Heads up! We will be discussing low-input systems for beef cattle (as well as meat goats) and answering your questions live!
(If you cannot join us live, register anyway for a link to the replay) Hope to see you there! -the Shepherdess p.s. Get to know Mr. Karl by watching my previous livestream with him HERE. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor. 12:9 |
January Farm Update
Hi friends, Time for the monthly farm update! The winter storm rolled through and everyone stayed pretty cozy. Meanwhile, I completed a unique project (scroll for more). 🥩 Quick note: For those waiting for breeding stock, I plan to have 2 breeding-ready rams for sale tomorrow night. Click the button below to be notified about availability:
This month I took on a unique project. I converted roughly 500lb of meat into shelf stable, meals ready to eat. This meat was the accumulation of a couple of years: meat that is amazing quality but not marketable (eg. a grass-fed sheep that is too old to market as lamb or home-butchered meat that can’t be sold to the public). I am excited to share a video of this process with you, including recipes (hoping to publish on the channel by the end of the month).
This was my first time canning and preserving food. I enjoyed the learning process. I might not recommend making 500lb of meat your first pressure-canning project, but rest assured you can do it if you have to 😅.
I ended up with 220 jars (or 617 meals worth) of finished product. I lost about 8 jars due to rookie mistakes, but those still remained edible – just not shelf stable. I now have Lamb Stew, Taco Filling, BBQ Sandwich Meat, Teriyaki, Stroganoff, and MORE stashed on the shelf. My version of fast food and a great backup for the grocery store the next time the world shuts down.😅
I emptied my freezer just in time to fill it again with a new round of market lambs! January’s lambs finished out nicely. Average finish weight for this group was 95lb with a carcass yield of around 50% – super pleased with these numbers! (reminder: click here if you are looking for a breeding ram from these genetics) Due to low quality winter pasture I supplemented this group at a rate of 1.5-2lb per head per day during December and January. The supplement was a 50-50 mix of whole oats and alfalfa pellets.
If you are interested in raising your own meat sheep, buy my book for beginners: the Basics of Raising Sheep on Pasture
Stay the course, -the Shepherdess “…yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.” Psalm 52:1-2 |
December Farm Update
Hi friends, Better late than never: MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year :). I am on my annual 7 week social-media fast…. but I always leave leeway for email updates during the break 😉. Here is what’s happening behind the scenes (with 2 books I am loving right now at 30% off).
This month I learned how to use my meat saw. This one is on sale for $80 off right now. (nope, I’m not earning commissions on that link, but if sharing about the discount helped you you can buy me a coffee with some of your savings.😉)
BUTCHERING (the lamb and goat version) has been my go-to as I slowly learn butchering side of shepherding. Buy the book for 30% off (and free shipping) HERE.
Lambing season kicked off (yep, winter lambing is a Texas advantage). Twinning rate is way up and ewe lambs are leading on a 9-1 ratio! This is good news for those on my waitlist for ewe lambs!I plan to open reservations for breeding stock in February. Prayers for Lazarus (the little guy not standing) would be appreciated. I found him 1/2 frozen and the verdict is still out as to whether or not he will “come forth”.
It takes 12-18 gallons of quality milk to raise one lamb. (which translates to about $250 per lamb when I buy goat milk at retail) Instead of buying milk, I use 2 dairy goats to build up a milk bank over summer. These girls definitely earn their keep!
Raising Goats Naturally has been my favorite book for Dairy Goats. Buy the book for 30% off (and free shipping) HERE.
Keep at it, everyone. ❤️ -the Shepherdess “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19 |
Surprise 😍
If you are like me, you are… ahem… a bit last minute. 🎁 So in honor of you (and me 😉) I am hosting a FLASH SALE on select homestead books, children’s books, and STOCKING STUFFERS: $2 and $7 with $10 FLAT RATE PRIORITY SHIPPING! HURRY, order deadline is THURSDAY at 12pm! I plan to ship everything on Thursday afternoon via PRIORITY MAIL. While I cannot guarantee USPS service standards, I will be packing and shipping for best chance for delivery by Christmas!!!
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 |
HOW TO MAKE A BUSINESS OUT OF FARMING (3 Tips)
This video shares 3 business tips for new farmers from Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farms model!
1 HOUR INTERVIEW WITH Joel Salatin: https://bit.ly/2022atPolyface
Finding Lease Land using onX: • HOW TO FIND LEASE LAND FOR FARMING & RANCH…
Join my Newsletter: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessNWSLTR
SALAD BAR BEEF BOOK: https://bit.ly/SBBeefBOOK
How to Go Full Time in Farming (from the Polyface Farm Business Model)
There are three primary challenges small farms face today if they want to be profitable — not just an expensive hobby:
- Access to land
- Human resources
- Cashflow
During my visit to Polyface Farm, I saw firsthand how Joel Salatin’s unique business model tackles all three of these obstacles. In this post, I’m going to show you how the Polyface example can help beginner farmers break through these same barriers.
How Polyface Inspired My Own Farm Journey
When I first jumped into agriculture, Joel Salatin’s book Salad Bar Beef gave me the confidence that I could raise livestock profitably on just 30 acres — even as a complete beginner.
I read that book nearly six years ago. Three years later, I went full-time in agriculture on my own 30-acre enterprise. I had zero prior experience, and while my journey took a turn away from beef and toward sheep (a better fit for small acreage), I scaled my revenue and built a full-time farm by mirroring key parts of the Polyface model — not just the meat production side, but also Salatin’s value-added enterprises.
For those unfamiliar, the Polyface business model is radically different from the conventional farm model. Joel routinely catches criticism from the “farm establishment,” largely because he refuses to leave money on the table. Polyface isn’t just a meat farm — it’s also an agritourism hub, an educational platform, and a mentorship ecosystem.
