickens.
have you used a bale unroller (a la Greg Judy) rather than just feeding a bale?
What about the wool?
He has hair sheep.
Hi Sir how many sheep did you start with and how many do you have at the moment? Your video motivates me
We started with 20 and currently have about 70
OK thanks a lot for sharing
I thought the little pig who went to market was the same one who had roast beef. He bought the roast beef at the market, and came home to eat it. The other pig didn't go to market, so he didn't get any roast beef.
What do you feed them in the winter?
Hay & tree fodder
Is there a good market for sheep
Getting bigger every day
I’m getting some of these or goats I’d rather have sheep because I’ve heard the meat taste better but I think my land is really better suited for goats
Nice vedio dr. , I'm from Philippines may I know if the sheep need housing .
They don't because it will cause parasites.
If you have trees in the pasture then no
Flock's lookin' good, Doc. Keep it up!
Awesome video!
I love your videos. Great info!!! My first year raising hair sheep. What do you do for shelter? Is it necessary?
Use your sheep to sow your annual Ryegrass seed.
Very interesting. Plus sheep cheese is the best, high in MCT oil. How are goats compared to sheep?
Awesome stuff