I'm glad the algorithm sent me this channel. I was just looking at raising sheep or goats on a small hobby farm. Good stuff and looking forward to watching more of your videos. God Bless.
I have no clue why the algorithm led me here but I came upon some land from my father and I have some elsewhere. I love goats as animals and as food. It's always good to open your horizons.
This was absolutely brilliant. Vital data and facts explained in such an easy-to-understand way. Excellent format and presentation. Thanks so much. I just retired from the military at 60y/o and bought a ten acre homestead. I plan to get a few sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. This video was extremely helpful. Thank you. I have subscribed to your channel.
My step-dad had hundreds of both when I was growing up, I agree with your opinions.. the last time I went to a sale was about 13 years ago & was in west tennessee.. no1 sheep brought around a dollar and no1 goats brought $1.20-30.. it's crazy how much prices have went up since then.
Goats are higher maintenance higher hands on higher labor higher vet costs. I raised th both never saw these prices and it really depends where you live
Goats! Hands down! I raised goats for about 20 years and they were the only thing that fit my land qualities (or the lack of them). I had 6,000 acres to raise hundreds of goats and about 90 cattle, and the goats were more successful. Some of this comes down to logistics and animal husbandry. Goats produce more babies than cows, and that fact alone made them a better and quicker return on my investment. NOW I am (unfortunately) back to Square One on raising livestock. Sigh . . . I spent 14 months here in Alabama trying to rebuild a place with a limited budget and some serious restrictions (try telling "City" people how to raise livestock and prepare for hard times!).
Really appreciate your openness and honesty. I would suggest you visit/talk with Darrell Howard of Howard Sheep and Cattle out of Mulhall OK. He has built quite a ranch on sound goat and sheep philosophies that you won't learn in a university although OK state does send classes to him. I stopped to see him for an hour and 3.5 hours later I just had to get on the road but he will give you the straight scoop learned over 40+ years of ranching for a profit.
A major point you omitted or missed is that in the long run goats starts producing more kids than sheep. A 4 year old goat may produce 2-4 kids on average while a sheep will very rarely go beyond 2 lambs with average being 1-2. This factor makes goats more profitable. Secondly goats have a better milk production than sheep, meaning you can sell goat milk as a side product.
As soon as Scottish lamb is available in the USA I will be switching over to that product and dumping USA product. US farmers have ruined lamb over the last 30 years taking a carcass weight of 45-50 lbs with less than 3/16" of cover to 80-90 lb. carcasses with 1.5-2" of cover and 3-5 lbs of kidney fat making the product for the retailer completely unprofitable and losing it's counter appeal with the heavy amounts of seam fat. I used to cut and trim and entire lamb carcass weighing 45 lbs into it all the cuts for the counter and have less than 1.5 lbs of fat. Today you get a 82 lb carcass and trim and cut the same way and you end up with 22-26 lbs of fat and excess cutting to remove heavy seam fat areas. So when you pay $6.09 lb for an 82 lb lamb carcass it's more like $8.61 lb. This does not account for any boning out to make ground lamb which will raise the price per lb. of the carcass. And finally with the explosion of restaurants offering domestic rack of lamb the price of buying racks completely puts 99% of all grocery stores out of range for selling domestic lamb rib chops. That's why most sell aussie or kiwi. PS I have cut and sold more than 2 million pounds of lamb in my 34 years of being a butcher.
Thank you......I'm running 78 goats right now....most I've ever had....160 acres.....living in northern british columbia so still have a foot of snow on the ground still. Listening to your podcast tonight that your sending me so thank you again and I'm running kiko goats by myself lol.....i have a goat squeeze so that makes it easier....cheers!
I'm in western Ky and have about 70 head of goats, Boer, Kiko, savanna and dairy mix. They do great, they are cross bred and have no parasite problem, they have 179 acres to roam on. Also have 15 head of horses, mules and ponies. I have only fed around 75 square bales of hay all winter. My property is reclaimed mine land. Haven't had to worm my goats in three years and this is the best looking herd that I've had. Love watching the information you put out.
@@theShepherdess 48-58 inches, I also real rocky ground, so I only have an occasional hoof to trim. We are thinking of branching out to other animals, probably some cattle and pigs and getting rid of the horses since no one rides them
Where do you sell most of your sheep, as of right now I sell mainly at auction, and a few to individuals, but have been thinking of branching out to other markets. I have also considered sheep and the rotational method that you do. About 100 acres of my land is pasture, mainly serecea grass which really takes off as the weather gets hotter. I haven't had it checked but have been told the protein content is very high
Very specific tangible examples of everything, better than a college class. Mad props. Also the free e-book is very analytical and well thought out in a way that minimizes other's getting a partial idea of what they're up against.
Dang! That was the most useful set of facts anyone could ask for. The Shepherdess. I second Albert's (next comment) astute observations. We are in a very challenging project rehabilitating a high desert parcel with a circle pivot and decent water. The ground has been fallow since 1996. We are planning to use goats to address a bumper crop of tumbleweeds, so We can eventually have some hay and a tree farm (food forest) around the edge of the sprinkler. Your presentation is excellent would you consider mentoring us.