Small farmers willing to follow this example quickly discover something powerful:
Inviting people to interact with your farm not only widens margins — it fulfills a deep cultural hunger for connection to land.
As you read through these three challenges and three Polyface-inspired solutions, I encourage you to identify at least one unconventional idea you can apply to your own farm. Drop a comment telling me which one resonates most with you.
1. Land Access: Getting a Foot in the Door
The price of land today makes it nearly impossible for a beginner to purchase acreage outright — at least, not with farming income alone. Thankfully, Salatin highlights three practical pathways for securing land access without shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Option 1: Steward Family Land
Landowners are aging, and many end up selling only because no one is willing to carry their vision forward. This was my route.
I don’t own my farm. I lease 30 acres of family land for my sheep enterprise.
It has been a win-win: I have access to land I could never afford to purchase, and my family has someone maintaining the property.
Option 2: Lease Land from Strangers
This option is similar to the first — just without the family connection.
I’ve secured several short-term leases this way (I’ll link the full step-by-step video below). Yes, cold-calling landowners is uncomfortable… but you get over it.
My method:
- Use OnX Hunt to find the landowner’s name
- Track down a phone number through community connections or
- Send a letter requesting a lease
Option 3: Inheritance
This is the least common path — most of us aren’t inheriting hundreds of acres.
Joel himself took over Polyface from his father, who purchased it as a worn-out, degraded piece of land. Joel chose to carry forward his father’s vision and build upon it. That willingness to steward legacy is often lacking today, which is one reason many landowners choose to sell rather than leave property to their children.
2. Human Resources: Solving the Labor Crunch
New farmers often start with enthusiasm, juggle every role themselves, and burn out within a few years. The Polyface model solves this through a self-feeding labor pipeline built around two components:
- Seasonal mentorship programs (“Stewards”)
- A small core of year-round staff
The Steward program brings in young people to live and work on the farm during the busiest season: late spring through early fall. These individuals gain hands-on experience and contribute enormous labor value exactly when the farm needs it most.
Stewards work for room, board, food, and mentorship rather than cash — and the very best are sometimes invited to join the full-time paid staff.
This model is ingenious, sustainable, and absolutely repeatable — even for tiny farms.
3. Cashflow: The Polyface Superpower
Cashflow is my favorite topic — and the one I studied most closely while building my own enterprise.
Polyface is not a commodity farm. They don’t sell grain to elevators or livestock at auction. Instead, they operate a direct-to-consumer meat business, selling:
- Pork
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Lamb
- Turkeys
- Rabbits
These are sold through online ordering and local buying clubs, with scheduled delivery drops in affluent, health-conscious communities in Virginia.
But what really widens their margins is the value-added enterprise stack layered on top:
- A farm store with merch and local goods
- “Lunatic Tours” at $25 per person
- Multi-day on-farm seminars
- Self-published books (over 100k copies sold)
- Paid speaking engagements
Not all of us are Joel Salatin–level personalities, so some of these opportunities may not translate directly.
But after interviewing Joel in 2021, I challenged myself to see how many I could adapt as a complete nobody — a brand-new farmer with no credentials.
Here’s what that looked like for me:
- Instead of a physical farm store → I built an online store with handcrafted merch
- Instead of weekly on-farm tours → I publish weekly YouTube videos (digital agritourism)
- Instead of hosting on-farm seminars → I host live online workshops
- And I self-published a book on sheep farming
All of these became meaningful revenue streams that buffer my farm income through the ups and downs of startup life.
If you can find even one unique income stream outside raw food sales — a value-added product, an educational angle, or a digital version of agritourism — your farm’s cashflow becomes far more resilient.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you want to see exactly how I scaled from $0 to $100k on a 30-acre beginner farm, watch the next video where I break down the entire process step-by-step.
September Farm Update (sheep for sale)
Hi Friends, This farm update includes some long-awaited info. My Fall Lamb and Starter Flock sale kicks off this month! Click the button below to receive exclusive email updates about my Autumn Sheep Sale:
(Unless you tap the button above you will not receive any updates on sheep for sale… make sure and click!)
For the past 5 years I have culled hard for 4 characteristics: Parasite resistance, good maternal traits, hoof health, and meaty frames on pasture only.
This year a 5th trait is really emerging: uniformity. It is super encouraging to see such a notable consistency in frame (meatiness), lowline, and hair coat within the flock.
Fall lambing is underway! Due to a breeding-glitch that happened back in May, my fall lambing season is a bit smaller than usual… but the new additions are looking great!
If you have been waiting to buy lambs or a Complete Starter Flocks from my farm, be sure to tap the button below to be notified once the livestock sale launches!
I added the last of the inventory to the $10 tee sale!! We filled all the orders from the August rush, then added leftovers to the site. This is the end of my tee shirt collection until at least 2026, so grab yours!!
More to come :), -the Shepherdess “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: |
Know your enemy 🪱🐑 (free class)
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Hi friends, There is a saying that goes: “If you know your enemy and your (yes, I updated the original saying a bit, but the principle applies regardless 😄) 🪱As you raise sheep on pasture, internal parasites (worms) to be one of your biggest enemies. In fact, worms killed half of our flock in our first 2 years as beginner farmers (yep, ouch!). Today, however, worms are no longer a major issue. To keep parasites at bay, I use a combination of:
Tomorrow I am going to share all of my practices! Come with your questions because there will be LIVE Q+A at the end! Special bonus: I vet-tested the viral “Lye as Livestock Dewormer” concept and will be sharing the results from the veterinary office at the end of the livestream (as well as the potential risks of using lye as a dewormer):
Much of this info will apply to goats as well as sheep. 🐐 If you are unable to attend live, please register anyway and you will receive a replay. There is a room size limit of 150, so please log-on early to secure one of the LIVE seats. All registrants will receive a replay! To support these free monthly meetups please consider one (or both) of the following:
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow (7pm CST)! -the Shepherdess “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1
*DISCLAIMER: I am not a veterinary professional. Please do not attend this meetup in search of (or to supplement) professional veterinary advice. I will be sharing based on experience from my own farm. |
🥳LIVE NOW!! (bonus for first 10)
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🎉📚 MY BOOK’S 2nd BIRTHDAY EVENT IS LIVE!! (Shepherdess Dorpers Ceramic Mug to the first 10 book orders, and the $30k Side Hustle Planner comes WITH EVERY BOOK*!!)
