Sheep

Whether you are raising sheep for profit on a farm, or as a hobby in your backyard, Penn State Extension has compiled useful resources on sheep farming and breeding. In this section, you will find a wide range of information on sheep husbandry, including sheep health, nutrition, breeding, shearing, marketing, business management, and more.

The principal aim of a successful sheep raising enterprise is to produce high-quality lambs and wool that farmers can market for a profit. Find the resources you need to ensure the efficiency, quality, and safety of your sheep operation.

Sheep Farming in the US

In the United States, there are more than 5.2 million head of sheep and lambs, 25% of which are in Texas and California. Small producers, those owning less than 100 sheep, make up the majority of sheep operations but own less than 20% of sheep.

Compared to other livestock and agricultural industries, the sheep industry is very small. In total, it accounts for less than 1% of total livestock receipts. Nevertheless, thanks to outside encouragement, sheep operations are increasing.

The American Sheep Industry, for example, has been encouraging sheep producers to increase the size and productivity of their flocks. The launching of a $3.5 million program in Pennsylvania in 2017, funded half by federal grant money and matched by state and local agencies, has also helped increase numbers. Its aim was to establish a base of locally produced food using land and resources no longer needed in the production of coal.

Types of Sheep Farms

There are three basic types of sheep farms. Sheep can be raised for their meat, wool, and milk. Lambs produce the highest-quality meat as well as young sheep under one year of age. Shearing of sheep takes place once per year to produce wool. Sheep's milk is a specialty product often used for cheese production to make pecorino, Roquefort, and other specialty cheeses.

One of the biggest expenses for all three types of farms is feed for the sheep flock. Most of the feed for ruminant animals comes from pasture and hay. Suitable pasture for grazing is essential.

Sheep Husbandry

Anyone wanting to raise sheep or goats will have numerous factors to consider. There are hundreds of sheep breeds to choose from, and the choice depends on whether you want to raise sheep for meat, wool, or milk.

When buying sheep, careful selection of individual animals is critical. You should check the sheep’s physical condition, look at the flock the sheep come from, talk to the farmer who is selling the sheep, and learn about the history of the animal and its parentage. More information on breeding sheep is available in the Sheep Breeds and Gestation section.

Sheep are ruminant animals, predominantly feeding on pasture and hay. Access to good pasture land is essential, but farmers have to supplement their herds' diet, in winter and during times of drought, with either hay or grain.

Fencing plays an important role in sheep farming. It can be used to rotate the herds’ grazing to ensure they have access to fresh pasture. In terms of protection, sheep only need something very simple to protect them from the worst of the weather. However, when giving birth to lambs a small barn or sturdy enclosed shed is necessary.

Learning how to handle sheep is easier once you’ve grasped the basics of how they move and behave. One of the best ways to train sheep is by offering food. As long as you can get one sheep to come to you, the others are likely to follow.

Problems a sheep farmer might encounter include parasites and predators. Rotating pastures every two to three weeks is a very good way to control parasites. While guardian animals, lighting corrals and pens at night, or putting bells around the necks of the sheep is very effective for controlling predators such as coyotes and wolves.