MICRO RANCHING FOR PROFIT // My Documentary for National Grazing Lands Conference (Dorper Sheep)

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National Grazing Lands Coalition invited me to speak at their National Conference this year. While I am unable to attend the national conference in-person, National Grazing Lands allowed me to submit this video documentary on my small scale cattle ranching (to be aired at the conference)! This is a pretty complete summary of the past 18 months of my life as a beginner farmer. It outlines my micro ranching for profit startup, my transition from beef to Dorper sheep as my main focus in my farm business, and the ways I am marketing my farm products (Dorper sheep).
Thank you so much to the faithful supporters who have been with me on this journey from the very beginning. I am so grateful for your support of my sheep farm journey.
-the Shepherdess
Timestamps:
0:00 Back-story
2:54 Micro Ranching for Profit
14:20 Why did I switch from beef to Dorper sheep?
16:24 American Agriculture in Crisis.
20:04 How I am selling my farm products.
27:39 This is harder than I though it would be.
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In this video:
Micro Ranching for profit
Farm Business Startup Journey
Dorper Sheep breeding stock
How I started my farm business
Ranching Cattle
About this Channel:
This channel chronicles my journey as a sheep farmer from the very beginning. My primary occupation is in business management. In 2020, I discovered the principles of regenerative agriculture and embarked on a journey with the end goal of building a profitable small farm on 23 acres by 2027. Thank you for joining the journey!

[@theShepherdess]

🐑🥩CLICK HERE for my FREE GUIDE to raising beef and lamb: bit.ly/bflmbGUIDE

[@chadalden8463]

moved to tears...WOW THANK YOU ! 51 years old and starting out just to combat the the food shortage thats coming. The lord led me to your videos that are freaking amazing! Thanks again. We can Do This in Jesus name

[@breesechick]

Hi five 🙌 I feel the same.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Chad!

[@TheFullife]

One year later are you ok? I’m about to start…

[@michaelblosser5277]

Had read your post and thought the @shepherdess was 51 years old….I later realized I was wrong as I watched her grazing conference video

[@garyamusic]

You young lady are an inspiration to the people who work tirelessly to keep real in this country. I saw the interview with Nick Freitas and had to take a look at your channel. God bless you, your family and your endeavors.

[@mathewsaidingalekuchula]

Your have been a light for those have same dreams of sheep farming,God bless.

[@9252LIFE]

I just want to say WOW! You definitely have the right idea and are amazing with your truthful words! To God be the Glory!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!!

[@Trevormy]

Struggling as I am to raise dorper sheep, goats, cows and poultry, you are my inspiration. A young lady with unparalleled passion for creativity and nurture as a business!

[@spoolsandbobbins]

Good for you! God bless.

[@brianrotach3153]

Congratulations on being asked to speak. You are an inspiration.

[@theShepherdess]

Your support means so much, Brian! THANK YOU!!

[@CecilliaDB]

Aww the intro made me a little teary because I understand where you’re coming from. Congratulations not only on your accomplishments but being an inspiration to others.

[@theShepherdess]

I am so glad it was relatable!! Sometimes I wonder if is or not… this is so encouraging. ❤️ THANK YOU!

[@jennifermalone6547]

Omg you speak to my soul. I'm in tears, to find someone just like me, with the same dreams and a women too. Thank you for every one of these videos, and all your work to help what I see as well as a major problem with modern agriculture. I am at the beginning idea stages of my dream, and you give me hope that I can make a difference too. Thank you.

[@theShepherdess]

I am so grateful the Lord used this video and to touch you!!! Please keep me updated on your journey. ❤️

[@vicoliva6918]

May God continue to bless u abandonlly

[@samuellang164]

You are an inspiration.

[@theShepherdess]

To God be the glory! I’m just taking it one step at a time and sharing what happens as it does. Thank you for your support! -the Shepherdess

[@williamwhite1596]

Good Works ! Giving God The Glory !!! God's many Blessings to you !!!

[@mikebozzone5240]

God is good!! God bless your business farming takes allot

[@TJBrown15]

Very cool watching someone chase a dream and turn it into reality, keep crushing it. You are and inspiration. Stay blessed.

