1) Allows for enhanced range management by utilizing all types of vegetation available
2) Improves options for sustainable organic production
3) Provides for smaller frame animal options for our small scale operation
Sheep caught our attention because they are easy to handle and prefer forbs. We have several forbs that can be utilized by sheep; i.e. kochia. In researching sheep breeds, hair sheep were of interest because they do not produce wool and therefore don't need to be sheared. This was important because my research showed that the price of wool doesn't cover the cost of shearing; a major issue. Katahdin is is a breed of hair sheep, which have been breed for meat production, and seemed fitting to our operation for several reasons:
1) Adapted to a variety of climates
2) Can breed out of season
3) Easy care and handling
4) Resistant to internal parasites
Last summer, we located a Katahdin breeder in La Junta, CO and purchased a ram and a ewe. This spring, the ewe had her first lamb; unassisted, so we were very pleased!
We need to develop better fencing for the sheep. Currently, we only have two small pens to hold the sheep. We have purchased a portable electric fencing system to make small temporary pens. This was a good idea, but the reality has been that it hasn't contained the sheep well. They slip under the bottom wire without getting shocked. I'm told this could be from a variety of reasons, i.e. too low of joule rating, poor ground, lack of trained animals, etc.???
 |
| Step-in posts with poly wire and reel system |
Therefore, to get the animals out in a more natural grazing setting, and to utilize their grazing in the management of weeds, we stake them out during the day. Actually, we only stake the ewe out, and the ram and the lamb stay in a close proximity (for now). Of course, we will have to find a more permanent solution that will accommodate increased numbers of sheep; possibly a high-tensile or woven wire perimeter fence?
No comments:
Post a Comment