newhomesteader2010
Exploring the pasture
This is definitely a bunch of newbie questions , but for someone who is new to sheep (so new they don't have any yet and are just doing research) I thought this may be a good place to start . Where would one first go about finding some "local" sheep breeders? I don't think we live in a particularly sheep heavy state. What are the best options for dairy sheep? What does one look for in dairy sheep and in dairy sheep breeders? Is it harder to find "studs" (not sure if that's the right term there, but hopefully you will get my drift) when the lactation cycle ends or would it be more beneficial to have a ram on hand to supply "needs"? I would be a bit hesitant about having a ram only because I know they are like roosters, their job is to protect their girls and cannot be trusted, despite how sweet their disposition may be. We are looking at having just a few (maybe 3 max) as we only have about 5 acres and some of that is wooded, not to mention we have NO idea if anything on our property is toxic to sheep (we do NOT use any type of chemical in our farming...we are an organic farm). Is there such a thing as a dairy/wool sheep? I am sorry I have so many questions, but I figured you all would be the perfect jumping off point while I wait for the library to get in their copy of Story's guide to Sheep!! Thank you in advanced for the help!!