3 things I like about UA-cam: people making food content, People making fun review memes (they’re kind of funny on some vids) but your content is amazing. I truly say that madam. Animal knowledge content are amazing and I keep enjoying this more than anything
This is very interesting information. In Indiana based on my experience, the situation is reversed. On average sheep and more expensive than goats in the state when I go to livestock auctions or private sellers to improve my herd and flock. I believe that goats and sheep will continue to grow and possibly surpass other meat markets. Great information!
We raise Katahdin sheep. They are very hardy. We recently had 28 lambs, and only lost 2. At least one was because of unseasonably cold weather, and both the lambs were the runts of triplets. The sheep eat lots of weeds and shrubs, seemingly more than 50% when they are available.
I had thought the last few years I would raise goats but after watching your and Greg Judy videos I am leaning toward sheep.I live on the FL/GA line so plenty of rain and sounds like do a better job staying in their fence but first have 20 acres to clean old fence line and put in a new one.
I raise Kiko goats. I am raising them in an area that has lots of browse and very little pasture. What I have heard is that the goats will have more of a problem with parasites if they are forced to rely more heavily on grazing than on browsing. I still monitor my goats for parasites because I do see them grazing occasionally. I did lose one of my first does to worms. I purchased her from a farm that was mostly pasture, and I was new at goats. When they are on full browse they cost me next to nothing. However, come winter, the cost is a lot higher than I would like. I am trying to figure out a way to reduce my winter feeding costs, yet keep my goats healthy. That has been my biggest struggle. Like you mentioned in the video, cattle are subsidized which translates to a lot of support for cattle producers and next to nothing for small ruminant producers. I live in a very heavy cattle producing area.
I also raise Kikos and have experienced the same thing. They will usually choose to eat away from the ground (browse from branches and tall weeds). That coupled with their natural parasite resistance I very rarely have any issues.
I am looking into Coppicing trees for storage of winter feeding, there is a utube of a couple doing it too. Read that you can do this in goat paddocks just leave a gap past there browsing height.
@@ziggyc4474 I let my 11 boer goats have free choice access to pasture 24/7 and 8 of them died from parasites. Wet grass harbors parasites easier than dry grass. Parasites swim up the grass stems. I keep them in a pen now and feed them only store bought hay and forage I cut when it's high and dry. I will let them forage again in the future when I set up fences and rotate the pastures but will only let them out when it is absolutely bone dry. And you still need a vet to get them on the right dewormer.
Thank you! I love your videos. We are considering turning our 10 acre farm into a business primarily raising some sheep to sell in the Fall, hopefully, for a profit. Your videos are a treasure trove of knowledge. Thank you!
I dont know how good your land is but I would suggest planting pecan trees while your raising sheep. You will have to protect the young trees to get started.
When sheep escape the herd might be found ten miles away, when goats escape they will often be on your porch and knocking at your door to find out why they didn't get a treat....... Basically if you enjoy interacting with your livestock goats are the obvious choice. If you prefer to observe your livestock from afar, sheep is your choice.
My sheep have escaped a few times and always stay within a thousand feet of our property. If it gets dark before I get to them. They park themselves in our front lawn
I always wanted goats. And I always wanted sheep. My favorite goat ended up being ... a Jacob sheep. Last june we fenced our ten acres and bought a small flock. I learned pretty quickly that my sheep will follow me anywhere, and have no intention of escaping. If they get out, they just nibble the grass and try to open the grain bin. Not sure how it would be possible to interact with goats more than I interact with my sheep.
Once more, really good analysis. I definitely look forward to adding sheep to our farm and lamb to our farm stand in the next couple of years as we clear acreage. I might keep a goat or two on tethers to knock down weeds and clear brush but that's about it, I have no interest in investing in goat proof fencing ;)
Now is the time to get sheep you really need to clear acreage just clear brush and some trees where the fence will go sheep will clear brush and girdle trees just put wire around trees you want saved
Awesome video. I am primarily an alfalfa hay producer in eastern NM. We raise sheep and did raise goats for a while. Fencing cannot be overstated for goats they are harder on fences than cattle in my opinion. Another point, and this is simply my experience, every fall I buy lambs to run over winter on our algae fields. When I tried to do the same with kids they gained 1/4lb per day to the lambs 1/2lb. These were just a mixed load that came from the auction.
What you are missing is that producers do not farm with livestock that are the most profitable. Producers farm with what suits their climates, their circumstances, etc, and mostly what they love to farm with. I breed Simmentals. And even if I could make more money with sheep or goats I will never keep sheep or goats. I love Simmentals.
Where would we find goat meat? Can't recall seeing it in any grocery store (I live in central Indiana) nor any of the local butchers that I patronize. It is obvious goat meat is out there but wonder if it is a niche or custom product. Last two questions which are related - any well known restaurants that offer goat meat? If not, what keeps them from offering it? Buffalo and Elk are becoming more common.
Just saying there is a HUGE pet market right now. A dwarf Nigerian kid can sell for 300+ if selecting for colorful parentage and that billy or nanny is only going to require half as much overwinter feed.
Why not use a mobile goat/sheep tractor fence with wheels to free range grass feed nd grass finish them easily? Just move/push it to new grass every day and just add water.
