Description
Raising sheep on pasture requires a basic understanding of pasture management, breeding & lambing, and mitigation methods for common disease. I walk the beginner shepherd through each aspect; sharing vivid pictures, easy to follow instruction, and personal stories from my own journey with sheep.
In 2018, my family bought a flock of 35 sheep to graze on 30 acres. We bought the sheep with no previous experience raising 4-footed livestock.
In our first year, 40% of our lambs died before they hit 8 months old.
This was because we were unaware of the basics of raising sheep.
Over the course of 5 years, my family and I earned a hard and fast education on raising sheep. We also began to practice regenerative pasture management.
Through what we learned (as outlined in this book), death rate on our sheep farm went from 40% in 2019 to less than 5% in 2022! The industry average for sheep is 15%, so this decrease was phenomenal.
In 2021, I purchased the flock from my family to launch a diversified, farming-for-profit operation.
Nothing will eliminate the learning curve, but I have written this book with a desire to soften it for beginner shepherds everywhere.
The information in this book is best suited for small flocks on 30 acres or less. View this information as a springboard for continuing education and not as a complete guidebook. As a shepherd, the learning never ends…
Christina Strickland (verified owner) –
LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! I think I was expecting a little less with this book when I bought it then it actually is. This hardcover book is absolutely beautifully put together, organized, the pictures are close up and sharp, the information presented is thorough, I highly recommend any newbie or want-to-be sheep farmer to buy this book, and work your way through it to accomplish your farm goals. I am even going to share this with more established sheep farmers that I know because some have complained of some of the issues this book covers how to overcome! In short it is worth every penny and I am so very glad that I purchased this before making my decisions to go forward with my own small homestead! This gives me a clear understanding of what to do and how to do it, so I can waste not, want not. I also love the glory it gives our Creator throughout and know He is well pleased with what was produced here as well.
D Carter (verified owner) –
I was super excited to hear the shepherdess was putting out a book digging deep into pasture sheep. And I was not disappointed! I read the whole thing in one day. It’s very informative with lots of helpful photos. It’s a step by step all -ewe- need to know about getting started raising and properly caring for pasture sheep. Things to be aware of, solutions for when problems arise (and we all know they will), product recommendations, the list goes on and on. Each page is beautifully laid out and easy to follow. I highly recommend it!
I have found many farmers (local and online) don’t want to be so reliant on grocery stores, but yet a large number of them are reliant on a feed store. I thought surely there is a better way. It didn’t take much searching to run onto Joel Salatin and others who are on similar missions. All of which are wonderful resources. This is definitely right up there with them, as a useful book I can reference to again and again!
James Henry (verified owner) –
The Shepherdess has created a book that is more than just a book! It is a multi-media experience that will benefit anyone contemplating raising sheep on pasture. The information provided is rooted in experience and wisdom, and the photography is exceptional. QR codes will take the reader to videos that provide further hands-on, practical help regarding a variety of subjects related to sheep and pasture management. The chapter entitled “9 Things Your Sheep Farm Needs” is invaluable for anyone thinking of adding sheep to property that has previously been used for cattle, horses, or other livestock. Even if you’re not considering sheep right now, this hard-cover book is beautiful and inspirational! I could not be happier with my purchase of this book, and I highly recommend it to everyone who lives and loves the agrarian lifestyle.
Hannah Gaudette –
Absolutely invaluable resource! Even if you don’t raise sheep, you need this book. Besides the wealth of information, the layout is incredibly easy to digest. Clear, professional, and engaging. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! This book needs to be part of every farmer’s library.
Julie Brinker –
We were having brunch with my extended family when the book arrived. I had the girls get it from the mailbox and quickly opened it. We love all the pictures and the explanations, even Grandma agreed. This book is great for the beginner sheep farmers or anyone that wants to learn more about grazing and land management.
Paula (verified owner) –
This book is beautifully and thoughtfully done. We have other books to learn about sheep but I love the perspective of a novice going through from the beginning what is what… Not to mention the qr codes linking to videos. We are super visual and this book is top notch on that end. My daughter is preparing to purchase her first sheep in the spring and she’s soaking all of this in. Thank you for this resource and your content.
Rachel Hester –
At first glance, this is one of those gorgeous ‘coffee table’ books you leave out for company to leaf through and admire the pictures. The photographs are absolutely stunning. But then you take a closer look and read the information the photos are illustrating and realize there is a goldmine of information. Finally in your third read through, you see that the author has sprinkled gems of wisdom amongst the photos, along with fun little antidotes and quips from the sheep. This book is great for all ages of shepherd. My four month old loves staring at the pictures and my husband and I have gained insights into better animal husbandry by reading what the author has to share. I definitely recommend this to any shepherd, especially those invested in making a pasture based sheep system work.
