COMPLETE GUIDE TO BREEDING SHEEP (for Beginners)

🐑 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 When it comes to breeding sheep, most problems that show up at lambing actually started months earlier, long before the breeding season. In this episode, I’m running through the basics of breeding sheep and answering the most common questions I receive. We’ll focus on getting your flock in the best condition possible to go into breeding, setting your farm up for a productive and low-stress lambing season. If you’re looking for a low-input, pasture-based approach to breeding sheep, improving flock health, and avoiding common mistakes, this episode will start you off on the right foot. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to my pasture-based sheep operation 07:44 What to look for in a meat ram 15:42 Considerations for healthy breeding ewes 17:15 The importance of ideal body condition 19:40 My controversial opinion on breeding age for ewes 21:32 Optimal minerals for breeding pasture-raised sheep 29:46 What happens if you breed a ewe in poor health 34:10 Why I don’t practice flushing to increase my twinning rate 36:13 Knowing when to cull less desirable ewes 39:12 Keeping a strict breeding timeline 50:02 Audience Q&A RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out the Redmond Sheep Mineral I use and recommend Learn how to set up your own portable shade structure for 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