E19: Getting Started with Sheep + Starting a Farm Business | Grace the Shepherdess

Homesteaders of America

I am noticing a trend in the homesteading world toward raising sheep. There are so many great reasons to consider adding sheep to your homestead, and Grace the Shepherdess is here to share with us all about her small-scale regenerative sheep farming operation. She talks through some of the different breeds of sheep and what they are useful for, the ins and outs of rotational grazing with sheep, and the profitability of raising sheep in today’s market. If you are working with a small piece of land or you are simply interested in adding a smaller-scale ruminant to your homestead, join in on this conversation with the Shepherdess!

In this episode, we cover:

• Revitalizing the health of a flock of sheep through grazing management

• A description of hair sheep and their primary purpose

• What research Grace did to determine that sheep were a far more profitable endeavor for her than cattle

• The difference between how sheep interact with pasture versus cattle

• Addressing parasite issues effectively in sheep

• Being prepared to care for various health concerns that may affect your sheep

• What size property do you need to raise sheep?

• The unique temperament of sheep and how to develop a trusting relationship with them

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsor!

McMurray Hatchery offers a wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock. Find what you need at McMurrayHatchery.com!

ABOUT GRACE

Grace is an entrepreneur, Shepherdess, and rotational grazing enthusiast. This eclectic mix converges as she shares her small scale sheep farming operation. Through YouTube Grace shares about regenerative farming for profit, raising Dorper sheep, and daily life as a small-scale, regenerative farmer!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Salad Bar Beef Joel Salatin

Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep

Be sure to follow Grace’s website and Instagram for updates about her upcoming book The Basics of Raising Sheep on Pasture.

CONNECT

Grace the Shepherdess | Website | Instagram

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

Join us at the Homesteaders of America Conference in October 2023!