[@skeeks96]

God bless you, you true child. Thank you for sharing the wisdom that was shared. It answered my prayers. I’ll keep you posted ☺️

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!!

[@Not_all_as_it_seems]

Thank you for your faithfulness, it is because of it, that folk like me are here, learning, listening and gauging thier own lifestyles with yours. Me, i have 16 sheep on 4acres lol, gotta start small!! :)

[@theShepherdess]

way to go, Jonathan!

[@quanieceandrewscattlefarm2993]

Wow so amazing.. same with me I just give God the glory I love Being a Rancher peace and joy

[@jordanmaerz7852]

I am 50 mins into watching you grow and you have gained a subscriber

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

I'm gonna start my herd When I move to my new 13 in Upstate NY❤! Love your videos! They inspired me to get into sheep!

[@MyLittleMonsters]

Dont bother. Folks like you and this girl end up neglecting animals when they do this stuff. "To much work, to hard, to much time" yadda yadda. It's why actual farmers dont respect people like yall. You ruin animals and their live because yall think it's a hobby.

[@marybraud8718]

You are an inspiration! We are so fortunate you are sharing your journey with us

[@jerryburwick3433]

Thank You for all you do! Gods Blessings

[@KwamehKG]

Wish I discovered you long time ago. I have procrastinated with this sheep thing for long. Your powerful videos have given me that inspiration I needed. I'm gonna do it!

[@lukemakovicka330]

You’re a blessing!! Congratulations

[@maryfrancesc714]

Oh my goodness you are the sweetest girl. I just stumbled ( God directed) in your videos.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much, Mary! This comment was such an encouragement.

[@0Hillbilly]

Congratulations, you have definitely earned it. God Bless you.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you for supporting the whole way, Ivan! I really appreciate it. -the Shepherdess

[@larimorefarm472]

Wow, this video is INCREDIBLE! We plan to add sheep to our farm next spring and I'm studying you closely! Thanks a MILLION for sharing your journey...blessings to you!!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much!! Keep me updated on your journey to sheep! -the Shepherdess

[@joshuapiegols2499]

I absolutely love you and how you give God the glory! Recently started watching your story and fell in love with it. Keep up the great work. I'm looking forward to watching your growth and God's work in your life

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Joshua!

[@kabruzoeldanto8671]

I have only watched a few of your videos and have already subscribed. Informative, no waste of time and simply brilliant. Well done! Please keep it like that.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you very much!!

[@oldtimer4144]

WOW!!. You go girl.

[@user-xz9hu4rd2v]

Joel Salatin should be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

[@kristenstephenson340]

Praise the Lord! So amazing…God is good all the time…and all the time God is good!

[@alonzolopez6264]

Congratulations So Proud of You And continued Success And Blessings. God Bless You

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Alonzo!!

[@wesleyhuseman2677]

"Love alone is the true seed of every merit in you, and of all acts for which you must atone" -Dante "Love is that which makes you move" -Pageau It is obvious you have fallen in love with what you are doing, and I've just recently found how inspiring your videos are. Thank you.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Wesley!

[@hart796]

Beautiful definition of Love and Luke 16:10 was so fitting. Love your channel! Ty vm

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, sir!

[@albertoe.martinez7763]

Fantastic, this is pure love for what you do, and I respect that very much, congratulations.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!

[@samuelscragg7052]

Your farming model is very impressive and smart. A young lady such as yourself gives me hope for the future. Your belief in God is your first step in being successful. Regenerative farming is the best farming practices to use (my opinion). I have seen soil erosion at it end I worked the inland water ways of our country for 50 years and our top soil is ending up in the Gulf of Mexico. Your videos are very impressive. Thank you being a shepherd of the land.

[@jeffmyler3414]

Thanks for inspiring me. I dream about this, just small scale.

[@genaromontalvo9819]

you have inspired me. i laughed, cried. and felt so much emotion by watching your channel thank you so much for bringin this to our lives.

[@theShepherdess]

Wow, thank you!