Allen Jones –
It’s been said “a picture is worth a thousand words”; whilst the text is direct and spot on informative, the effective use of real meaningful pictures convey complex wisdom into a simple and complete understanding. The sections are well organized to quickly find the information I needed in my dairy sheep operation of East Friesians raised on pasture. Even though it says it scope is “The Basics of raising sheep on pasture”, this should be appreciated as the building blocks of sheep management holistically. Enjoyed it and I am sure you will find it very useful! Thanks for the Shepherdess to devote time to produce such a well developed multi media experience!
E. Ehlinger –
Crisp, easy-to-understand descriptions accompany gorgeous, helpful photos. This book is definitely a must-have resource to anyone interested in sheep!
Shanda Morgan (verified owner) –
Just recieved “The Basics of Raising Sheep on Pasture” at the Post Office (it was on time but I was late to pick it up)…absolutely LOVE it! It was exactly what I’d hoped for as it provides necessary information and direction for those interested in getting started in raising sheep! Wonderful work, and from cover to cover this is a piece of art that I enjoy leaving out for others to view and appreciate… thank you so very much!
Best regards!
Bradley David Good (verified owner) –
Great book, easy fun read. Get it!
William Hollingworth (verified owner) –
Everything I hoped for! This books holds no information back; with great visuals and scalable QR codes, this will provide everything you need and more!
Kenzie Ellis (verified owner) –
The most beautiful book! Easy to read and understand. So very hopeful as we learn more and plan to start raising our own sheep. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge!
Michelle DeFazio (verified owner) –
This book is full of detailed information and immense encouragement. It is also beautifully produced, but most important is the depth and level of thoroughness it provides on the subject.
Jennifer D Life (verified owner) –
This book is beautiful and such good quality. I’m still in the dream phase, but this book (with so many great pictures!) is a great resource!
I just ordered a second one as a gift for my niece, who is also in the dream phase! ; )
I definitely recommend purchasing this book!
Doug Harlan (verified owner) –
Great resource, this book accelerates the learning curve and answers so many questions. I would recommend it to the novice as well as the experienced farmer.
Derek (verified owner) –
Love the book! I’d highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in learning about sheep and their care!
Elizabeth Leone (verified owner) –
I have a zillion homesteading and livestock rearing books, and this is my absolute favorite of all of them. It’s so complete, yet very readable. And it is GORGEOUS. Who knew that a sheep raising book could be your favorite coffee table book? I love everything about this book. It’s well organized and such a help to me with my growing flock of ten Katahdin sheep.
Heather Brannan (verified owner) –
Love the book! I purchased during the pre-order and couldn’t be happier with it as a resource. Every small livestock producer should have this book in their library, no matter what animal you raise. Would be great for 4-H and FFA kiddos.
Melissa King (verified owner) –
I cannot tell you how much this book has helped me in my own shepherding journey! The information is easy to absorb and it is straight to the point! This book has given me confidence to just find my flock and begin my new life! buy this book, you won’t regret it!
Beth Hernandez (verified owner) –
We’re still in the aspiring sheep farmer phase, but when I stumbled across the Shepherdess’ videos on YouTube one day, I quickly recognized her genuine desire to share knowledge and offer real-life solutions to others. At first, I thought her book was a little pricey, but I splurged because I wanted to support the her efforts to educate the rest of us!
I cannot tell you how high-quality this book is. You just have to see it with your own eyes. It is sturdy, visually appealing, well laid-out, and comprehensive – while remaining easy for a beginner like me to understand. The pictures are worth GOLD! I know that when we actually get our sheep farm up and running, this will be a book that we will reference again and again and again!
Josh (verified owner) –
PHENOMENAL BOOK! Packed full of useful information for the beginner OR the veteran shepherd! Highly recommend to all sheep owners!
Tanaer Cahill (verified owner) –
I can not thank you enough for all of the information that you provide in your book and during your Web events.
Thank you times infinity.
Will Peachy (verified owner) –
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 and after going back to it for reference countless times there seems to always be more information there that I didn’t see initially. I’ve shared solutions from it with experienced farmers who have been farming sheep for years who benefited from it. I also tremendously appreciate the honor that is given to God the Creator and the reminders of His care for us and all of His creation. HIGHLY RECCOMEND!
Joe Snell (verified owner) –
Just got this book and absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE It! Super easy to read, and understand…..but still super valuable info! The formula to quantify sq footage per sheep to grass ratio was amazing! Thank you for putting together such an amazing read! AND…..it is so so refreshing to see your Love for God, Jesus Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit in everything you do! Let your light continue to shine!
John H (verified owner) –
I bought book the 1st month it was available. I am not disappointed. The scan and go to different web sites is convenient and useful.
The fencing and grazing practices were most useful.
I read thru it 2xs, and if I could get it back from the person I loaned it to I would read again. Many good foundation facts, in order and we’ll planned.
I raise goats and not sheep, but that may change. Information has cross applications.
Rachel Day –
This book is both beautiful and educational. We reference it many times as we work with our sheep, but it is also on our coffee table on display!
