Breeding Plans for Market Lambs

[Bicoastal]

I am completely confused on when I should breed my Katahdin ewes. I know of breeders in my region (Mid-Atlantic) lambing from Dec through April. Of course they all believe the month they lamb is the very best time. I am so confused!

My plan was to target the major holidays, specifically Eid just a few days away. Prices at the local sale at the beginning of March were excellent. The next Eid holiday is June. In between, the local market will be flooded with lambs in May-June and the prices will drop. Next major holiday to target is Christmas.

I just met with a successful breeder of registered Katahdins. I had no idea some producers kept their "lambs" for a full year. I thought the goal was to sell as soon as possible! My original plan was Fall lambing to sell small lambs for Eid at the end of March. It didn't work out. Now that I know a bit more, I am even more confused. Decreased fertility in the heat of the summer. Parasites in Spring, high heat and humidity in Summer.

Those in the Mid-Atlantic, when do you breed your ewes and why?

 

[Baymule]

I raise Katahdins in East Texas. I just concluded lambing. It started in November and ended in March. My sheep didn’t listen to me about this birthing business. 43 lambs, lost 3, 1 bottle baby, didn’t lose any ewes. Had to pull a couple of lambs. I wanted Fall lambs. I got fall lambs…….late fall…….early winter……..Pearl Harbor Day (and my brother’s birthday) ……. New Year’s Eve…..stormy winter…….and finally early spring ain’t here yet.

Last spring I had 31 lambs. I also got over 4 feet of rain over a few months. Epic floods. It warmed up, parasite bloom like I’ve never experienced. Even working closely with the vet, lambs were dropping dead. I lost 11. Survivors were wretched, stunted little things, took them to auction and got the worst prices I’ve ever had. I kept 7 ewes, wondering if they would even grow—and they did. Haven’t wormed them since and they are fine. I’m guessing they have worm resistance that’s outa this world. I’ll put them with a ram after the summer solstice in June. Gonna try the shortening days of summer just for giggles and grins.

I’ve been raising sheep for 10 years. If you figure it out, please let me know!