[@3boysbees]

With the lord as your shepherd no doubt your flock will rock. Keep it up and God bless

[@theShepherdess]

AMEN. God is good. -the Shepherdess

[@spoolsandbobbins]

I love it!!!

[@anthonyleake5002]

Grateful for the info. I believe the return is greater than the input. We just have a different way of measuring return.

[@TheGardenerNorth]

This video gives me hope for the future and potential of small farmers.

[@Ryan-wn9rk]

I've been researching ostrich farming and the algorithm brought me to your channel this morning. Subscribed on the 1st video, watched several so far. Great content!

[@billhalsted7319]

This was really good! You do a great job highlighting your adventure over the last 18 months. I like your ending thoughts about what it means to love what you do, the need to reconnect with the land and our food system, and your wisdom about starting small as we dream big. That ties in so well with the scripture posted at the end. Congratulations on how far you have come and being invited to speak at this conference. Thank you for sharing with and teaching us! You are such an inspiration for our whole family and what we are working towards too. - Sandy

[@theShepherdess]

Praise the Lord! This comment is a real encouragement and I’m humbled to be a part of your life in such a way. THANK YOU! -the Shepherdess

[@spoolsandbobbins]

We’ll said!

[@farmerman1777]

Thanks for all your advice. I'm just getting started with 3 katoton sheep on 5 ackers.

[@theShepherdess]

Congrats! That’s a great start. -the Shepherdess

[@lifeinthesecretplace]

You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your story!

[@wildrootscoastal6574]

I have always wanted a farm/ranch but it wasn't until recently where we may be able to start a small one. My KZbin has been nothing but permaculture and ways to bring soil back. I cannot wait until we are able to start because this is very important. Thank you for furthering my inspiration.

[@emilkermendy4595]

My Vote is for 10.000.000 Micro-Ones. Those that saw the whole video understand me.

[@robertlhoyt9775]

Thanks for well done presentation, Shepherdess.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Robert!

[@jlpaints]

Congratulations 🎊 Excellent choice on their part.

[@ForestToFarm]

Giving more than you will get out of it. 👍 My life story. However no matter how low things seem sometimes I never give up hope and when one door closes another better one opens. What goes around comes around. You reap what you sow. Every new road I have taken in life has been so much better than the previous. All my life I have wanted to farm. Its taken 60 years but I am close now. 😁 Its awesome to see young people with your passion for farming. Congrats!! I may be buying sheep from you one day. Terry

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Terry!

[@adventuresingoatfarming6754]

My late brother once told me You’re friend farms with dollar 💵 signs in his eyes But you farm with love 💕 in your heart ♥️ It’s only took me over thirty years to figure out how to make a profit. With very little support from friends and family.

[@spoolsandbobbins]

Love conquers all!!!

[@andyzumwalt3632]

You are classy, giving credit to our Creator speaks volumes about your character.

[@unicorn5154]

Very inspiring! Thank You

[@LifeTrod]

I appreciate your work. You inform and motivate. I support your endeavors.

[@georgedrenes8143]

Thank you for this inspiring video. I’m leaning towards sheep too, but had no experience or real knowledge about what they need, until listening to your talk. I know I have a lot of predatory work so there’s a long road ahead.

[@worldbridging4595]

What a great doc. Its just what I needed to keep moving with my flock!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!

[@BIGALTX]

Excellent presentation. I had Katahdin sheep for several years. I sold them and bought a few cows. I kinda wish I had my sheep back 😀 Keep up the good work... Good info, delivered well. I may hit you up for some breeding stock some day, if I decide to go back to sheep.

[@highroad3580]

I see such potential in your farming, skills, and determination! By sharing your vision and experience you are creating motivation to those who are next to begin farming for food and profit. We need more farmers quickly so this presentation comes at the exact right time!

[@Kylejohn33]

Awesome and inspiring! Using your channel as a resource to educate myself as I plan to start my own flock. God Bless!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much!! I am grateful to have you here! -the Shepherdess

[@juanvega9541]

Great information shared!! As great as all information shared in your channel. Greetings from México!! An EE that is starting in a goat Journey!!