Great videos. I've just started livestock farming. There are so many variables. I am hoping I can bread my boerbok (boer goat) into a large carcase stock. As for commercial, I have just emigrated to a country which language I can't speak🤣 Now you try to sell your stock under those conditions and you'll understand the word "challenge".😩
Good morning from the frozen north 🥶 I’m glad you are a numbers person. Yes goats are a handful and require a lot of work. I’m in the building process with my herd and trying to figure out UA-cam and all of the technology that goes with it. If you grew up with tech it’s doable . Me on the other end 🤬!!!!!! Keep up the great work
Very impressive, I trade for a living and do realestate so im very into economics. Your video was fantastic, full of outstanding points and very useful information, thank you!
I'm a seasonal shepherd who's managed large herds of goats. When it comes to electric fencing for goats, you will want the ElectroFence 48" single post fencing sold by Premier 1 fencing. I'd highly recommend using fiberglass posts from tractor supply to shape the fence on hills. You can make that fence work on any terrain as long as you keep the fence itself clear of direct debris. If your goats already know how to repeatedly jump or sneak under the fence, your options are limited and you'd be better off using permanent fencing for them. Others in the herd will learn from their habits very quickly. I agree with you 100% re: the inflation and market AND the soil restoration benefits of goats specifically.
That stuff would cost a fortune with large herds, my well trained goats won't breach two hot wires. Big energize (min 6 joule, mine is 8) that never gets turned off is also essential.
@@brewsterly2927 That sounds like it would work well for large goats on pasture. I should probably clarify that our goats are nomadic most of the year - we use them to clear fire brush.
In response to the tougher learning curve to producing sheep/goats. If you don't have a "mentor" or someone direct to ask questions to, we had heard when starting that you'll know in 3 years if you can hack it or not. 3 years is about the amount of time for someone to kill off their herd due to bad management or find out it's not for them. On the goat end of things, you need a good local experienced mentor because in our area the vets just don't have the experience. You end up using medications off-label as nothing is really listed for goats.
How about if I want to target export to Asia and the Middle East. What's most profitable cattle, sheep or goats. I'm in southern Africa where my costs are very low Does anyone know how to access the market please?
Here locally (subtropical) I've been told goats are easier than sheep when it comes to parasites. I want to try both though and see if it's possible to have a few of both.
great thoughts. up her in canada, think toronto ontario. im about 1 hr from that big city. immigration is high and keeps going. there's a large ethnic population who thinks soul food-- it isn't mashed potatoes and roast beef its roast lamb or goat. up here, in the early winter we're looking at almost 5 bucks a pound. my pharmacist joked with me the other day and said if his ewes even look at him the wrong way, they're headed to market. for sheep and goat producers, the future expected demand looks pretty good. pretty exciting time to be getting into the sheep or goat industry!
What I was wondering if you have to clear brush would you want goats first, as they can get higher clearing. The other thing I wonder if if working with cattle, if one or the other. There is a guy north of Dallas who found a niche leasing in cattle area. A lot of hilly area that the goats are suited for. Leasing with cattle opens another regenerative path, whether like you said you choose one or the other.
every thing we raise is up this year! but still can't pay off loans and afford to produce more for next year =, consumables have doubled or tripled. thanks JOE many small producers around here are going belly up
you should be thinking about ducks and geese. Low key it's a market that keeps giving. More so if you are on the west coast or north west. Due to the high Asian markets. It doesn't have to be pekin duck wither. Which i don't recommend on pasture. The best part about ducks is once they are a big bigger they don't need the kind of overhead protection chickens do. Honestly, I never got why folks got so caught up on chickens. Ducks and geese herd.
then again I thought about it. The reason why it's chicken is the huge government-supported infrastructure. I kinda already knew the answer just didn't think about it enough.
I raise wool sheep- they have to be sheared - the wool does not pay for the shearing. There are breeds of sheep that produce fine wool that is more valuable - but there is always a trade off.
I think it depends where you are in the world. I know where I live Goats are definitely in demand for meat. But I know in other parts of the country it would be hard to sell goat meat.
I would recommend researching your average rainfall/precipitation. This will give you a good gauge of wet or dry. Anything over 35”-40” is wet in my opinion. 👍🏻
I really like sheep farming, it is profitable, even though we all bought feed and we have to feed hay for 9-10 months a year and only 2-3 months with green grass and, of course, grain, since in winter we have temperatures up to minus 43 degrees, and snow lies 6 months a year. And prices are rising for sheep due to rising prices for feed and maintenance.
lol, wish it was still like this barley got $100 for 5 Boer kids I sold. A friend of mine took about 15-20 Boer kids out of a 100% papered buck up to San Angelo and also got about $100 a kid
I’d look for your closest livestock sale barn. While I always encourage people to buy off farms rather than at sale barns, the prices at your local sale barns will give you an idea of local demand. Lower prices = lower local demand.
Shepherdess, based on a video that you made a couple months back speaking of the upcoming fertilizer shortage, I put 1000 dollars into 5 different fertilizer companies on 2/9 and that 5000 has grown approximately 20% in a month. Conversely, the other items in my portfolio have dropped an average of 10% since 1/1. That vid speaking of the upcoming fertilizer shortage informed my 2022 investment strategy. My only regret is that I didn't transfer my full portfolio to fertilizer stocks.
