Fast forward. Another animal arrives that I had previously said I did not want to raise. Yes, sheep. For a variety of reasons, I had chosen fiber goats to supply our raw fiber. Mohair and cashmere are beautiful fibers. For many years we followed this path and the yarn sold very well.

Still, the question remained. Why not sheep?

First, I thought we would have to have substantial pastures to include sheep on our farm. While we had some, our farm is mostly woodland and is in a forestry program. We’ve always fed hay primarily and it didn’t occur to me that hay was just dried grasses. Duh. 

Second, my vision of sheep tended to see open ranges and grassland for miles. I could not picture how sheep would fit in here. 

I want to add this background. I was formally trained in animal science at a large state university in the 1970s. That era was entirely committed to big agriculture and the universities were training us to go forth and produce more food at lower costs. 

I knew even then that something wasn’t sitting right with what I was being told. No one spoke about the movement that would make a huge impact on my life in a few years. 

The third reason that I hesitated to bring in sheep was the old adage that sheep spend their lives trying to die. Who in their right mind would want to take on an animal that has so much trouble staying healthy? 

In reality, none of these arguments were true for the small flock shepherd.  If you’re feeding hay to goats, you can also feed hay to sheep. Grain ration, if used should be species-specific to ensure the sheep and goats are receiving the proper balance of minerals. 

Sheep will also play an important part in regenerating any pastures or grassy paddocks you have on your property. Once you learn the basic principles of regenerative agriculture, pasture rotation, and managing the growth of the forage, you will be able to branch into grazing in addition to feeding hay when necessary. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen and sheep play a vital role in bringing health back to the land.

 Sheep Arrive on the Farm

A nearby farm reached out looking for a home for lambs. The ram had accidentally bred all the ewes and an overpopulation had occurred. 

I had a weak moment and agreed to take three lambs. Sadly, one died the first week. See I told you they wake up trying to die!

The truth was actually much deeper. The previous owner had many more problems than too many lambs. The sheep were loaded with parasites. Not only did I now have sheep, but I also had very sick sheep.  Two survived and one did not. 

Fast forward past years of learning, observing, finding mentors, readjusting the fields, readjusting gates, barns, and my thoughts. Guess what we are predominantly left with on our farm —sheep and chickens!

As the horses, cattle and pig years ended a new priority was taking shape. A dream that started with fiber goats was growing with wooly sheep. 

New systems were built, starting with fencing and gates that allowed me to work the sheep by myself. Once we had the proper infrastructure, fencing around fields was added, allowing the sheep to begin the restoration of grass pastures. 

Fields that had been compacted by beef cattle and then rooted up by hogs began turning green with perennial grasses. 

Sheep have definitely added more than poop to the land. Along the way, they worked their way into my very being. I observed them each day and spent time just sitting with them while they grazed. I found a gentleness in farming that had been waiting to be uncovered. Instead of handling the sheep by force, I worked on methods that convinced them everything would be ok. Basically, I limit their options and remain calm. 

I didn’t know it was possible for me to be this patient and calm. Observing the flock closely allows me to see when one isn’t acting quite right. I can understand where the misconception about sheep dying easily came to be. Yes, they can go downhill with illness suddenly. And I’ve lost a few even though I’ve tried to stay aware. But largely, developing a keen sense of what looks ok and what doesn’t will help keep your sheep healthy. 

Of all the different things we’ve brought to the farm, sheep have done the most for my personal growth. Becoming a shepherd will result in more than mountains of fluffy fleece each spring. You will find patience, adaptability, and resourcefulness along the way. Your heart will break with the losses and soar when you successfully fight off a parasite load or heal an injury.

When a sheep trusts you enough to allow kisses and ear scratches you will smile from the heart. Catching that rowdy scared lamb and feeling him relax under your hands, giving injections followed by cookies, and helping a ewe deliver her lambs. So many moments but the best of all is seeing the flock learn to trust me. It’s in their eyes and it’s a beautiful experience.  Yes, I do want sheep after all.