Part-Time Sheep Producers Have Several Options Open

By Larry Arehart.

Types of sheep production on a few acres include purebred production, feeder lambs, and a small flock of ewes.

Many part-time producers of purebred sheep are found in New England, the Midwest, and the West. Most of these flocks consist of 6 to 50 sheep, and generally can be classified as hobbyist in nature. Many are 4-H programs which are involved in showing sheep.

The sheep show has played an essential part in encouraging the purebred phase of the industry. It provides educational value and the best means of advertising for purebred breeders. Showing sheep is good for young people as they learn to compete with others. Furthermore, planning for a sheep show allows parents to cooperate with youth on subjects of mutual interest.

Smaller purebred flocks provide opportunity for larger, more established breeding flocks to sell their superior genetic breeding stock. The primary source of income for purebred flocks is obtained through sales of rams to commercial sheep-men. Rams are sold at prices ranging from $150 to $500. The enterprise requires ability to select desirable breeding stock, and animal husbandry techniques including feeding and care to keep animals in desirable condition at all times.

Commercial sheepmen demand high quality, well grown rams. A beginner should not start in the purebred business.

It is much better to gain experience with less expensive commercial sheep.

The small ewe flock can be managed either on extensive or limited acreage. With lots of land, sheep do a good job of salvaging roughages. They are well adapted to graze with dairy or feed cattle.

Joe Quincy's experience in Iowa is an example of success with sheep grazing behind dairy cattle. His 45 ewes have shown him a substantial gross income.

The ewes are managed with the cows on a 40-acre tract. They glean cornstalks and grass meadows during fall and winter. They have produced a 166 percent lamp crop. During the lambing period the ewes are kept in an old chicken house equip. ped with water and electricity.

Many producers feel that a small ewe flock more than justifies the expense and time necessary to gain additional income on a few acres. Such flocks can gross $100 per head.

Sheep also have the ability to produce well under confined situations. This type production has become more popular as land costs increase relative to feed costs. High production levels (200 percent lamb crop) are required to achieve a profit.

Profits per ewe could range from $50 to $65 per head depending on genetic input and management. Understanding of marketing conditions is required to be successful.

Feeder Lambs

Lamb feeding is another option. Many producers buy feeder lambs to raise to market weight. This does not require extensive labor. It can be done with limited equipment, and on small acreage.

Lamb feeders buy lambs, treat them for appropriate health problems, and gradually work them to a full feed which is most often dispensed in a self feeder. This enterprise requires good marketing conditions for lambs, a source of feeder lambs, and an understanding of diseases and nutrition.

A new, innovative way to feed lambs is to keep them on elevated slatted floors. Advantages are reduced space requirements, elimination of bedding, reduction of parasites, and generally increased feed efficiencies. Initial investment, of course, is much greater.

Some small operators produce black wool for home spinning, while others produce lamb for home use and neighborhood locker plants.

Many sheep producers in the Northeast feel the best lamb market is the hothouse or baby lamb market. Special breed and out-of-season breeding is advisable to get the most lucrative price. You can get $60 to $75 for a lamb that is only 8 to 10 weeks old. A few top lambs at the right market may bring slightly higher prices.

Some ethnic groups desire early lambs around their particular religious holidays in early spring. Many lambs can be sold at this time by an alert producer. Buyers will be back year after year and pay good prices. Easter lambs may bring anywhere from $60 to $70 each.