@@theShepherdess Mosaic stock is up 36% this month, Israel Chemicals is up 21.44%, nutrien is up 33.77%, cf is up 30.67% and corteva has more or less broken even. The rest of my stock portfolio, well, let's not dwell on that.
Hi Juliana! Thank you for asking. I give some details on the mineral I use in my free ebook. Here is the link: harmonyfarms.blog/13-things-you-need-to-raise-sheep-free-e-book/
@@hopeisorange No, it has the salt already in it to get the target consumption of 1oz per head per day. If they way over consume, you could add just a little plain stock salt, but normally it’s not needed. They might over consume the first few days until they get used to it. Offer it free choice for about a week, and give them a measured amount (it should weigh around 9 pounds per gallon, or 2.25 per quart, etc) and see how long it takes for them to eat that amount. Then calculate what the average consumption was per animal to see if it’s close to 1oz per day. There’s also feeding directions on the tag. And, it’s a good idea to ask a local vet for tips for your area. Good luck!
Id love to know breeds on these goats. Are we talking meat breeds or dairy? Are dairy more profitable than meat? If so, whats the difference. Is it worth the investment of registration on breeds in the name of profits? We are in east texas and keep dairy. Ober, alpine and lamancha. We dont keep for profits, but i would just be curious to know where it stood should we ever decide to sell out.
I agree on the economic side of your presentation. 38% of all the dollars ever created through the entire 246 year history of the USA has occurred in the last two decades. The government is out of control on currency conjuration and price inflation will remain a natural causality of it. The prices are hear to stay and will accrue as our currency continues its value decline. Grab a piece of something that isn't a government debt note and grow it. That's where the real value is. Thanks for the great content.
I have a free ebook about sheep farming here: harmonyfarms.blog/13-things-you-need-to-raise-sheep-free-e-book/ As far as further reading I recommend, here is a video I made on the topic: ua-cam.com/video/63QKKyYesX8/v-deo.html
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I'm glad the algorithm sent me this channel. I was just looking at raising sheep or goats on a small hobby farm. Good stuff and looking forward to watching more of your videos. God Bless.
I have no clue why the algorithm led me here but I came upon some land from my father and I have some elsewhere. I love goats as animals and as food. It's always good to open your horizons.
I learned the hard way. Get your fencing secured prior to getting goats. I use a 6 wire electric perimeter fence. I rotate goats with moveable nets.
This was absolutely brilliant. Vital data and facts explained in such an easy-to-understand way. Excellent format and presentation. Thanks so much. I just retired from the military at 60y/o and bought a ten acre homestead. I plan to get a few sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. This video was extremely helpful. Thank you. I have subscribed to your channel.
Excellent Video 6:30 is the most underrated explanation of what is happening in America today in regards to the small farm and homesteading movement!
My step-dad had hundreds of both when I was growing up, I agree with your opinions.. the last time I went to a sale was about 13 years ago & was in west tennessee.. no1 sheep brought around a dollar and no1 goats brought $1.20-30.. it's crazy how much prices have went up since then.
You are the data master when it comes to farming. Love your approach and organization.
Yup, watched 1 video and subbed months ago. Thank you girl you do a awesome job putting out intel and info. My hats off to you.
What are your thoughts? Goats or sheep?
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Goats are higher maintenance higher hands on higher labor higher vet costs. I raised th both never saw these prices and it really depends where you live
Goats! Hands down! I raised goats for about 20 years and they were the only thing that fit my land qualities (or the lack of them). I had 6,000 acres to raise hundreds of goats and about 90 cattle, and the goats were more successful. Some of this comes down to logistics and animal husbandry. Goats produce more babies than cows, and that fact alone made them a better and quicker return on my investment. NOW I am (unfortunately) back to Square One on raising livestock. Sigh . . . I spent 14 months here in Alabama trying to rebuild a place with a limited budget and some serious restrictions (try telling "City" people how to raise livestock and prepare for hard times!).
Really appreciate your openness and honesty. I would suggest you visit/talk with Darrell Howard of Howard Sheep and Cattle out of Mulhall OK. He has built quite a ranch on sound goat and sheep philosophies that you won't learn in a university although OK state does send classes to him. I stopped to see him for an hour and 3.5 hours later I just had to get on the road but he will give you the straight scoop learned over 40+ years of ranching for a profit.
A major point you omitted or missed is that in the long run goats starts producing more kids than sheep. A 4 year old goat may produce 2-4 kids on average while a sheep will very rarely go beyond 2 lambs with average being 1-2. This factor makes goats more profitable. Secondly goats have a better milk production than sheep, meaning you can sell goat milk as a side product.
@@joelruen4979 Amen brother. They think we should all be vegan. But they couldn't grow 🪴 a petunia.
As soon as Scottish lamb is available in the USA I will be switching over to that product and dumping USA product. US farmers have ruined lamb over the last 30 years taking a carcass weight of 45-50 lbs with less than 3/16" of cover to 80-90 lb. carcasses with 1.5-2" of cover and 3-5 lbs of kidney fat making the product for the retailer completely unprofitable and losing it's counter appeal with the heavy amounts of seam fat. I used to cut and trim and entire lamb carcass weighing 45 lbs into it all the cuts for the counter and have less than 1.5 lbs of fat. Today you get a 82 lb carcass and trim and cut the same way and you end up with 22-26 lbs of fat and excess cutting to remove heavy seam fat areas. So when you pay $6.09 lb for an 82 lb lamb carcass it's more like $8.61 lb. This does not account for any boning out to make ground lamb which will raise the price per lb. of the carcass. And finally with the explosion of restaurants offering domestic rack of lamb the price of buying racks completely puts 99% of all grocery stores out of range for selling domestic lamb rib chops. That's why most sell aussie or kiwi. PS I have cut and sold more than 2 million pounds of lamb in my 34 years of being a butcher.