Birthday week bonuses:🎉 (Bonuses start in for all orders after 8am CST on 8/15 and are granted on a first-come basis)
Keep in mind, the first 10 orders will receive all of the above in ONE MEGA BUNDLE… there are some serious perks this year!!!🎉🎉🎉
Already own the book, but want access to the $30k Side Hustle Planner?
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| LEAVE a Review |
*Offer runs while supplies last or until 8/21.
For a look at how the book came together, watch this video!
The Basics of Raising Sheep Book is 100% printed and constructed in the USA!⬇️⬇️
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-the Shepherdess
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Cor. 3:7
[Business BOOTCAMP] Monday Briefing
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Hi Friends, It is time for the Monday Briefing! I am pretty excited about this month’s 🎙️COMPLETION PRIZE, so scroll for info!! ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY: We are in week number 1 of Month 5! In our final months of Bootcamp I am going to be unpacking my entire Content Marketing Strategy for you. This week, I am addressing the importance of a Service-based Mindset in Marketing: Lesson 1 in Month 5: Marketing Mindset & Messaging
(be sure you are logged in when clicking this button or you will see “not enrolled”) Good Marketing is founded on 3 principles, primarily:
Principle #3 has been the most important for my business: serve before you sell. In my first year of marketing, I was giving my customer base a lot more than I was receiving. I “gave” in 3 primary ways:
These were ways of giving that were tied into my Lead Capture strategy (the one that I taught you in Phase 2), so it was a win-win… but the premise is the same: I had to give before I could ask… and it paid off… By the time I had products ready to sell, I had an email list of people that I had been serving (through a free resource, videos about my flock, and educational blog post)… …and these people were warmed up ready to buy. This is also why I suggest that you start marketing before your product is ready to sell. The warm-up process takes time :). 🌱 What a soil base and a customer base have in common… As regenerative farmers, we know that a soil base usually requires that we give it something before we pull a harvest out of it. The same principle applies with to a customer base. Constantly taking is never a winning strategy. The size of our harvest typically relies on the strength of our input… More on a how to establish a Service Based Mindset in Marketing in Assignment 1:
COMMUNITY UPDATES:PODCAST IS UPDATED! I have updated the member-only podcast with:
Here is how to add the Member-Only Podcast to your Podcast Library:
COMPLETION PRIZES for Month 5: All students to complete this month’s assignments will be entered into a drawing for one RODE NT-USB Mini USB PODCASTING Microphone. This connects to your laptop or tablet and is ideal for Podcasting and recording audio narration for YouTube videos. As a reminder: completion prizes are a fun incentive to stay focused, not an encouragement to rush :). Keep at it, slow and steady! -the Shepherdess “And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: And establish thou the work of our hands upon us; Yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.” Psalm 90:17 Earnings Disclaimer: Every effort is made to equip you with the tools and strategies you need to reach specific financial goals. However, there is no guarantee that you will earn money using the classes I provide for you. God alone gives the increase and will dictate whether you are profitable or not. This education comes with no warranties or guarantees. By participating you agree that you understand this earnings disclaimer. |
June Farm Update (with announcement)
Hi Friends, I have an announcement at the bottom, but first up: I have received a few emails wondering if my farm has been impacted by the flooding here in TX. The answer is no. We are several hours north of the floodzone. Please remain in prayer for the families who are facing loss and devastation this month. Until 2017 I lived in the exact area that is being affected. There was a 100-year flood in 2015 and I witnessed firsthand the speed and power with which these flood waters rise. It is hard to explain and nearly impossible to plan for.
This month I decided to clip/mow my pastures. Over the past couple of years we hit June and July and pasture growth outpaced the flock’s ability to graze through it. As a result, forage just wasn’t as palatable or nutritious over summer. So far I am pleased with the decision to mow. We have had plenty of rain, so pasture has recovered quickly. The sheep are in great condition with the better forage quality. And yes, we did intend to bale it but the rain cut the process short.
June used to be one of the most difficult months for me in terms of farming: the heat and managing/sorting/working lambs in it was overwhelming. However in 2023 I moved my entire lambing season back by 1 month (from March/April to Feb/March). This enabled me to finish all of the major lamb work for the year in May (and before the onset of scorching TX summer). I am so grateful to not be working lambs in June and July anymore. 😅
With a slower pace in June, I was able to invest in something I have had in mind for a while: launching YouTube Kids Channel. As a child, summer reading programs were my absolute favorite. The Shepherdess Book Club is a channel that features wholesome read-alouds and craft-projects for children ages 0-9 yrs. To support the channel you can purchase the Shepherdess Summer Camp Kit, which includes a hard-copy of each book and supplies to complete the various craft projects!
I hope the new content provides a respite as you and your little ones finish out your summer break!
Until next time, -the Shepherdess “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7 |
Dorper Dream Flock GIVEAWAY!!
2025 Dorper Dream Flock Grant! I am giving one of you the chance to start your very own Dorper flock, with 3 sheep from my own farm! Keep scrolling for details on how to qualify and apply for the grant. What the winner receives:
Shepherdess Complete Starter Kit (32 Piece Supplies Bundle) Do you Qualify for the Dorper Dream Flock Grant?To qualify for an entry you must fall under one of these categories: 1. You have completed the course Raising Sheep 101 with a score of 85 or higher on all 5 quizzes. In addition to this, you need to provide proof that you have land suitable to raise 3 sheep and the lambs they produce (2+ acres recommended). or 2. Successful sheep owner for 12 months or more. You must have experience with at least one lambing on farm and an annual mortality rate of 15% or less.
