How much did it cost to build our sheep barn? Vlog 220

[@samanthaflynn6140]

I personally like when people/YT talk about finances. Just because so many people have no clue the amount of money it takes! Not to mention people need all the information before they jump into a new dream or lifestyle. Seeing the dollars +/- can only help others make their decisions!!!

[@brentrollins2572]

You are indeed blessed ! No luck, perhaps fortunate to be able to do something you love so much. It shows in your face and attitude. You make all of us feel so involved in all you do. You give us warm fuzzy feelings. I do appreciate you and your family 💜

[@shemer00]

Completely agree

[@brentrollins2572]

@Павел Корбут can anyone interpret this for me please

[@brentrollins2572]

@Павел Корбут I don't understand what you are saying

[@kellalafaire8534]

entirely agree!!

[@amiedeangelis8915]

Notification squad represent!! Seriously Sandi f**k the haters and keyboard warriors who like to come for people for no reason! EWE ARE AMAZING!! ❤❤

[@deeterr1227]

Exactly!!🙂👍

[@amiedeangelis8915]

@@deeterr1227 how fantastic and strong is she?!! Im in constant awe of Sandi and the things she does.

[@qualityassurance9523]

Sandi is awesome and open sharing inside business information for free. 💪🏻🐑

[@marymiller606]

You have such an incredible head on your shoulders. I love how you explain things and break it down in understandable language . I wish I were younger I would totally love to do this but at 59 not the right time. I’m so happy for you though. I hope things go great for you and Mark for many years to come

[@leannmeddings4068]

Your age isn't stopping you! You don't have to have something as big as Sandy's. I am just starting out, I was 60. I just have 3 ewes and 1 guy but because of an injury we had to fix him. That was a really rough day. Anyway my neighbor will loan me a sire for breeding when it's time. So grateful for that. The ones I have I will keep. I've raised them from just weaned, they are about 7 months old now. I have fallen In love with them. I will sell a few babies. I will never have anything as big as Sandy's and I'm good with that. Sooooo.... if you have land you can try your hand with sheep. Really, I love it! These 4 lambs bring me much joy.

[@avadogcool]

i'm not jealous of your money. I'm jealous about you puppies! And your sheep I just want to sit in one of the pens and just watch them. I could watch your videos for days with-out getting bored

[@Allipartyrocking]

Live stock guardian dogs like pyrs protect there flock and only their flock

[@Allipartyrocking]

Typical pyr working is 1 male 2 females

[@youceflatreche3340]

You like 🐑

[@angiekyle2942]

I like mixing the breeds in one flock. Antonian and great pyrenees. And if the puppies are left with the animals to grow up in the herd/ flock, they won't need training. I like having them inside like this though.

[@crazycoyote1738]

I like to breed Doberman pinchers and St. Bernard, and see what comes of it... as a guard dog..

[@katieschroeder7620]

This is so interesting and honestly, I thought it would have been more! You do a great job of using everything to the fullest and really getting the value out of it. I think you easily have made good financial decisions when you consider time and quality of life for the sheep and YOURSELF you are important too! You spend so much time there it's like a second house for you and you deserve to be as happy as you can there.

[@deeterr1227]

Excellent choice of words.. I kinda said the same thing but my words were a lot more brash lol..but that's who I'm 🙂

[@Weeks25]

I thought it would be more too. Last week my husband an I were talking about how much it probably cost her to get everything an get going an we thought about a million.

[@katieschroeder7620]

@@Weeks25 Exactly!! Looking at her setup and how well she makes it work, I was expecting 1.2 million or so! I am really impressed

[@staceyyoshiki9514]

Well said!

[@adonnapryor5440]

Seriously, I LOVE that you are laying it all on the line so others can see exactly what is involved. The time, the money, the office work, the barn work, the knowledge... farming is more than one job and you show that beautifully. Thank you for taking the time to educate and inspire us.

[@BoxMountainLLC]

That is awesome Sandi...as long as you are excited to jump out of bed everyday to do what you do is ALL THAT MATTERS!! I can clearly see how much you love sheep farming and I love how you talk to your flock and give them a scratch behind their ears...and hold those precious little babies and kiss their little noses!! They ARE part of your family!! xo

[@SWGreenDesert]

It’s no ones business what your reasons are for how you spend your money. It’s your money and your choices. I’m sick of the Internet thinking they have a right to voice opinions on your choices. Thank you for sharing the costs. It gives those of us that are doing projects a frame of reference. You should be proud of all that you have done and accomplished

[@SandiBrock]

thanks so much! I guess thats why I finally shared it. For those that are researching, there is not much out there for reference...

[@juliabentley2809]

I like ur reasoning 1:50 I’ve always found if u spend a little more and build it really good you tend to have less problems down the road.. love ur videos and ur perspective.