[@rockytopfarmva1130]

Thanks for sharing and inspiring! Love how you keep it real and share your faith as well.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much for your encouragement!!

[@ronaldshort9819]

We love what you're doing, especially your educational outreach, keep it up shepherdess!

[@UrsusHorribilis]

As a city slicker I look forward to starting my operation next years. Thanks for the presentation you’re killin it

[@michaelmorgan6154]

Great presentation. I’ve been watching I think near the start of your journey from Australia, we used to have 250 acres growing Dorper. If you stay on grazing management ( cell grazing) you will always come out on top, and your land will increase in productivity year on year a win for you and a win for the planet. I wish you every success going forward, and I’ll continue to watch from down under.😎

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much, Michael! It makes me pretty excited to know I have a viewer in Australia. -the Shepherdess

[@rmar127]

@@theShepherdess I’m from Australia too I recently came across your channel after binging on Greg Judy’s content. Between you two, there is a huge amount of information available. Furthermore, you are both big fans of Joe Salatin, so I might have to give his book a read. I’ve dreamed of raising goats for a long time, however like you shift from cattle to dorper sheep, my mindset is shifting too. Though I’m seriously thinking that cograzing goats and small framed cattle might be an ideal combination.

[@donaldmiller8629]

@@rmar127 , It has been my observation that goats are not actually very good grazers. They are primarily browsers. Brush and brambles , etc. However , pairing them up with good grazers seems like a good idea. For pasture improvement , I would choose Scotland Highland cattle as they will eat the weeds as well as the sweet grass. Most other domestic cattle will only eat the sweet grasses.

[@KwamehKG]

Wow! Amazing how you have packaged that info...Brilliant!

[@Kenyan25400]

I’m So glad to have bumped to this handle . Thank you so much

[@Cyara248]

Lovely. Fabulous video. Congratulations. Thanks for such meaningful encouragement. Greetings from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Chelle!

[@Highlander.7]

I admire your pioneering spirit. Much love and blessings

[@stuartgodric8011]

That was a great presentation.

[@goatgate3815]

Excellent content thank you very much.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!!

[@evelynrogers7145]

Congratulations. You deserve it

[@theShepherdess]

God is good and giving me way more than I deserve!!! Thank you SO much for being such a support here. -the Shepherdess

[@kp894]

I love your thoughts on land management and the food chain. As a nurse, I agree that the failure of our health as a nation is based out of the degradation of our food sources. I wish I had 20 acres to work with, but I am starting with the half acre that I have by growing crops and medicinal herbs. I am working on apothecary practices for my family and pets with my homegrown food and herbs. Soon, I will add a small flock of chickens and a beehive. Living in the city limits has its drawbacks, but I am using my previous nursing and research skill set (as you mentioned) to move forward toward self-sufficiency, educating others in the same, and hopefully , one day, profitability. I found your information regarding the Amos Miller case, and I agree that we, the people, are in the fight of our lives for food independence as well as freedom in general. So many people are blinded or numb to our freedom losses over the past few years with the planned dem ic and power consol idation under the fed. Keep up the good work, and may God continue to bless your efforts!

[@primitivocruzito6926]

Amazing! Thank you for the work you do and for sharing it with the world. Inspirational, entertaining and encouraging. Blessings

[@marvinirwinlamayra1691]

Hello im from phillipines. ive been watching your videos all day

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!

[@marvinirwinlamayra1691]

@@theShepherdess do you have an email? so we can have an conversation, share your knowledge about sheep

[@pastorbrucebalduf2932]

So exciting to see this generation get it and return to the land. PTL!!! You go girl. I’ll give you a title of a book that’s meant a great deal to me and my ministry, “A Shepherds Look at the 23rd Psalm” Philip Keller. It is what prompted me to start with Katahdin sheep a year ago February. Looking forward to our first lambs beginning of April.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, sir!

[@pastorbrucebalduf2932]

@@theShepherdess I’ve enjoyed watching many of your videos the last 3 days. Keep at it!

[@naomiviviers8481]

Thank you Grace.