Thank you......I'm running 78 goats right now....most I've ever had....160 acres.....living in northern british columbia so still have a foot of snow on the ground still. Listening to your podcast tonight that your sending me so thank you again and I'm running kiko goats by myself lol.....i have a goat squeeze so that makes it easier....cheers!
Had both lamb and goat's, 5 strand electric is the way to go. Goat's will test a fence, but the benefits to having them clean up pastures is amazing.
This is some Awesome info Thank You And God Bless. Didn't know this about San Angelo and the subsidies. Have a Blessed Day
I just started my goat operation in western Oklahoma. Mobile shelter inside electric netting on pasture.
We raise both and have a good pasturing system.
Thanks for the info.
Very helpful.
I'm in western Ky and have about 70 head of goats, Boer, Kiko, savanna and dairy mix. They do great, they are cross bred and have no parasite problem, they have 179 acres to roam on. Also have 15 head of horses, mules and ponies. I have only fed around 75 square bales of hay all winter. My property is reclaimed mine land. Haven't had to worm my goats in three years and this is the best looking herd that I've had. Love watching the information you put out.
Fantastic info! What’s your annual rainfall?
Thanks for watching my vids!
@@theShepherdess 48-58 inches, I also real rocky ground, so I only have an occasional hoof to trim. We are thinking of branching out to other animals, probably some cattle and pigs and getting rid of the horses since no one rides them
That’s some great success with the goats in such a high rainfall area!
Where do you sell most of your sheep, as of right now I sell mainly at auction, and a few to individuals, but have been thinking of branching out to other markets. I have also considered sheep and the rotational method that you do. About 100 acres of my land is pasture, mainly serecea grass which really takes off as the weather gets hotter. I haven't had it checked but have been told the protein content is very high
@@timsigers5602 I sell my stock at ShepherdessDorpers.com . Craigslist has also been a good place to find local buyers.
Very specific tangible examples of everything, better than a college class. Mad props. Also the free e-book is very analytical and well thought out in a way that minimizes other's getting a partial idea of what they're up against.
Dang! That was the most useful set of facts anyone could ask for. The Shepherdess. I second Albert's (next comment) astute observations. We are in a very challenging project rehabilitating a high desert parcel with a circle pivot and decent water. The ground has been fallow since 1996. We are planning to use goats to address a bumper crop of tumbleweeds, so We can eventually have some hay and a tree farm (food forest) around the edge of the sprinkler. Your presentation is excellent would you consider mentoring us.
3 things I like about UA-cam: people making food content, People making fun review memes (they’re kind of funny on some vids) but your content is amazing. I truly say that madam. Animal knowledge content are amazing and I keep enjoying this more than anything
This is very interesting information. In Indiana based on my experience, the situation is reversed. On average sheep and more expensive than goats in the state when I go to livestock auctions or private sellers to improve my herd and flock. I believe that goats and sheep will continue to grow and possibly surpass other meat markets. Great information!
Great information! So excited about starting our sheep journey. We will be adding a few goats for clearing some wooded areas and milk purposes.
We raise Katahdin sheep. They are very hardy.
We recently had 28 lambs, and only lost 2. At least one was because of unseasonably cold weather, and both the lambs were the runts of triplets.
The sheep eat lots of weeds and shrubs, seemingly more than 50% when they are available.
There are dairy sheep and their milk supposedly tastes better.
Wow, finally someone who can explain the actual reasons behind the jump in prices. Wish my customers can hear this. Will share. Thanks!
As always, great research and video. I appreciate the shout out.
Thank you!
This is the first time I've seen your video and it was refreshing to hear someone talk sheep. I'd love to see your other videos
Thanks!
I had thought the last few years I would raise goats but after watching your and Greg Judy videos I am leaning toward sheep.I live on the FL/GA line so plenty of rain and sounds like do a better job staying in their fence but first have 20 acres to clean old fence line and put in a new one.
I raise Kiko goats. I am raising them in an area that has lots of browse and very little pasture. What I have heard is that the goats will have more of a problem with parasites if they are forced to rely more heavily on grazing than on browsing. I still monitor my goats for parasites because I do see them grazing occasionally. I did lose one of my first does to worms. I purchased her from a farm that was mostly pasture, and I was new at goats.
When they are on full browse they cost me next to nothing. However, come winter, the cost is a lot higher than I would like. I am trying to figure out a way to reduce my winter feeding costs, yet keep my goats healthy. That has been my biggest struggle. Like you mentioned in the video, cattle are subsidized which translates to a lot of support for cattle producers and next to nothing for small ruminant producers. I live in a very heavy cattle producing area.
I also raise Kikos and have experienced the same thing. They will usually choose to eat away from the ground (browse from branches and tall weeds). That coupled with their natural parasite resistance I very rarely have any issues.