[@philiphall4805]

I agree , the farmers in our area that have done the best over the years are those who got it right from the beginning and wasted no time or effort on unproductive systems

[@johnobrien5440]

Absolutely! You get what you pay for. If you want quality it will cost you more, and less in repairs and upkeep.

[@cathiwim]

I Love what you are doing! Remember, it only needs to be built once. We have a lot of coyotes here too. I wont ever have sheep, but hope to have goats(once all the fencing is replaced). We are renovating the house, built in 1988, and only have two rooms left. Right now we have two horses and a donkey, and some chickens. But i am a midwife, with a small(deliberately) home birth practice, and a Master Gardener, who often helps others. We put in an orchard, vineyard, and garden, and except for mowing the yard, i do all the maintenance on it all. 😁 so i get it about the dollar amount of what your land can produce. Your land prices are the same as ours in East TN, but 30 years ago land was 5K an acre. Now its 15-20! And as soon as a farmer dies around here, the family sells the land to a developer and they turn it into a subdivision! I hate that! But here we are, still improving and expanding. You are doing a great job! Never give up!

[@clarehagley2165]

Baby Catcher I’m a midwife as well. Love the labouring sheep, they are so close to what our mum’s do in labour. I have found These video are amazing love the lambing videos. The amount of Sheep colostrum she expresses is amazing. Our women few drops to a few mls post delivery. But then our babies don’t get up an walk lol.

[@scottholbert1192]

The money you spend for your livestock comfort is your and marks buissness. But is entirely up to you. I am a farm kid. I appreciate both your channels

[@rebeccamay7150]

I agree, you should definitely like where you work or spend most of your time with your animals. There is nothing wrong with spending more if it’s what you want, works for what you need and can afford it.

[@SweetPeaFarmNY]

I love hearing about the economics of sheep farming...I’m on a tiny scale and totally get the happiness value of it!

[@Shatterpath]

As a clueless city kid, watching these videos is fascinating. You're so dedicated and strong! I admire the heck out of you and what you and your family have accomplished.

[@blueeyes6599]

Another great vid! I was thinking about something you said...you mentioned in one vid (or maybe more than one lol) that one of your least favorite chores is processing lambs (I think that's what you called it). I noticed while watching, that while the processing does seem a bit tedious, we see some of your biggest smiles while you are doing that job. Granted, we can't always see your face while working, but watching you give each and every new little life a quick cuddle made me think that its really cool that each has that moment with you. I just thought I would point out the happy smiles I noticed, sometimes we see ourselves so differently than others do. ;)

[@lucywatson2252]

You are awesome and should not receive nor feel shame in what you spent! Seriously, the long days, and all of the heart, sweat and tears you tirelessly pour into your work is priceless!!! I love watching you and your lambs so very much. My life is filled with difficult health challenges right now but my days are made better and brighter spending a few minutes with you in your beautiful barn each day. Heaven bless you and all of the great videos you share with the world!

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

This was a great vlog Sandi ... over here in Ireland our pricing structure is totally different ... e.g. €7k or thereabouts for an acre ... I was more surprised at the prices of the hardware, machines etc. We usually leave 'em out & only bring 'em in for lambing. That "barn" is a mighty structure & worth every penny. I think if you knew it was gonna be a half a big one $$ you probably would have thunk twice 🙄😂 but then that just about sums up farming... wherever you live 😒 We don't have coyotes ... but we DO have lotsa foxes & when the ewes & lambs go back out we have to keep an eye out for the first few weeks... 😠 we also have a fair few dog attacks in the run up to lambing , whe the ewes hormone levels are high & there is obviously a scent in the air ... lead is our friend here... but prosecutions are few & far between. 🙁 Its funny how simple things like the blue fencing panels & troughs are "relatively" inexpensive but worth their weight in gold 😎 I love your Gallagher system... how spendy was that ? Regarding concrete.. €70/cubic metre here so concrete floors are dear ... but as you say, well worth the expense... I really appreciate your honesty & transparency re. your costs etc. Most other farmers wouldn't be so forthcoming... & if you get any negative blowback (unlikely) just ignore 'em. 😏 From the Emerald Isle 😎👍☘🍺

[@markheintz1878]

Bottom line for any business, it takes money to make money. You cant make a decent living or raise quality animals in a crap system. I love your setup and the way it works for you. I dont think other alternatives would have worked out this well for you. Doing the majority of the chores yourself, you had to design it with that in mind. Keeping everything close and consolidated saves time and labor. Time is money and precious. I think your setup is amazing and perfect for you. Keep up the great work and bedt wishes for the next breeding and lamb crop. But above all, take time to breathe, know your limits and take a timeout occasionally. Dont feel bad or ashamed or admitting you're tired, you outwork most guys I know half your age. Stay strong and best wishes always from a loyal viewer in SE MN.