PICKUP DETAILS: Winner will be announced on May 15th. Sheep will be Available for Pickup in Sulphur Springs, TX in June of 2025. What is Shepherdess.com?Shepherdess.com is a resource hub to educate, equip, and embolden beginner sheep farmers. At Shepherdess.com you will find free training, extended training, and sheep care supplies. These resources are designed to give you a strong start in sheep farming! This is not a random drawing. Applications will be carefully reviewed to ensure a good placement of these sheep. |
20 bad things…
Hi friends, My (free) monthly livestream is tomorrow at 8pm CST! The theme it 20 BAD THINGS that have happened at my sheep farm (warning, not for the faint of heart); including how I treated the problems immediately and what kind of management I put in place to mitigate issues long-term.
I will be providing photos and instructions (some blood and guts involved), so feel free to skip this meetup if you aren’t ready for this kind of sheep info yet. However, if you are ready for the good, the bad, and the ugly; knowing about these issues ahead of time might save a life or two at your farm! Hope to see you tomorrow at 8pm CST! -the Shepherdess P.S. This livestream only accommodates 150 attendees, so log-in early if you want a seat! A replay will be sent to all registrants, so register for the replay. “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Proverbs 27:23 |
[LIVE] DORPER SHEEP FOR SALE
Hi Friends!
PICKUP (or delivery): DFW area, Texas. Pickups are tentatively set for May. Delivery within 180 mile radius is available for $300. Further details below, please read thoroughly! First right of buy-back: The first and most important detail is that I ask for first right of buy-back on my sheep. If you purchase this Monday and (for whatever reason) need to sell them within the next 36 months, please email me and let me have the first opportunity to purchase the them back. What is available:
The genetics pool is the same for these rams and ewes, so buying to breed together is not advisable
About the Sheep: My sheep are pasture adapted, purebred Dorpers. They are 50% registered, however they will not come with registration papers. My sheep are bred to perform well on quality pasture in a rotational grazing system. They have been living on pasture almost 24/7 and are hardy; they do not need to be pampered with fancy barns, confinement-style management, or heavy feed rations. All of that said, please raise them responsibly, provide shelter for freezing rain and sleet, and understand that in certain circumstances feed supplement is good animal husbandry (in short, don’t starve them or let them freeze to death -haha!). As a note for 2025, during winter (while pasture was dormant) I fed a ration of 0.75 lb per head of DDG in place of alfalfa. This was done as part of a research project on various types of winter supplement. Because DDG is a grain-based supplement I want to mention it for sake of transparency, however it does not affect any of the pasture-based traits of these animals. These sheep are bred to perform on pasture with minimal supplementation. I’m excited to see you at 8AM (cst) Monday! Be sure to bookmark the links above. I will send one more email with both links on Monday morning. -the Shepherdess “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
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[PLEASE READ] Sheep for Sale on Monday
Hi Friends! First right of buy-back: The first and most important detail is that I ask for first right of buy-back on my sheep. If you purchase this Monday and (for whatever reason) need to sell them within the next 36 months, please email me and let me have the first opportunity to purchase the them back. What is available:
The genetics pool is the same for these rams and ewes, so buying to breed together is not advisable
Sale Time:
How to Buy: FIXED PRICE: First come, first served at the following link at 8am (CST) Monday (bookmark the link for quick access on sale day).
(no sheep will show at this page until 8am CST on Monday) AUCTION: In addition to the fixed price listings, I will have two live auctions going live on Monday at 8am (CST) one for a group of 5 ewes and one for a ram. The auction will run for 36 hours (forms to submit your bids are on the auction page). These auction groups will give everyone a fair chance at purchasing the sheep. The auction will close at 8pm (CST) on Tuesday.
PICKUP (or delivery): DFW area, Texas. Pickups are tentatively set for May. Delivery within 180 mile radius is available for $300. Details about the Sheep: My sheep are pasture adapted, purebred Dorpers. They are 50% registered, however they will not come with registration papers. My sheep are bred to perform well on quality pasture in a rotational grazing system. They have been living on pasture almost 24/7 and are hardy; they do not need to be pampered with fancy barns, confinement-style management, or heavy feed rations. All of that said, please raise them responsibly, provide shelter for freezing rain and sleet, and understand that in certain circumstances feed supplement is good animal husbandry (in short, don’t starve them or let them freeze to death -haha!). As a note for 2025, during winter (while pasture was dormant) I fed a ration of 0.75 lb per head of DDG in place of alfalfa. This was done as part of a research project on various types of winter supplement. Because DDG is a grain-based supplement I want to mention it for sake of transparency, however it does not affect any of the pasture-based traits of these animals. These sheep are bred to perform on pasture with minimal supplementation. I’m excited to see you at 8AM (cst) Monday! Be sure to bookmark the links above. I will send one more email with both links on Monday morning. -the Shepherdess “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
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short notice (but you don’t want to miss it!!)
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Hi Friends, This is short notice, but I am hosting my monthly livestream with Rob Wegener of the Wegener Farms tonight at 7pm CST! He is going to talk about how he uses just 1.5 acres to grow 60k lbs of food for 156 CSA customers!!!
If you can’t join live, register anyway and I will send you a replay after the recording! Going live at 7pm (CST), -the Shepherdess “Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3
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(belated) Merry Christmas :)
Hi Friends, A belated Merry Christmas to you! I am starting the year with a 7-week break from media work. It will be quiet, so I wanted to give you a heads up :). Lord willing, I will be back to all the things on February 13th! But before I go, I have TWO gifts and ONE request for you… GIFT #1: I just released the last of 4 episode for Raising Sheep in EUROPE. You should have plenty of content to enjoy while I’m gone :).
