Lions and tigers and bears! Managing pedator risk in sheep production with Crystal Emsoff from the Emsoff Livestock Production Company USA

Get in touch to share sheeping stories or questions anytime!Lions and tigers and bears oh my! All countries have challenges with predators preying on sheep and lambs and the USA has some of the biggest challenges. In this episode we learn strategies to protect our flock from a pro! Crystal, her husband and their boys run Emsoff Livestock Company in Chilcott California (near the Nevada border), focusing on show lambs, Dorpers, Hampshires and livestock guardian dogs (LGD). Crystal is a first generation sheep producer, she studied Animal Science at University in Texas, has worked for the US Forest Service managing cattle and 8,000 western range ewes in the Tahoe National Forest. She has served on the Western States Dorper Association for two years, she shows Dorpers and is training to be a sheep judge and best of all she can talk about sheep all day. In this episode we explore:That Crystal is like me and you! - she can talk about sheep all day!What predators are there in the US? What is the impact of these predators on sheep and their business? What do predators cost (in terms of loses or $$) US sheep producers each year?What they use to successfully manage these predators?What LGDs work best?How should you treat a LGD?What about any birds of prey as lamb predators like vultures? What about alpacas?When are lambs most vulnerable to predators?Where should someone start if they are wanting to lamb for the first time or if they wanting to improve their lamb survival rate re predators?You can reach Crystal at:http://www.emsofflivestockcompany.com/https://www.facebook.com/EmsoffLivestockCompanySupport the showThank you for supporting our pod! Sign up via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new