[@markheintz1878]

People spend $500,000 and more on a house, what a waste. Your barn is your money maker, a house is just a tax and maintenance burden. As far as raising them outside, I think your losses would be much much higher, not just from a predator aspect but the management aspect as well. If they were allowed to roam there is no way you could manage them as well as you do in this set up. The constant moving to different areas or buildings at different life stages adds more work and stress to you and the flock. Non farmers dont realize this. I was always curious about the acre comparison between free ranging 500 ewes and the required rams and of course the resulting annual lamb crops vs confining them and dedicating a certain amount if acres to producing the required amount of feed to get from harvest to harvest. With high land prices your choice was pretty much made for you.

[@howardtheduck7668]

@@markheintz1878 yes, not to mention parasite issues on pasture.

[@hughmackellar7941]

kudos to you for your transparency. The bridge you are building between the rural/urban divide benefits all of us. Thank-you.

[@Crystalhurb]

Hi Sandy i own a concrete company and if you ever need concrete work message me and ill huck you up and give you an amazing rate. Yes concrete is very expensive but let me tell you their are alot of companys and new companies charging 2 to 3 x the amount it should be. Im in kitchener Ontario so we dont live to far from you... hope your enjoying the nice day but your poor barn is probably wet... have an awesome week and ill see you tomorrow afternoon like always

[@lisagerald4615]

Crystal Hurb that was really nice of you to offer Sandi a break in the price , she is such a great hearted beautiful person ! That works her tail off and has passion with her flocks !! Everyone thinks oh look what she and mark has but trust me my father in law busted his tail off in dairy business and in debt and all he wanted was to see it paid off bless his sweet soul he didn’t make it to see it paid and I truly miss him !!! And his wife that never hit a lick lost everything, everything with 6 months after his passing then sold all his land , we purchased some but she was broke within 9 months after selling what he worked so hard for for 45 yrs and don’t have a dime nor anything to show we’re the money went !! No comment on that !!! But yes please if she reaches out on your offer treat her right !!! I know they have a lot over head in investment and work like she does I would never want them to be force out 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@blakemama]

@@lisagerald4615 So sad about what happened to your father-in-law's dream

[@josephf2658]

Whats your company called

[@blakemama]

@@josephf2658 I don't think you meant to ask me that. Perhaps you should ask again?

[@Crystalhurb]

@@lisagerald4615 yes i definitely will i also know what its like my grandfather had 2000+ breading pigs and hundreds of babies. So sorry to hear about your grandfather. Mine just passed a couple months ago

[@Hollowhag]

I would love to see a video breaking down the costs/process of retrofitting the first barn! We have a horse barn 110x45 (almost the same size!) and are about to break ground on retrofitting for sheep. Some tips or advice would be so amazing.

[@crazycoyote1738]

Thanks for sharing details about your investment, it’s clarifying many open subjects. Keep in mind- grazing might save you some money on feed, you’ll have less hooves problems, but more insects and deworming problems. Also, predation problems, you’ll need at least 2 guard dogs, (feed, plus veterinary expenses) And the ship will be much more jittery and rebellious, you’ll need to spend much more time checking on them, you’ll need permanent and seasonal fences, all the way to the barn, that will restrict prep and harvest tractors maneuverability. I’m voting for keeping them in the barn..:)) Beautiful video as usual!!

[@ashleyhoover1319]

Yes! Please when you get the time I'd love to see a video of the sheep cost and feed cost. This was an amazing video. Your are doing an amazing job on the farm!

[@DrWhit-vz6nr]

Has she covered your question in another video since you left this comment?

[@susanwood4770]

I admire your openness with your sheep business, it’s really lovely too to hear the happiness in your voice. You have work that is fulfilling, and meaningful and great satisfaction in it. Yes you’re truly blessed!

[@tracychapplow5987]

Omg been looking forward to this video all day love watching your vids they are amazing you are one hell of a strong woman god bless you all please keep the videos coming looking forward to the next vid love you guys you are awesome cost alot but it soon pays off and make life alot easier in breeding stock and farming i find your videos so intresting and really enjoy watching great tips to.

[@melaniepittman9477]

This is one of my favorite vlogs to date, though have enjoyed them all. There is no price to be put on going to "work" and being happy. You are an inspiration to my daughter and I. We are in preliminary stages of planning a "sheep" barn that I hope fulfills our dreams as your barn has done for you. Keep up the great work and ignore the naysayers!

[@katejeffery2894]

I’d be interested to hear Marks thoughts on the differences between farming in Australia to Canada. Awesome video.

[@patricksumpter3204]

My Wife and I love watching your videos. There are negative people no matter what you say or do. I would pay them no attention. No one makes them watch. Love all the Canadian accents seeing the babies!! Keep up the good work. I'm sure it's exhausting to maintain this and your business. I for one, appreciate you and your Husbands content.