Cattle are not subsidized. There is price fixing with the large packers that monopolize the industry. There is subsidies with grains/forages.
I am looking into Coppicing trees for storage of winter feeding, there is a utube of a couple doing it too. Read that you can do this in goat paddocks just leave a gap past there browsing height.
I love the financial analysis. You are the Stuart Varney of the sheep business.
Rain comes in handy to grow the forage in abundance, but I learned to pen my goats up and only let them forage on very dry days.
I'm new so what is this practice here how does it help?
@@ziggyc4474 I let my 11 boer goats have free choice access to pasture 24/7 and 8 of them died from parasites. Wet grass harbors parasites easier than dry grass. Parasites swim up the grass stems. I keep them in a pen now and feed them only store bought hay and forage I cut when it's high and dry. I will let them forage again in the future when I set up fences and rotate the pastures but will only let them out when it is absolutely bone dry. And you still need a vet to get them on the right dewormer.
Thank you! I love your videos. We are considering turning our 10 acre farm into a business primarily raising some sheep to sell in the Fall, hopefully, for a profit. Your videos are a treasure trove of knowledge. Thank you!
I’m so grateful to have you watching, Lee!
I dont know how good your land is but I would suggest planting pecan trees while your raising sheep. You will have to protect the young trees to get started.
@@scottowensbyable We are too far north for pecan trees, however we are considering apple and pear trees. Southern Michigan here.
When sheep escape the herd might be found ten miles away, when goats escape they will often be on your porch and knocking at your door to find out why they didn't get a treat.......
Basically if you enjoy interacting with your livestock goats are the obvious choice. If you prefer to observe your livestock from afar, sheep is your choice.
My sheep have escaped a few times and always stay within a thousand feet of our property. If it gets dark before I get to them. They park themselves in our front lawn
I always wanted goats. And I always wanted sheep. My favorite goat ended up being ... a Jacob sheep. Last june we fenced our ten acres and bought a small flock. I learned pretty quickly that my sheep will follow me anywhere, and have no intention of escaping. If they get out, they just nibble the grass and try to open the grain bin. Not sure how it would be possible to interact with goats more than I interact with my sheep.
You are one of the best out there. Nice analysis.
Once more, really good analysis. I definitely look forward to adding sheep to our farm and lamb to our farm stand in the next couple of years as we clear acreage. I might keep a goat or two on tethers to knock down weeds and clear brush but that's about it, I have no interest in investing in goat proof fencing ;)
Now is the time to get sheep you really need to clear acreage just clear brush and some trees where the fence will go sheep will clear brush and girdle trees just put wire around trees you want saved
Very good information and run down of the market prices in TX. thanks for putting that together.
Lots of great info on this video. Thanks for sharing!
Great stats! You made it easy to make a decision. Go girl!
Thank you, sir! 😄
Awesome video. I am primarily an alfalfa hay producer in eastern NM. We raise sheep and did raise goats for a while. Fencing cannot be overstated for goats they are harder on fences than cattle in my opinion. Another point, and this is simply my experience, every fall I buy lambs to run over winter on our algae fields. When I tried to do the same with kids they gained 1/4lb per day to the lambs 1/2lb. These were just a mixed load that came from the auction.
Algae fields sound about as far away from goat the best fodder as you can get.
What you are missing is that producers do not farm with livestock that are the most profitable.
Producers farm with what suits their climates, their circumstances, etc, and mostly what they love to farm with. I breed Simmentals. And even if I could make more money with sheep or goats I will never keep sheep or goats. I love Simmentals.
Where would we find goat meat? Can't recall seeing it in any grocery store (I live in central Indiana) nor any of the local butchers that I patronize. It is obvious goat meat is out there but wonder if it is a niche or custom product. Last two questions which are related - any well known restaurants that offer goat meat? If not, what keeps them from offering it? Buffalo and Elk are becoming more common.
Just saying there is a HUGE pet market right now. A dwarf Nigerian kid can sell for 300+ if selecting for colorful parentage and that billy or nanny is only going to require half as much overwinter feed.
I just got 12 black head Dorper ewes and 1 ram he is typed 4 and papered he has won some of the shows they brought him to last year
Why not use a mobile goat/sheep tractor fence with wheels to free range grass feed nd grass finish them easily?
Just move/push it to new grass every day and just add water.
New subscriber to your channel as of last month.... really really really like the content your putting out 👍Thanks
Well depends Texas has many Mexicans and there are a few dishes that are popular to make with goat or sheep.
Great videos. I've just started livestock farming. There are so many variables. I am hoping I can bread my boerbok (boer goat) into a large carcase stock. As for commercial, I have just emigrated to a country which language I can't speak🤣 Now you try to sell your stock under those conditions and you'll understand the word "challenge".😩
Now that is a challenge I hadn’t considered! Haha! Thanks for the comment :).
Big thanks for such an excellent presentation of info and markets.
Thank you for the encouragement!!
It's been a STRAIGHT TO THE POINT VIDEO.... THANKS 👍
Great job on this video!
Good morning from the frozen north 🥶
I’m glad you are a numbers person.
Yes goats are a handful and require a lot of work.
I’m in the building process with my herd and trying to figure out UA-cam and all of the technology that goes with it.