GIFT #2: My 2025 E-book! The Beginner Shepherd Resource Bundle:
The Beginner Shepherd Resource Bundle is my new E-BOOK for 2025! When it comes to sheep, I get one question a lot: “Where do I start?” This E-book will answer that question short and sweet (just 12 pages)! Enjoy :).
Finally, my request… Will you take a quick poll to help me plan content for 2025? It’s just a few questions and will help me to know what will help you most this year:
I’ll be excited to read your responses! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support you’ve shown me in 2024. -the Shepherdess “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.” Ecclesiastes 3:14 |
Come to my (virtual) CHRISTMAS PARTY!
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Hi Friends, Quick email to let you know that I’m hosting a VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY on **Thursday night (my last livestream/livechat of 2024)! We start at 8pm CST and go for 1 hour. We are going to have trivia for prizes so don’t want to miss out!!
Chicken Lady (my sister) and I are hosting and will be available for Q+A if you have questions. You can join from anywhere in the USA as well as internationally (just be mindful of the time-zone differences)! Hope to see you on Thursday! -the Shepherdess **A previous email said Friday, and I apologize for that. The meetup is THURSDAY at 8pm CST. PS: In case you missed it, my documentary on Raising Sheep in Switzerland is LIVE!!
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Free LIVESTREAM tomorrow (8pm CST)!
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Hey Friends, My livestream is tomorrow at 8pm CST! Every month I sit down with you for an hour to chat LIVE and answer questions you have (sheep farming, marketing, my farm setup, etc!).
Some topics on docket for tomorrow are: Your sheep FAQ’s, 10 essentials for local emergency, and photos from my recent opportunity to film shepherds in Europe (I’m excited to share what I learned with you!). Grace -the Shepherdess p.s. this is the last meetup at 8pm for the season. We are going to roll back to 7pm CST once daylight savings time ends in November! “Know ye that the LORD he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3 |
Supplies and Skills to Prep for a Local Emergency
Hello friends,
In wake of the recent natural disasters (hurricane Helene and Milton) I sent out an email last week asking if you had 1-3 “essentials” you’d recommend for an emergency (besides food and water).
I received almost 25 pages worth of response to that question!! Below is a list of 70+ suggestions from those email responses.
Would you help me improve this prepping supplies list by commenting with brands/types/itemized suggestions?
For example, “first aid kit” is something a lot of people suggested, but if you have a list of items in your first aid kit, comment with what they are.
Same with things like generators or walkie-talkie sets; if you have a specific brand that has served you well, leave a comment with the brand. I will update the blog post with your recommendations!
SUPPLIES to prep for Local Emergencies (reader recommendations):
| the Bible |
| First Aid Kit |
| Minimum 5500 watt Genator |
| Fire Starter Supplies |
| Mechanic Tools |
| Carpentry Tools |
| Go-bags (a bag packed with essentials, always ready to “grab and go” in emergency) |
| Extra Blankets and Pillows |
| Backup RX/Prescription Meds |
| Batteries |
| Solar Charging Stations |
| Emergency Radio |
| Walkie Talkies (with 1 mile radius) |
| Fuel (50 gallon drums) |
| Firearms (hunting and self Defense) |
| Ammunition (with proper storage) |
| Generator |
| Chainsaw (gas powered) |
| Wood Stove |
| Cast Iron Cookwear |
| Machete |
| Radios (with 1 mile radius) |
| Extension Cords |
| Water filters and chlorine tablets |
| candles |
| oil |
| oil-lamps |
| wound treatment |
| electrolytes |
| emergency feed for animals |
| livestock insurance |
| Basic Camp supplies |
| Flashlights |
| Headlamp |
| Camp Stove |
| Ax |
| Hachet |
| Sharpening skill |
| Wedges |
| Chaps |
| PPE |
| Full bathtub of water (for toilets and dishes short term) |
| Propane (20-30lb bottles) |
| Gas Stove |
| Water Cachement System |
| Multi-purpose tool or knife |
| Cash |
| Propane Camp Stove |
| tarps |
| roofing nails |
| outdoor toilet area (for #1 and #2) |
| hand sanitizer |
| Road Atlas (A paper map of our state and surrounding states) |
| Compass |
| Solar battery charger with ubs ports |
| Compostable portable toilet, pellets, cedar chips |
| Nonelectrical can opener |
| Old Coffee Pot made of steel |
| Clothes line, mini washboard, soap, clothespins |
| Bleach |
| Spray paint to mark your roof with rescue messages. |
SKILLS to prep for Local Emergencies (reader recommendations):
| Prayer/Scripture Memory |
| CPR Skills |
| COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION/COORDINATION |
| Fire starting skills |
| Camp Cooking skills |
| first aid experience |
| Ability to produce a loud 2-finger whistle |
| Refuge Medical and Refuge Training (refugemedical.com) |
| Hunting skills |
| Knowing and loving your neighbors (the ones next door) |
| A plan for moving your livestock in case of flood or fire |
| Basic Carpentry Skills |
| Habitually keep your gas tanks full, rather than 1/2 empty. (car and ATV/UTV) |
| A good attitude |
-the Shepherdess
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 22:3
Monthly Farm Update (but also a question…)
Hi friends, This farm update will be different; hurricane aftermath has been on my mind all week. The number one thing that amazes me is seeing how the communities of NC and TN are supporting each other. Something I have also considered is that we will probably face similar crisis in our own community… and we need to be ready for it. (maybe not a hurricane, but I think you get what I am saying) I have been asking myself: “How I can be better equipped? What skills or supplies could I improve on beforehand?” Which brings me to my question: Besides food and bottled water, what are 1-3 critical supplies or skill sets that you have used in a difficult situation? (I plan to send a follow up email sharing 10 of your best suggestions). Below are 2 donation opportunities, with this disclaimer: these funds are already inundated with 2-3x more support than they asked for (which is amazing). Give if you feel led, but consider what I mentioned above: look for ways that to build into your local community, or connect directly with an organizer in the TN/NC area (respond to this email if you have relief organizers that are falling short on donations and I will try and help get the word out for them).