[@victoriajane9163]

i dont know how i got your channel on my feed but i am, so glad i did. i have been catching up on all videos, love it and greetings from LONDON UK

[@cindyboard7816]

Thank you so much for sharing!!!! Farming is a HARD JOB and so very underappreciated by too many people!!!! Don't pay attention to criticism of others, if we all thought alike the world would be a very BORING place!!! You do an awesome job AND your farm reflects that awesomeness!!!!!

[@marynapier2007]

I have just started watching your vlogs and find them so interesting. I think it was incredibly brave--not many people would be willing to share their finances so honestly. If anybody out there is a hater for what you do or how you run your business or spend your money--that's their problem not yours. Your passion for what you do and the care you give your sheep is evident in every single vlog I've seen.

[@lindajones7852]

I totally agree. Keep doing what you're doing. You go girl.

[@cbboggs6459]

Sandi, you and Mark operate a first class farm. In my excavating business I have always looked at the long term. Will I have to repeat tasks, how long will equipment last ? So by investing in equipment or infrastructure once I won't have to repeatedly, until the life cycle has been reached. I sell that approach to my customers as well. (I spend their money as though it is mine.) Those who try not to spend up front will pay over and over again. Most importantly , your barn let's you control how you raise the sheep and not be subject to the weather by having them outside. Great job. Yes I am interested in the business side of the sheep, in general terms. I'm not interested in exactly how much you make . If you wanted to share gross sales based on the number of head brought to market and how the costs relate to the gross as a percentage. It's none of my business how much you make to the penny. That's how I practice my life and business. Great video again.

[@SandiBrock]

Thank you so much!! This is great advise for how to present the business side of the operation... I really struggle with that!

[@cbboggs6459]

@@SandiBrock And you are up early. 🙂 Have a great day.

[@dawnback]

Sandi, I have been watching you now for about a month, I can say I think I have seen just about every video and some twice. I loved this one, I admit I almost exclusively watch you for the sheep content, I dont have a farm or animals. I watch you for the mental health therapy I get from watching you deliver lambs & those adorable babies that hop and skip and give me a smile now every day because if I cant find a new video I go back and watch any one of your vid's. I am getting choked up just writing this. I too am a something something year old who has a few too many tears from caring too much about life & others (darn menopause brain!) I have been holding my breath along with you on Jess' journey. I think I can say after watching a few hundred of your videos that sheep help your mental health, and this was probably one of your best investments in yourself. I can say you are helping my mental health a long with you. Thank you for sharing your life, the good, the bad and everything in between. Keep being you Sandi, God bless.

[@KRose13x_x]

These vlogs are great to watch when I’m finishing up my exam projects. Also the lambs are getting so big.

[@CountryViewAcres]

I am now starting a small farm business. I am doing a 5 year Budget and plan right now. And I quickly realize it will be hard to make a profit within five years of starting a farm business. Now my business is very small and will involve hay baling and some livestock, but I think it will be more about the journey and the enjoyment of farming, rather than making money. Definitely farming is a labor of love and not a way to get rich. Good luck with the sheep, we may try to raise some ourselves.

[@cillag09]

Sandi, I just love to hear and see your love and passion for these wonderful furry creatures!! You are an amazing woman! May God bless everything you put your hands too, and may He continue to bless you and your family!! Much love from Central Oregon, USA. ❤️🙏🏼☃️

[@TheMrsMarvel]

I'm catching up on your content, & this video is SO SO valuable. It's easy to have a passion for the sheep, but it's important to have serious conversations and realistic expectations on the cost of turning a passion into something sustainable. Thank you so much for being genuine and vulnerable enough to bring us into this part of your setup and life.

[@alicea153]

I thought it would have been more too...interesting for sure! I come to watch you as a determined, positive, and real woman working hard to fulfill her purpose in life!

[@findoose1461]

I would love to hear more about the economics behind sheep farming. Me and the wire are thinking of setting up a sheep farm, but the economy of it is where we are struggling to figure things out. Love your videos, keep them coming please.

[@sharletaningram4264]

Love your channel we run 40 head right now and looking to expand! Your channel is very helpful and the love your honest breakdown!

[@marciafischbeck7653]

The tools you use all the time make your work so much more efficient! The bobcat and the feedcart - and your panels, both claiming pens and for working the sheep - they are all so right! And the milk machine! When you guys scooped up the feed troughs and re-aligned them I was soooo jealous! What a great system! I really appreciate your sharing with the rest of us all of your doings. Keep it up. I think we should all go out and buy some lamb chops for dinner!

[@jenniferdavenport7203]

Great video! I can't imagine the blood, sweat and tears that barn represents. It's a perfect home for your flock and workspace for you. And it was a complete bargain. If you do get advice from friends on how to utilize pasture, could you bring the camera and let us listen, too? Also, a birth to market cost breakdown would be cool.