If you grew up with tech it’s doable . Me on the other end 🤬!!!!!!
Keep up the great work
You are a beast with your numbers and fact skills? Great Work.
Thank you, Greg!
Very impressive, I trade for a living and do realestate so im very into economics. Your video was fantastic, full of outstanding points and very useful information, thank you!
Thank you!
Sheering sheep costs $$ were not included and general veterinary care, especial foot care wasn’t addressed. Which group does better?
This study is on the basis of hair sheep, which do not require shearing. Foot care is the same for sheep and goats. 👍🏻
I'm a seasonal shepherd who's managed large herds of goats. When it comes to electric fencing for goats, you will want the ElectroFence 48" single post fencing sold by Premier 1 fencing. I'd highly recommend using fiberglass posts from tractor supply to shape the fence on hills. You can make that fence work on any terrain as long as you keep the fence itself clear of direct debris.
If your goats already know how to repeatedly jump or sneak under the fence, your options are limited and you'd be better off using permanent fencing for them. Others in the herd will learn from their habits very quickly.
I agree with you 100% re: the inflation and market AND the soil restoration benefits of goats specifically.
Great information, Joseph! Thank you!
That stuff would cost a fortune with large herds, my well trained goats won't breach two hot wires. Big energize (min 6 joule, mine is 8) that never gets turned off is also essential.
@@brewsterly2927 That sounds like it would work well for large goats on pasture. I should probably clarify that our goats are nomadic most of the year - we use them to clear fire brush.
@@theShepherdess My wife and I love your channel! Your journey has been so inspiring. God bless! 🙏🙏🙏
@@sandwichsupernova
When you say "nomadic" you're saying no fence?
That’s more informative and beneficial thanks
Can you do Colorado, some guy told me the opposite just two weeks ago
Prices will go up until you can't afford to feed them, then they will cheap.
Any idea how many sheep I can run on 1.5 acres. Was part of a hay field, high protein grass.( Can't put horses on it.)
I’d start with 3 and move up if things go well!
In response to the tougher learning curve to producing sheep/goats. If you don't have a "mentor" or someone direct to ask questions to, we had heard when starting that you'll know in 3 years if you can hack it or not. 3 years is about the amount of time for someone to kill off their herd due to bad management or find out it's not for them. On the goat end of things, you need a good local experienced mentor because in our area the vets just don't have the experience. You end up using medications off-label as nothing is really listed for goats.
This is golden info!
@@theShepherdess hello can you tell me where i can buy boer goat to be ship in philippines
Hello, im planing to start a goat farming.. can you tell me where i can buy boer goat and ship to Philippines and how much it cost.thanks
How about if I want to target export to Asia and the Middle East. What's most profitable cattle, sheep or goats. I'm in southern Africa where my costs are very low
Does anyone know how to access the market please?
Here locally (subtropical) I've been told goats are easier than sheep when it comes to parasites. I want to try both though and see if it's possible to have a few of both.
Thanks for your thoughtfulness! Keep it up!
Thank you, Robert!
SUPER content. Glad I found your channel. New sub.
great thoughts.
up her in canada, think toronto ontario. im about 1 hr from that big city. immigration is high and keeps going. there's a large ethnic population who thinks soul food-- it isn't mashed potatoes and roast beef its roast lamb or goat.
up here, in the early winter we're looking at almost 5 bucks a pound. my pharmacist joked with me the other day and said if his ewes even look at him the wrong way, they're headed to market.
for sheep and goat producers, the future expected demand looks pretty good. pretty exciting time to be getting into the sheep or goat industry!
What I was wondering if you have to clear brush would you want goats first, as they can get higher clearing.
The other thing I wonder if if working with cattle, if one or the other.
There is a guy north of Dallas who found a niche leasing in cattle area. A lot of hilly area that the goats are suited for.
Leasing with cattle opens another regenerative path, whether like you said you choose one or the other.
every thing we raise is up this year! but still can't pay off loans and afford to produce more for next year =, consumables have doubled or tripled. thanks JOE many small producers around here are going belly up
I raise sheep and the lambs are sold before birth...sold-out in 3 mths...making more than the market price...lamb is good eating... also....
How do I find a place to sell market sheep instead of private sales? We are in Southern California and don’t see a market like it seems in your area.
Good question! I don’t have a lot of info on California, but you could take to Google with the term “sheep auction in Southern California”
We just picked up our first goat today :) she's bred so hoping for babies in July!
Congratulations!
you should be thinking about ducks and geese. Low key it's a market that keeps giving. More so if you are on the west coast or north west. Due to the high Asian markets. It doesn't have to be pekin duck wither. Which i don't recommend on pasture. The best part about ducks is once they are a big bigger they don't need the kind of overhead protection chickens do. Honestly, I never got why folks got so caught up on chickens. Ducks and geese herd.
then again I thought about it. The reason why it's chicken is the huge government-supported infrastructure. I kinda already knew the answer just didn't think about it enough.
I think you can also sell the sheep's wool, too, to increase profit.
I raise wool sheep- they have to be sheared - the wool does not pay for the shearing. There are breeds of sheep that produce fine wool that is more valuable - but there is always a trade off.
@@34tab Thanks for the info. We're still trying to decide if we want to get sheep or goats.
This was EXCELLENT! Thanks very much.