Helene might be the worst thing we see all decade, but it may also be an early warning.
Everything is going well here at my farm in Texas! I have a small Autumn lambing coming in the next few weeks, so I’m excited to share more as the lambs arrive. Praying for Florida, -the Shepherdess “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7 |
(REPLAY) My Best Tool for Reaching $100k on Farm
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Hi Friends, Here is the replay from last night’s meetup, alongside a link to the special offer I provided for the extended training (available through Sept. 5th)! Email me with any questions :).
-the Shepherdess “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Cor. 3:7 |
🐑📚🥳(26 hours left)
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A final message about BIRTHDAY WEEK + a few sample pages from the BOOK!! Thank you all so much for making Birthday week so special. Let me know how you like your books once they arrive! Already own the book, but want access to the $30k Side Hustle Planner? Leave a review and I will send a digital copy of the $30K Planner!
-the Shepherdess “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Cor. 3:7 |
Recession.
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The word strikes fear in many, but I actually started my first home-business during the Great Recession of 2008. I was in 9th grade. I used a $14 allowance and supplies from around my house to get started. By the time I graduated high school, that side-hustle had become (by God’s grace) a full time income for me. I outline the planning process for a side-hustle in my $30k Side-Hustle Planner (+Video Class) — which is my GIFT with every order for the Basics of Raising Sheep on Pasture through Thursday, 8/22!
I am including the $30k Side Hustle Planner (+Video Class) with each copy of the Basics of Raising Sheep on Pasture (through Thursday, 8/22).
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I believe God gives the increase, so I am not promoting any income guarantees… This planner designed to help you apply wisdom to the planning process :)!
| BUY THE BOOK, RECEIVE the $30K PLANNER BONUS! |
$30k Side Hustle Planner is FREE with EVERY ORDER FOR THE Basics of Raising Sheep on Pasture through Thursday 8/22!
Thanks for helping me celebrate Birthday Week for my book!! 🥳
I so appreciate you all,
-the Shepherdess
“Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord thy God who teacheth thee to profit, who leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” Isaiah 48:18
the names…
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(If you can’t purchase a book right now, scroll to the bottom for links to my FREE resources) I’m continually humbled when names float across my screen that have been with me since (nearly) day 1. Names like Doug, Judah, George, Jessica, Tessa, and dozens more. This morning, so many of you (old and new) showed up to support the First Birthday Celebration of the Basics of Raising Sheep on Pasture. I am offering Birthday BONUSES this week, including:
Whether you are an old friends or a new one: THANK YOU. Your support of my paid products allows me to continue to create resources for this community. Can’t spend the money on a book right now? Most of my resources are actually free. Here are links to what I have to offer:
Thank you all so much! -the Shepherdess “I wish I had bought this book Before I bought my sheep. I think the book is UNDER priced because of the amount of information in it.” -Will P.
“So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” 1 Cor. 3:7 |
🥳📚LIVE NOW!! (bonus for first 20)
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🎉1st BIRTHDAY EVENT IS LIVE!! (Small Farm Revival Tee for the first 20 to orders, and the $30k Side Hustle Planner comes WITH EVERY BOOK!!) the Basics Raising Sheep on Pasture (BOOK), Birthday week bonuses:🎉
Already own the book, but want access to the $30k Side Hustle Planner?
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| LEAVE a Review |
Here is a video of how this book came together:
-the Shepherdess
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Cor. 3:7
1 year old. 🎉📚🐑
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The celebration starts on Thursday (8/15) at 8am CST!! Free tee for the first 20 orders on Thursday Morning. DETAILS HERE ⬇️⬇️ the Basics Raising Sheep on Pasture (BOOK), Birthday week bonuses:🎉
Already own the book, but want access to the $30k Side Hustle Planner? Leave a review at the website and I will give you a digital copy!
Interested in how this book came together? Here is a look at the self publishing process: -the Shepherdess “So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” 1 Cor. 3:7 |
BREEDING DORPER SHEEP ON PASTURE (My Small-Scale System)
(Click Here) PRINTABLE BREEDING-PREP CHECKLIST!
Interested in purchasing my Dorper Lambs? Subscribe to my waitlist below!
An Overview of My Breeding Program for Dorper Sheep
Welcome! Today, I’m sharing a quick overview of my breeding program for my small flock of Dorper sheep, which I manage on 30 acres.
Topics I’ll Cover:
- Selecting a Breeding Ram
- Preparing Ewes for Breeding Season
- Essential Minerals for Flock Fertility
- Timing the Breeding Season for Optimal Pasture-Based Lambing
About My Farm:
I farm in Northeast Texas, where winters are mild and summers can be extremely hot. We raise purebred Dorper sheep, primarily for meat, alongside a small number of stocker cattle for grass-fed beef. The area receives about 45 inches of rainfall annually, making it ideal for regenerative, pasture-based farming.
My farming system is simple and low-input. Beyond pasture, feed supplements are reserved for emergencies. I don’t engage in broad-based pasture planting or cover cropping. My sheep graze whatever grows naturally, and we see forage quality improve year over year with good pasture management.
I practice rotational grazing using electric fencing, moving the sheep to new paddocks at least twice a week during the growing season. This regenerative approach has been crucial in taking our sheep and land from merely surviving to truly thriving.
While we have a simple two-sided shelter for protection against freezing rain and occasional snow, I aim to keep my sheep on pasture as much as possible throughout the year. I market Dorper sheep for breeding stock to other small farms, and what isn’t sold for breeding is raised as pasture-raised lamb.