[@jackiejackie796]

This is the first vlog by you I have watched. Thank you, well done and I appreciate some of the comments. My husband and I are going to start a small farm. I will admit it's scary and of course cost is a concern, but, we have to just do it. I pray we find good mentorship and resources to guide us along the way.

[@candacekramer4802]

I guesstimated a million so your cost was reasonable.

[@zippytippy]

me too

[@noocemiller6005]

Yep, I’m not a farmer but that was my mental math too before i heard the details. They did smart things to bring some costs down.

[@Weeks25]

About a million is what my husband an I thought tol

[@SteveLurvey]

I was figuring 250k usd so I was a little shy on my figures but close all things considered. After spending three years doing a rehab on a 1725 colonial I’ve learned what materials cost. Jesus people pay your trades, your farmers, and your truckers what they are worth.

[@bostarbird5282]

I was thinking 750. Came in lower than I guessed.

[@kkdoc7864]

Sandi, you are so thoughtful to pour so much work into answering our questions. That information was not easy to gather, I’m sure, and it took a long time doing something I would absolutely hate! Paperwork! Wish we were neighbors lol.

[@wifarmerhank3039]

One of the first things I thought of when I saw this in my KZbin feed is i thought of college. When I was in ag school they had us do projects were we had to figure out the cost of a dairy operation or a beef operation or what ever, and it was so hard to get real concrete (no pun intended) numbers. If kids in college can find this video it would be so helpful to them. Thanks Sandi for sharing, I wish more people would do this.

[@boathead22000]

One thing she might touch on later is operating expenses on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. Paying a loan is also a operating expense if broken down. so many hidden costs but as sandy stated, they are making money and have been for awhile. It must be rewarding to operate this business during the warmer months.

[@rickykennedy185]

I've always tried to figure out how to build a shed for my kids. I tried several plans but always got stuck along the way. I'm glad I found this Ryan's shed plans [ Go Here >>> *WoodBlueprints. Com* ]. It has made the work become as easy and simple as I never thought it will be. Thank you Ryan!?

[@Rowdymotmot]

I think you have really done well. I love how frugal you were. Looking for deals and picking up used equipment is so good. Sometimes new is best but I will take good used stuff any day. I love your sheep too. Gee what a fun job doing something you love. I get a kick out of watching the lambs running and playing. They are so funny. Have a wonderful day. Thank you for sharing what you love with us.

[@kevinlesch9656]

"You should like where you work! " most important statement of this blog. I'm more a fan of a pole barn with steel roof and sides but if the fabric\greenhouse style is what you like, I say go for it. If you can find a way to make ventilation work in an old hip-roof style barn that would be great! For myself hip-roof was ruled out for cattle comfort, greenhouse was ruled out for my comfort. I put up pole barn for beef bout same time 2013. Still love it but hate that my herd is outgrowing it!

[@lydialedbetter2041]

I'm sitting here in a funk and 1 minute into your smile and hearing your sheep I realized I had a huge smile on face. Love you so much. God bless you.

[@RockBrigadeCommunityForum]

Farmers don't farm to get rich, it's a lifestyle. There will always be added costs, upgrades, new equipment, market fluctuation. So if you're happy, can feed your family, pay your bills. Then, you're already rich imo. Thank You for a great video.

[@junkjournalmavenwannabe]

I think your work philosophy is spot on! You have excellent decision making skills-no need for unpleasant feelings at all!! Love your vids!!

[@johneaston2348]

A very committed, determined, well managed sheep operation. Ewe do it all!

[@debramurray5132]

I think you are very inspiring and a wonderful sheep farmer. Glad you are able to do what you love every day.

[@fredr6381]

Lambs with springs for legs ?!?!.... PRICELESS !

[@Sha23D]

Sandi I admire you and everything you do, it doesn't matter how much you have spent nor what other negative beings think it's the quality of the work you do and the product you supply, I've watched you working hard, exhausted, heart broken and struggling, ive also watched you laughing, crying, elated, caring and loving. you have always always come out with a smile on your face and a heart of pure gold. You care about your job, how you do it and the animals you care for. I'm not a farmer, I just started watching you months ago as part of my research on how our food is produced and although yo are not supplying food persay I got hooked on watching YOU I love your energy, your commitment, work ethics and your strength, if I lived in your country I would volunteer all my spare time to help out on your farm. My respect for you has grown so much watching you help those mommas out and their babies. Love you, from Birmingham UK

[@lorineidtinytoadplot744]

Couto's you for maintaining a healthy herd and not cutting costs 💜💜💜

[@bluenetmarketing]

You are one hard working businesswoman. Wish you all the success.

[@eledhwenmare2403]

Your situation works for you. That’s all that matters.

[@RedTop-yo4ds]

Hi Sandi, great video, very informative. What you do is your business, if it works for you and you can afford your decisions, it's no one's else's business.