Thank you, Dan!
I think it depends where you are in the world. I know where I live Goats are definitely in demand for meat. But I know in other parts of the country it would be hard to sell goat meat.
Thank you .
Is zone 3 ( snow cold is November to end of May.
Is this considered dry or wet ?
I would recommend researching your average rainfall/precipitation. This will give you a good gauge of wet or dry. Anything over 35”-40” is wet in my opinion. 👍🏻
Thanks- this was terrific!
You’re welcome, Dan!
Great info, getting ready for my business
Thank you!
I really like sheep farming, it is profitable, even though we all bought feed and we have to feed hay for 9-10 months a year and only 2-3 months with green grass and, of course, grain, since in winter we have temperatures up to minus 43 degrees, and snow lies 6 months a year. And prices are rising for sheep due to rising prices for feed and maintenance.
Keep your goats grazing on pasture above their knee and worms are rarely an issue
Great info!!
Wow, what an insight, very well done but all the same you must have to be a special kind of person to rear anamials.
Very true… it is a lifestyle!
lol, wish it was still like this barley got $100 for 5 Boer kids I sold. A friend of mine took about 15-20 Boer kids out of a 100% papered buck up to San Angelo and also got about $100 a kid
Lots of info. Thanks! Where can I find out if I have a market for sheep and goat? I don't see it in stores or my farmers market.
I’d look for your closest livestock sale barn. While I always encourage people to buy off farms rather than at sale barns, the prices at your local sale barns will give you an idea of local demand.
Lower prices = lower local demand.
Shepherdess, based on a video that you made a couple months back speaking of the upcoming fertilizer shortage, I put 1000 dollars into 5 different fertilizer companies on 2/9 and that 5000 has grown approximately 20% in a month. Conversely, the other items in my portfolio have dropped an average of 10% since 1/1. That vid speaking of the upcoming fertilizer shortage informed my 2022 investment strategy. My only regret is that I didn't transfer my full portfolio to fertilizer stocks.
WOW! Thank you for sharing!
@@theShepherdess Mosaic stock is up 36% this month, Israel Chemicals is up 21.44%, nutrien is up 33.77%, cf is up 30.67% and corteva has more or less broken even. The rest of my stock portfolio, well, let's not dwell on that.
I live in southwest ga I know some people here have goats but I'm guessing this is not the best are for them
Thanks for the video! Ill be following to learn more ❤🐑
Thank you!
My daughter has goats in two different places She wants more but the price is way to high now
Great info
Absolutely great video thank you so much
This is a great video. Thank you!
Thank you!
Thank you for your very informative videos! What minerals do we need to feed sheep? Are there brands you like?
Hi Juliana! Thank you for asking. I give some details on the mineral I use in my free ebook. Here is the link: harmonyfarms.blog/13-things-you-need-to-raise-sheep-free-e-book/
Purina makes a good sheep mineral in a white n lime green bag. It’s a chelated mineral, around $30 per 50 lb bag
@@craigbrown8275 do I need to add salt to it? If so, what kind?
@@hopeisorange No, it has the salt already in it to get the target consumption of 1oz per head per day. If they way over consume, you could add just a little plain stock salt, but normally it’s not needed. They might over consume the first few days until they get used to it. Offer it free choice for about a week, and give them a measured amount (it should weigh around 9 pounds per gallon, or 2.25 per quart, etc) and see how long it takes for them to eat that amount. Then calculate what the average consumption was per animal to see if it’s close to 1oz per day. There’s also feeding directions on the tag. And, it’s a good idea to ask a local vet for tips for your area. Good luck!
thank you for all information!
Id love to know breeds on these goats. Are we talking meat breeds or dairy? Are dairy more profitable than meat? If so, whats the difference. Is it worth the investment of registration on breeds in the name of profits? We are in east texas and keep dairy. Ober, alpine and lamancha. We dont keep for profits, but i would just be curious to know where it stood should we ever decide to sell out.
Primarily meat goat is where the profits lie right now. Dairy is great if you have a secondary business from the milk (soap, edibles, etc).
Wow. Thanks for the great info!!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks, Matt.
Thanks for the evaluation of the two species. Keep up the good work.
Your show is amazing and would love for my wife and I to visit you some day. Seriously thinking about changing from cattle.
I’m so glad you are enjoying my videos, Chaney! Thank you for commenting!
I agree on the economic side of your presentation. 38% of all the dollars ever created through the entire 246 year history of the USA has occurred in the last two decades. The government is out of control on currency conjuration and price inflation will remain a natural causality of it. The prices are hear to stay and will accrue as our currency continues its value decline. Grab a piece of something that isn't a government debt note and grow it. That's where the real value is. Thanks for the great content.
Do you have a video on predator protection?
You are awesome. Like Rolling O as well.
The prices are going up with the inflation, they probably won’t go down, just up as the government continues printing way too much money
Awesome channel.
Goat soup is amazing with onions, garlic, tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and chili.
Hi! Just wondering - do you have any book recommendations for raising sheep and/or goats? Thanks!
I have a free ebook about sheep farming here: harmonyfarms.blog/13-things-you-need-to-raise-sheep-free-e-book/
As far as further reading I recommend, here is a video I made on the topic: ua-cam.com/video/63QKKyYesX8/v-deo.html