Selecting a Breeding Ram:
The ram, or flock sire, is pivotal in upgrading or downgrading the quality of a sheep flock. When choosing a ram, I consider his physical characteristics and the system from which he comes—factors like grain versus grass feeding, climate, and flock health are crucial.
I recommend taking your time to find a high-quality ram, as he can significantly impact your flock. I once traveled 1,000 miles and spent around $3,000 to acquire an exceptional Dorper ram, and it was worth the investment.
Key traits I look for in a Dorper breeding ram include:
- Lowline Body: eg. Short legs.
- Muscular Build: Especially in the hindquarters, which is a prime meat area.
- Long, Deep Body: Ideal for premium cuts of meat.
- Parasite Resistance and Good Hooves: Essential in a high rainfall environment.
Ram-to-Ewe Ratio:
A good ram can service up to 40 ewes per cycle. However, I prefer one ram per 30 ewes to ensure no ewe is missed and to maintain a tighter lambing window. If you only have one high-quality ram, one per 40 ewes is sufficient.
Line Breeding:
I am often asked if you can breed a ram to his female offspring. Yes, you can breed a ram to his daughters, known as line breeding. I do this without hesitation up to 2-3 generations to enhance desirable traits. While some breeders go as far as 8 generations, I currently sell all third-generation ewe lambs rather than retaining them.
Ram Management:
When not breeding, my ram stays in a clean pen with fresh hay, minerals, and water. If you have only one ram, consider keeping a wether for companionship.
Preparing Ewes for Breeding:
Body Condition: Ewes should have a body condition score of 3 to 4 on a 1-5 scale before breeding. Poor condition can lead to complications such as pregnancy toxemia, hypocalcemia, and low milk production. It’s crucial to either cull thin ewes or supplement them before breeding.
Age for Breeding Ewes:
While ewe lambs can start cycling as early as four months, I prefer to breed them at six months, when they’ve reached half their adult weight. This simplifies management as I keep all sheep in one group.
Mineral Management:
Loose minerals should be available year-round. I recommend Redmond Sheep Mineral, available on Shepherdess.com. Selenium is particularly important, especially in high rainfall areas like mine, where the soil is selenium-deficient. Ensure your mineral mix contains at least 45 PPM of selenium to prevent breeding issues, weak lambs, and white muscle disease.
Grain Flushing?
While grain flushing can increase twinning rates, I don’t practice it. Instead, I ensure my ewes are in good condition and graze them on the best pasture available. My focus is on long-term pasture management and culling ewes that can’t twin on pasture alone.
Timing the Breeding Season:
Lambing with the pasture is the safest choice for a pasture based lambing. To “lamb with the pasture,” calculate the breeding time by identifying when your pasture begins to grow and counting back five months. In Northeast Texas, I typically join my rams with the ewes in early October for March lambs.
Breeding Duration:
I leave the ram with the ewes for 51 days, covering three breeding cycles. This tighter window reduces the risk of lambs being born in parasite-heavy months and shortens the duration of lamb watch.
Adjustments in Breeding Timing:
This year, I bred a month earlier, resulting in February lambs. This adjustment yielded several benefits:
- Reduced Parasite Issues: Lambs gained weight before the parasite bloom in June-July.
- Simplified Management: Lambing was complete before spring grazing began.
- Improved Ewe Health: Peak lactation coincided with peak pasture quality, and ewes had better immunity against summer parasites and diseases.
I hope this overview of my breeding program provides valuable insights. If you found this helpful, please give it a thumbs up and check out the next video for a complete look at a pasture-based lambing season on my farm:
“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds. For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?” Proverbs 27:23-24
HOW TO RAISE SHEEP (without pasture) | Feed Ration, Minerals, and Parasite Management
Most of you know I raise my sheep on pasture (almost) 24/7 – even in the winter. However I often receive questions from viewers who (either due to climate or small acreage) have to figure out how to feed and raise lambs when pasture is not available.
Today I’m talking with Tim at Linessa Farms who raises sheep in a blended system: 50 percent dry lot and 50 percent rotational grazing. Tim going to provide some answers to your questions: including to affordable feed rations for sheep, minerals for sheep, the best hay for sheep, creep feeding lambs, and more! Enjoy!
Q&A with Tim from Linessa Farms: How to Raise Sheep in a Dry Lot System
Q: Do you graze at all or are you 100% feed supplementing?
Tim: We run a blended system here. During the winter months, from October to May, we use a closed dry lot system. From May until October, we practice traditional rotational grazing. This is common in northern climates.
Q: You mentioned parasites. Are there specific ones that are particularly challenging in a dry lot situation compared to pasture?
Tim: Yes, you need to consider a broad spectrum of parasites, not just the commonly known ones like barber pole worms. In a dry lot, you also have to deal with lice, mange, and the often overlooked coccidia. Cleanliness in your water and bedding is crucial in a dry lot to prevent these issues. If you wouldn’t drink the water, neither should your animals.
Q: Let’s talk about coccidia. What have you found to be the most effective treatment?
Tim: The most effective and safest treatment for coccidia is Toltrazuril, known commercially as Baycox. It’s not FDA-approved in the U.S., so always consult your veterinarian. Unlike Corrid, which can cause vitamin B deficiencies in sheep, Toltrazuril is very effective without such side effects.
Q: How do you detect coccidia? It seems sneakier than other parasites.
Tim: Coccidia often causes unthriftiness, a failure to thrive, and subclinical levels might not show obvious symptoms. Clinical signs include diarrhea or scours. It’s a protozoan parasite that can cause long-term damage to the small intestine. Regular fecal samples are the best way to detect it.
Q: Does using feed in your system cut into your profit margins compared to full-time grazing?