[@shawnstone666]

Me with $6k to my name: “I could do this” The tractor itself: “$50,000” ALRIGHT NOPE!! 🤣🤣 I will start with a garden in a bucket, got it! 😜🤪

[@Ptitnain2]

Infrastructure and tractors/machinery are the highest cost to get in. In fact, you can avoid them and make way more money that way. The most successful ranchers/grazers don't have any barns or even tractors.

[@anthonymclean5009]

@@Ptitnain2 sorry but you can’t raise sheep in Canada without a barn...not to mention those ranchers have thousands of acres......

[@aj-sz8mu]

@@Ptitnain2 but its so much work you'll break your back, and risk your own health. as she said, those machineries probably make it so that she never hates the work. for someone starting, its fine, but for the long term, its best to have equipment.

[@shannonrickard8605]

@@Ptitnain2 That's so misleading. Those kind of farmers have thousand and thousands of acres of land to sustain a herd on grazing alone. That land costs money. Fencing costs money. Higher mortality rates due to weather and predators costs money. Farming costs a lot of money no matter how you do it. There's ways to cut corners, but you get what you pay for. And there are things you cannot get away without paying for.

[@kathyguenther5866]

I am so proud of you for doing such a great job at life...... Thanks for sharing it with us. Yea you are blessed and I am glad to have met you. Hugs from Minnesota.

[@NewYearsBaby100]

Would love to hear more about the economics from the sheep!

[@davidhypes5228]

Very interesting! Thank you for sharing. I would like to hear more about the economics. I don’t have acreage for anything remotely close to yours, but I find it very interesting and intriguing and can live my “farm life” through good folks like you who are willing to share your lives with us. Thanks again!

[@wlewis6762]

I'm trying to figure on why you went with a plastic roof. I know a metal roof would have cost more, but I'm leery on the roof since it was damaged in a storm.... I love your videos and have been a supporter for a while now. :)

[@MrBiggameslayer]

Thanks for sharing! My wife and I have a very small farm (animal only... no crops). We raise sheep and pigs (probably should just do one). We still haven't turned a profit. We spend too much on feed and nutrition. Of course I'm a little jealous and totally agree you have to love where you work. We are in a space that is not great for our operation and some days are a real struggle. More than once I have said, "I'm done." I personally think you and your husband are brave for taking the leap and building what works and investing like you did. Takes a lot of guts to put it all on the line to grow your business... especially when it takes 5 plus years to see black numbers in the financials. My hats off to you!! Love your channel and again, thanks for sharing! God bless you, your family, and your farm!

[@sidewinder666666]

I think videos of the business aspects would be a good idea, for those considering getting into sheep farming.

[@gilbertlawrence6899]

I am not in the construction industry nor am I a carpenter, I wanted a good guide to help with small projects such as small sheds and some remodeling around the house. So there’s a magic which is Shed Plan [ visit here *WoodBlueprints. Com* ]. This Shed Plan covers all my instructions from top to bottom in a step by step manner.

[@patpetrelli3102]

Sandi.. the old saying “ If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life”. Love, love your Vlogs. So well done, so interesting and informative. I can imagine it is vey time consuming, but I really look forward them

[@RobertJones-ey9qz]

Remember the old saying: If you love your job, you never work a day in your life. I think that's sorta fitting for you. Another interesting video. Thank you

[@stephenkennedy9322]

Half a MILLION is a Bargain for all the Joy and Happiness of watching daily and Sandi You are Priceless for Sharing VLOGs with us. Thank You 🙏👍☺🐑

[@forced2makethisbloodyaccou355]

All businesses are financially frightening for the first 5 years. " Never give up! Never surrender! "

[@SandiBrock]

and have a back up source of income for a while! So true!!!

[@Glotglot]

Never give up, never surrender... One of my favorite quotes from the movie Galaxy Quest!

[@franciskaufman4918]

interesting points ,if anyone else trying to find out backyard storage sheds plans try *WoodBlueprints. Com* Ive heard some decent things about it and my colleague got cool success with it.

[@blakemama]

So worth it. Your smile says it all. No need to defend your carefully planned and budgeted expenses to get the property to work for you the way you wanted it to. If you have the means, do it your way. It bothered you because you're still expecting a barrage of negative comments. You won't get one from me. Now that's out of the way, Sandi, you are the best example of girl power I can show my granddaughter. She should know that she can do anything. Physically, you're my hero. I'd be dead, even at my youngest and healthiest. The part I didn't see was how much has to go on in your head besides all of the beautiful wooly nature in the barn. So much more. I really want to know. You're an amazing teacher. I do not intend to take up sheep farming at age 65, but I want to know what it takes to do it. Thanks for this video.