Savannah Martin (verified owner) –
Love this book, bought it as soon as possible when I heard it was coming. Love the pictures and clear information. I don’t have sheep on my farm yet but hopefully will be able to get them sooner rather than later!
Sean Murphy (verified owner) –
I used to think that cattle was the only reliable choice for our small-scale homestead; everyone that I knew who tried sheep had very poor results (and now I know why). This book demystifies the world of sheep so that anyone can jump in and succeed immediately. Starting as a novice, learning by experience, redeeming her mistakes, and taking copious notes at every step, Grace outlines exactly how anyone can get started successfully raising sheep. This book’s presentation is enjoyable to read, yet information dense. The organization of the book makes for a wonderful quick reference, and also a great cover-to-cover read. Beautifully detailed pictures and precisely worded instructions gives me complete confidence to administer any necessary interventions. Perhaps best of all, this book reveals what it means to have the heart of a shepherd–providing guiding insight into the true nature of our role in these animals’ lives (and my own personal relationship with the Good Shepherd).
Joyce Montgomery (verified owner) –
Excellent reference book. Most importantly giving the glory to God is so special
Janet Reinhardt (verified owner) –
The best book out there on raising sheep! My go-to on everything!
Chaney McDonnell (verified owner) –
AMAZING!!!! For this to be her first book, she did phenomenally. As someone who has been in the industry for going into my 30th year, I can tell you she will have any newby covered by the information it took the rest of us years, thousands of dollars and a lot of heartache to learn. She shorted the learning curve exponentially with the information in her book. At $100 it would still be a bargain. I’m very proud of what she’s accomplished and will continue to do.
Rebekah Braswell –
Love this book! Full of great information and amazing photos. I especially love the fencing diagrams and ideas!
Malinda C. Sims (verified owner) –
Awesome book! Very easy to follow and understand. Even for a newbie. Excellent resources, references, details, and great photos. Thank you for encouraging everyone to get back to the basics of farming whether it be with animals, vegetables or fruits. Thank you for being brave to give glory to Jesus Christ online. Worth every $$$
Ariel Weinman (verified owner) –
I got my sheep a year ago and I thought I was prepared. I thought I had done enough research….. HA! Nope. So when I found this book it was an instant **add to cart** and I’m sure glad I did. It was an awesome reference during my first lambing season has had become my go to guide. 10/10 recommend for sure.
Ron Averill –
I’ve read lots of books on sheep and grazing, so I did not expect to learn as much new information as I did from this one! Practical and detailed, beautifully illustrated, clear and concise. A valuable addition to our library.
Jenni Reid (verified owner) –
I received my book & shirt yesterday. I’ve only flipped through the book yet but wanted to tell you how impressed I am with it. When you were selling it for $46 I was like man that’s a lot (hasn’t Amazon ruined it for us regarding what things should cost 🤦🏻♀️) but the layout, quality and pictures are fantastic. Thank you for producing such a beautifully designed book! I can’t wait to dive in. I love all that you do for those learning and building their farm/homestead.
Adrian –
I really love the book and its helped me convince my parents to allow me to start my own sheep herd. The book has beautiful pictures and a lot of great information and I would highly encourage new readers.
Deborah (verified owner) –
This book by the Shepherdess was such a fantastic book. It is well written with excellent pictures and explains in detail the numerous challenges to raising sheep but also highlights the satisfaction one can receive if you follow the guidelines she gives in the book based on her experiences through trial and error. For me, the scripture verses from the bible she included just added more value and meaning to the book. I definitely will be getting sheep and this book has given me the confidence to move forward in this direction. Thank you again to the Shepherdess for putting out such a fantastic and invaluable addition to my stack of sheep learning materials.
David McCandlish (verified owner) –
This book is a must have for any shepherd, old or new. It’s laid out in a very organized and concise manner with lots tips for being the best caretaker of your sheep you can be. One can tell by reading the passion with which The Shepherdess cares for her flock. I LOVE the scriptures throughout the book; they highlighted the fact that God is a big part of any endeavor in which undertake and in which we are successful. The QR code links makes the book take on another dimension of education with the videos. I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy this book and the work of The Shepherdess!!! God Bless!
Brandon –
First impressions, this is a very well crafted book. And I believe the book’s high quality reflects on the character and attention to detail that The Shepherdess imbues into these pages.
The hardback cover is soft-touch material and every photo is large, high resolution, and full bleed to the edges. She clearly spared no expense to make this as enjoyable and immersive of a guide as possible.
And more than a sheep-life “how-to”, this book goes into the fine-details of planning and preparing that a new shepherdess/shepherd will need to know to be successful. Additional information is even provided through QR codes and all of the worksheets, checklists, and helpful printouts are available online at no extra charge.
Not only will this book be an influential resource as I begin raising my own flock, but I plan to keep it on my tea table to prompt conversations and encourage others to raise sheep.
Well done, good and faithful Shepherdess!