Tim: Absolutely. Any additional costs, like feed or hay, impact your margins. You need to budget and plan for these expenses as they can fluctuate.
Q: What is your feed ration in the dry lot when you don’t have any grass?
Tim: This depends on the breed, but a general guideline is one flake of hay per head per day and about half a pound to one pound of corn per head per day. Adjustments can be made based on the body condition of your livestock. A flake is a segment from a small square bale of hay.
Q: What are the protein requirements for sheep?
Tim: Protein requirements vary by breed. You can use corn, which is about 7% protein, or feeds up to 16% protein. Anything above 16% is usually unnecessary unless you have show animals.
Q: Should you perform regular treatment for coccidia regardless of symptoms?
Tim: There are two main strategies: preventative and treatment. Preventatives like decox, bovetech, and rumensin keep coccidia from growing and are often added to feed. For treatment, Toltrazuril is effective for both preventing and treating coccidia. Regular preventative measures, especially in a dry lot, can be beneficial.
Q: What type of feeder system do you use for your wool sheep?
Tim: We use a creep feeding system, which allows smaller animals to access their feed while keeping adults out. This system ensures that smaller animals get enough feed and helps prevent the bigger animals from dominating the food supply. From birth until weaning, we use a full feed creep system where feed is always available to the young ones.
Brenda asks a good question. Do you supplement additional for better fiber?
Tim: Nutrition is key for good wool. Use a quality free-choice mineral to provide all necessary nutrients. Shampoos are secondary to a good diet.
Let’s talk about minerals just a little bit. This could probably be an entire two hours of its own, but just generally give a little minerals 101. And what do you use at your farm?
Tim: We created our own mineral mix with help from a Purdue University nutritionist. Free-choice loose minerals are better than blocks as they are easier on sheep’s teeth. Ensure a good calcium to phosphorus ratio (2:1) to avoid urinary calculi, especially in males. Avoid all flock minerals and use specific sheep minerals.
Okay. Where can we find your specially blended mineral? Do you sell it?
Tim: Yes, you can find it on the linessafarms.com online store. We even have a no-phosphorus mineral for castrated males.
Alright. Daniel asks: “what about barley? Is it cost-effective versus corn?“
Tim: Barley has higher protein (11-12%) than corn (7%) but is more expensive. I use barley as a supplement, not a staple. Cost-effectiveness depends on your local prices.
Aiden asks, what do you use to stop ticks?
Tim: For wool breeds, wool and lanolin create a natural barrier. For hair sheep, use pour-on insecticides like Silence or permethrin (Ultra Boss). Diatomaceous earth can be an option but has respiratory risks and is less effective when wet.
When you mention “consequences” is it the respiratory risks that you’re thinking of?
Tim: Yes, diatomaceous earth irritates the nose, throat, and lungs. Use it dry and with caution, but chemical treatments are more reliable.
Brenda asks another great question. What type of hay mix? Most alfalfa mixes are going to be 20 percent protein. We and the sheep like rye grass.
Tim: Hay quality varies. A grass mix with some alfalfa is preferable for sheep. Too much alfalfa can be overkill and may cause issues like cud spilling.
Alright, Tamlyn says, I can’t get my lambs to eat from the creep. What do I do?
Tim: Try adding soybean meal to the creep feeder; it’s fine-textured and attractive to lambs. Older lambs will eventually teach younger ones to use the feeder. Adding molasses or sweeteners can also help.
Daniel asks, are you able to get commodity prices on grain where you live?
Tim: Yes, contact local farmers to buy directly and save money. Use containers like 55-gallon barrels or mini bulks for storage. This approach cuts out middlemen and reduces costs.
So you are suggesting going direct to the farmer and essentially finding a way to store in bulk.
Tim: Exactly. Whole corn stores well if kept dry, and buying directly from farmers is cheaper. It benefits both the farmer and you.
Is there any harm in using an existing ram for new flocks?
Tim: It depends on your goals. For genetic diversity, bring in new genetics regularly. Using the same ram is fine for terminal breeds if you’re not keeping offspring.
Alright. Let’s talk about transitioning from dry lot to pasture. Any best practices for that?
Tim: Feed them their usual diet before turning them out to pasture. This prevents gorging and reduces the risk of bloat. Gradually introduce new forage over several days.
Are you still looking to breed out of season?
Tim: Yes, we use an accelerated lambing program and breed year-round. Success depends on your breed; for example, Polypay and Dorset breeds adapt better to out-of-season breeding than Katahdins.
Details on 2024 Dorper Lambs for Sale
Hi friends,
On May 28th I am announcing the winner of the Dorper Dream Flock Giveaway(8 days left to submit your grant application if you have not yet!).
May 30th Lamb Sale Details:
On May 30th I will be selling a handful of ewes lambs and rams lambs from my flock. They will be for sale through this link at 8 am CST (bookmark that link for quick access on sale May 30th). Here are some details about the sheep I am offering:
- The Dorpers I am offering for sale are purebred. Their sire (father) is registered, their dams (moms) are commercial purebred ewes.
- These are some of the most solid grass-based Dorper genetics you will find. These Dorpers will thrive on a well-managed pasture based system. At my farm, grain is reserved for emergency situations and is not a baseline feed for my flock. Quality pasture is our baseline!!
- Pickup dates will be scheduled for June-July in Northeast Texas (more information will be provided directly to the buyers after purchase).
- Rams and ewes are half brothers/sisters this year, so I do not advise breeding them together.
-the Shepherdess
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2
Dorper Dream Flock Grant
Hello Friends,
I want to make sure you know about my 2024 Dorper Dream Flock Grant. Through this grant I am giving one of you 3 sheep from my flock to start your own! (1 ram and 2 ewes)
I am accepting applications for 2024’s flock grant through May 28th! Tap the button below for more information on how to submit your grant application:
-the Shepherdess
“Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3
“Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” Psalm 100:3