[@julieenslow5915]

You know, I was thinking you need a trench drain, was toying in my mind with placement of the drains (to drain off moisture - however it gets there) and then I thought of your clearing and scraping the bedding pack and removing it - and what could happen to the trench drains.... you really do NOT need "good ideas" from outsiders! Just saying!!

[@stephaniecavnar5290]

I can not thank you enough! Your transparency is such a Blessing! We are beginning the process of expanding/moving...to more land and need to build...you really helped us tonight!!

[@kaylaroberts774]

What’s your other dog’s name? I love them and you and the sheep!! 😍❤️

[@cd4068]

Sandi, I am happy with anything you want to share with us.....If i was you i would not be concerned with what other people say because they are not you and your farm, just as you wouldn't tell another farmer there doing things wrong..... you all farm the way you want and how you want. I really love your barn, it feels open, airy, bright and friendly to you and the sheep. I feel you need to do a job you enjoy in a place you enjoy going to or you will not be a happy person; you are happy in your job and love your barn if people don't like tell them to pound salt Keep up the wonderful life you have and hoping for the best while Mark is gone and looking forward to seeing his blog from down under from the buffalo ny area have a great week

[@very_kari7775]

When you invest in your business you get your money back. Some people just don’t understand.

[@Lorenejonesbaby99]

It's so kind of you to share the economic side of your farming. It is so appreciated. No matter what you've spent, you learn as you go and it's helpful to others to share so they can possibly make better decisions for themselves by knowing what you've done. Good, bad, right, or wrong, it all depends on what works for you. I love getting to experience life on the farm by your videos. I love hearing the little lambs. So cute!

[@jayrussell9861]

An amusing food for thought thing for you, or anybody that reads: I live in Southern California, in the US. You're barn's base structural price of approx ~$308,000? That MIGHT maybe get you a fixer-upper house that's bare-bones and all kinds of wrong, in a poorer part of so cal. Maybe. Just an interesting note. -shrug- Wierd, huh? Love your work though -- it is inspiring and neat to learn about, and I think you do a great job. Big scary purchases aside, you've made the choices you made with solid reasons, and deserve no real backlash. Keep up the great work, best of luck, and thank you for keeping it so real with us. ♥

[@DaniChaCha]

Where I live (rural south) $308,000 would buy a nice 3 bedroom home with nearly 10 acres, easy. It’s all about the cost of living!

[@twobrokewolves5884]

My house in the midwest was $25,000.

[@franciskaufman4918]

Whether you're done this before or it's your first attempt! - RyanShedPlans will help you decide which shed project is best suited for you, how to execute it and bring professional results every time. Visit => *WoodBlueprints. Com*

[@LizC-hq6tt]

I absolutely LOVE your video's u watch them as soon as they are posted, i really look forward to them. I grew up on a farm and have worked on farms my whole life, then my health failed me miserably and rendered me unable to do what i loved the most, farming. It was where i went to find piece and really to just get away from everything, i miss it so much every day... So thank you for doing these videos Miss Sandy they really do give me a bit of the happiness i miss so much! So thank you so much for doing what you do. :) they really make my days a little bit better. And good for you starting all of this by yourself it really is inspiring, you have done an amazing job! And your barn, beautiful! I love it! So thank you again for your videos you are awesome!!

[@katieschroeder7620]

Great job as always

[@brendalafever8023]

Can I come and hang out? I too old to start a line of work but oh what fun! I would work but not as long as you! You work so hard but you have the rewards to show! And the show that the sheep put on is awesome! Love the jumping lambs, too! And I always hear to make money, you have to spend money! You’re there! Congratulations and love and prayers to you!

[@staceywalley2616]

I would love more videos on finances. you could try "Finance Fridays" where you talk about the financial side of sheep farming.

[@nennyferfer2385]

I’ve always wondered why more don’t talk about finances, period! I feel like that’s one subject kept hush hush without caring how many it could truly help. This gal left & lost everything in the city, bought a small historic farm house over 500 miles away & in the middle of nowhere and hasn’t been happier! Everyone thinks I’m crazy but I don’t even care anymore. I definitely don’t have the land you have to work with but I can still work with what I have. I’ve been loving on the thought of sheep for a while now so I’m tremendously grateful for how helpful your videos are Sandi! ❤️ Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@MsSweetpea1958]

That's the payoff...you love what you do. I hope you keep 1 or 2 of those bouncing baby painted sheep!

[@CattVanDo]

I stumbled across your videos a couple of months ago. I watched a lambing video and it was cute, informative and your obvious love for what you do was endearing. I didn't subscribe though because I follow so many already.... then I came across another, and another and before I knew it... I am hooked. I love your videos, I love how you love what you do. Thank you for sharing it.

[@JB-mf1zc]

GOD did Bless you!! it would be expensive if you couldn't grow some of your own feed & straw. $550,000 ain't to bad if you say real fast! LOL

[@markkristynichols845]

Love watching your videos and channel! Learn so much! Our flock is 24 ewes an 1 baby buck! Lambing # is up to 17 I think! A few more to lamb! Thanks for all you share !- Kristy in the Ozarks of Missouri 😀

[@SandiBrock]

Thanks for watching Kristy!

