October Farm Update

Hi Friends,

It’s time for my monthly farm update!

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The pasture is still growing here in Texas, but with dormancy approaching I wanted to share the 4 things I’ll feed my sheep this winter (along with what each one costs me).

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In fact, “What to Feed Sheep” is the topic of my FREE LIVESTREAM tomorrow (Thurs. Oct. 22 at 7pm CST)!

If you have questions about winter feeding (or tips of your own to share), just hit “reply” to this email. I’ll plan include them in tomorrow’s discussion!

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#1: Stockpile Forage

If you’re new to the concept of stockpiled forage, I explain it in THIS VIDEO.

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In short, instead of cutting and baling the grass on my land, I let it accumulate in the pasture – then I graze it over the winter.

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The biggest benefit is cost savings. By allowing my sheep to harvest (graze) the grass themselves, I eliminate the expense of cutting, baling, and storing hay. It also saves me the daily labor of hauling bales out to the flock!

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There is one trade-off: Unlike hay, which is typically cut when its nutritional value is highest, stockpiled forage remains exposed to the elements and gradually loses nutritional value (especially protein).

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To make up for the decline in protein, I provide my sheep with a small protein supplement while they’re grazing stockpile.

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I typically have enough stockpiled forage to last through January, at which point I begin feeding hay.

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COST: FREE

(Okay, technically there’s the cost of owning or leasing the land… but we’ll keep it simple!)

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#2: Protein Supplement

This year, I’m using Hudson Livestock Forage Extender 20 lick tubs to supplement my stockpiled forage.

The “20” means the tub contains 20% protein.

(Not sponsored, paid full price for my tubs —haha!)

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Lick tubs are not the only way to provide protein when grazing stockpiled forage. Some farmers use dried distillers grains (DDGs), others use pelleted feed, and I use cottonseed cubes for larger cattle (cows), as shown in this video.​

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For my sheep, however, I chose lick tubs as this years protein supplement – for two reasons:

1. Convenience: I leave the tubs in the pasture 24/7, so there’s no need to add feeding sheep to my daily routine. These tubs keep my fall management simple!

2. Self-regulated consumption: When a paddock contains higher-quality forage, my sheep tend to eat very little from the tubs. As forage quality declines, they generally consume more supplement. This way I avoid feeding (and wasting) protein supplement when the pasture doesn’t need it.

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COST: $0.10–$0.20 per head, per day

(Each 125lb tub cost me $94 this year and one sheep consumes around .25lb/day.)

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#3: Alfalfa Hay

I do feed premium alfalfa square bales instead of grass hay in round bales. It is more expensive, but there are a couple factors that make it worth it for me:

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1. I lamb in February. (Here’s why I chose that timing.)

Because my ewes are nursing lambs before spring pasture begins growing, they need extra nutrition to support milk production.

Alfalfa provides 14-17% protein and is naturally rich in calcium, both of which are especially important during lactation. Grass hay typically contains less protein (often 9–12%) and provides very little calcium.

2. It’s an all-in-one feed.

Alfalfa provides enough protein and calcium that I don’t need to purchase additional protein tubs or pellets while feeding it to my flock. This simplifies my feeding routine and helps offset the higher cost of premium hay.

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COST: $0.55–$1.10 per head, per day

(I pay $23 for a 100 lb bale or $265 for 1200lb. My sheep typically consume the equivalent of 2–4% of their body weight in dry matter each day.)

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#4: Loose Mineral

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Minerals are a year-round staple for my flock, not just something I provide during the winter.

I use Redmond minerals for my sheep and have had excellent results with two options: Redmond Selenium 90 (which I dilute 50/50 with plain stock salt) and Redmond’s sheep-specific mineral.

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😁 Necessary disclaimer: My winter feeding plan is pretty simple, but keep in mind I am sharing this info from Texas. Shepherds with sub-zero temps and long winters may need to feed a heavier ration.

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Ok, it’s your turn! What are you feeding this winter? Hit “reply” and let me know.

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-the Shepherdess

p.s. Be sure to register for my FREE LIVESTREAM tomorrow, where I will be talking on the topic of “what to Feed Sheep” even more!

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

Isaiah 40:11