[@beverlyallen5308]

You go girl

[@miag8493]

The supportive husband is priceless. I wish I just had enough area to have a garden a couple sheep, chicken and such. Thank you for information as I was curious and interested.

[@satguy]

It's your money, spend it how you see fit.

[@rplagden]

Sandi love your vblogs we live in France I have been watching your blogs for a while now couldn't understand why you kept your sheep inside all year but watching and listening to you I now understand completely your doing a great job if it works for you you must be doing it right Bon chance

[@hubertbruun6339]

What is the cost of your Gallagher animal records system thank you

[@chriscarter7785]

It's on the Gallagher website but I believe we paid around $20'000 for everything including are scale. Mine is for cattle though might be cheaper for the sheep scale but the system manager is about 6K without the tag gun or anything.

[@cindyshipp4124]

Very good explanation of your barn, how and why. Unless you have raised livestock it may be hard to understand how it works but once again it is a business. You are so right that you have to love coming to work, where you work, how it works for you and so on. You are one smart cookie in my book. It's not easy at all but you and your hubby have a loving working relationship. Kudos to you two.

[@pocketchange1951]

👍👌❤🇨🇦 -37 C and a windchill of -51 C today, great video Sandi, you are making my day, I love that, " I love my husband", we will see how much love there is when hubby gives you the repair bill, 😉😂🤣, love only goes so far, and he probably dropped everything for you, what a nice man, husband first, then feeder,

[@abigaildeeks8328]

Pocket Change Are you in the prairies too? Hi from Black Diamond, Alberta!

[@pocketchange1951]

Abigail Deeks so there neighbour. Yup and power has been out for just over 12 hours now

[@noocemiller6005]

I bought lamb chops in the store the other day. I must admit, I looked at the package to see if they came from Canada! 🇨🇦 (I’m in the US Midwest, they weren’t). But at least I supported a sheep farmer somewhere! Grilled them and they were DELICIOUS!! I hope the farm where they were raised was half as nice as your beautiful sheep operation Sandi!!

[@raerae2253]

Plenty of us producers in the US 👍

[@noocemiller6005]

@@raerae2253 And I'm very glad there are! I've loved lamb since I was a kid (probably because my dad liked it. And mint jelly! I've graduated to a much more sophisticated palate now that I'm over 50 and doing the lamb cooking myself! Greek flavors, garlic flavors, simple grilling with salt & pepper!)

[@AndrewGasser]

Cliff hanger intro

[@mopekhati4846]

Hi Sandi, I has been long since I watched you videos and today I am gona tell you why. Your videos gave me something to look up to every end of day or week to watch a video of you guys showing us around you sheep barn, doing daily chores or administering medication to your sheep. I love sheep farming and I have about 73 sheep in my country(Lesotho). But what your farm has been going through this past days really hit me so hard that it was hard for me to watch. Every time I saw your video notification, I would clear my notification because I din't want to see what bad news you were telling us. I have never felt so heart broken seeing a lot of complications that you guys went through from your barn being blown away, complicated lambing period. It just got too personal to me and I couldn't imagine what you guys were going through. I admire your strength and courage to wake up each morning during such a hectic period and still walk in to that barn with so much ambition. Let alone continue to still make videos for your fans. You are such a strong human I have ever seen. The pain I felt watching some of those video from this far was so much unbearable that I wonder how you survived it. I am hoping you and your family will have a better 2020 and many more years to come. One day I will own a barn like yours and I will blog about sheep farming in Africa. YOU ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION!!!

[@comtek942]

I Recently found your site. Have tried to catch up on past postings. Enjoyed your post on barn cost. I grew up on a farm and miss that experience. Our farm was a combination of cows, pigs , a few horses and cotton and grain for the animals. I also as a young boy raised some chickens. Am impressed with your org skills and the cleanliness of your operation. Jim, TN

[@valeried4504]

Thanks for sharing, I'm a city girl from South East Michigan, I'm mesmerized by what you and Mark do. Keep doing you!!

[@anthonydolezal6627]

Thank you for opening your Financials. I am impressed with your system! Being excited to go to work every day and to work in such an environment.........priceless. Thanks again!

[@dbaileyanorchardistsdaught5041]

Thank you! Few people know the huge financial commitments farming takes. Some see the new truck or a new this or that and assume you have everything and of course it’s handed to you. Little do they know it’s the first new truck in 20+ years, your best (church) pair or jeans and your work hours are from 4AM to 9PM (no lunch). Please ignore the “jerks” trying to “rattle” you. You have worked hard, thought through all your decisions and have made your business a huge success! Pat yourself on the back, you did good!