[@samfinley1974]

Very powerful message ma’am.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!

[@CountryViewAcres]

On the Education and Entertainment - you can post your videos on Facebook, and once you get to a certain level of views in a month, you can make money from facebook ad revenue as well, with very little added work. It may take a year to reach the monetization level. But once you reach it, it is just an extra upload to increase income. And it is whole new audience for you to reach, educate, and entertain.

[@theShepherdess]

That’s an angle I hadn’t considered! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@rickayers3150]

Good for you Grace, you will do well at the conference. The Tao didn't put raising Dorper sheep in your heart, it was alway there. You just didn't know it, you just needed a little guidance. Bless you.

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks, Rick! I don’t intend to offend, but my trust is in Jesus Christ, not the Tao. He is the one true God (manifest in flesh) and is leading me in this work. 🙌🏻 Your support of my channel encourages me. Thanks again :).

[@rickayers3150]

You follow your heart honey.

[@footplate0]

Wow Grace another great video and I am certain that it will go down well at the conference. You covered all the bases in a very informative and inspirational way. Is it really only 18 months that I have been watching you grow and blossom? It was also nice of you to show other members of your family practicing the whole diversification thing and how everything you all do is linked together, that was a genius stroke. I have sent Sean from The Modern Yeoman to you as he is thinking about expanding his homestead and like you he has only been going about 15 months. Super friendly chap and his wife who could do with a few pointers. As always thanks for posting

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much for sending him my way! I hope we can get in touch soon :).

[@jeremiahokinyi3128]

Stunningly beautiful. Starting my sheep venture by December of this year.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!!

[@redcossack245]

Very good video, especially how you talked about the love part. Very good.

[@DuckPondsFarm]

Man I miss my Dorpers. Good presentation. We are part way through installing predator proof fencing so we can bring sheep back after our small flock was devastated by wild dogs. Keep up the awesome content.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you very much for the encouragement! It means a lot and I hope you keep me updated on your progress. -the Shepherdess

[@MrShakamuni01]

I heard Donkey kick some serious ass, excuse the pun and are great cheap guards to have around.

[@rickogrady4922]

Using the old Google machine and searching for sheep in my area last week I found your website. Tonight this video showed up in my feed. Still trying to figure out what breed is best for my land, needs. Congratulations, and God bless.

[@theShepherdess]

Hi Rick! Thank you so much for watching my videos. I hope you’ll keep me updated on your journey to sheep. :) -the Shepherdess

[@raoofmniazi]

Very informative knowledge and dedications of this lady... appreciation👍👍👍👍

[@thelordreigns2245]

Praise the Lord. So beautiful what HE has done.

[@andreytrigubko4361]

1:38 Well done, understanding it. Not all people do. it happed to me as well, when i was 33 years old - i did not fully understand what happed to me back then... 5 years later - i’v almost fully stopped doing international steel trade

[@alexschwan625]

So much incredible advice here , especially in the marketing department. Having grown up on farm , I work in arbor culture and associated sales today . Planning to circle back to agriculture and livestock soon . Great content, I especially appreciate the marketing info and the solid business strategy 👍

[@kimfranks9307]

WOW ❤❤❤CONGRATULATIONS ALL THE GLORY TO GOD

[@stevenward3856]

I came across your channel today, and I have watched a couple of videos. Now I am on the third video (this one), and I am very impressed at what you have done since 2020. It's good to know that you are a Christian, and I'm hoping that you are meeting this challenge with vigor and fortitude. I keep thinking about the Bible verses near the end of John, 21:15: So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. I pray that your faith continue to grow. My wife and I have a daughter who's middle name is "Grace". She was given that name after my maternal grandmother. May grace abound where ever you are. We are very familiar with the Amish, or, as they are also known as "Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsch)" I'm originally from northern West Virginia, and there are Amish also near the border with Pennsylvania. We also used to go to Nappanee, Indiana on vacation. They are wonderful people. That was the first of your videos that I watched earlier. May the LORD bless you and keep you. May cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May He lift up His countenance upon you, and give you Peace!

[@yoopermann7942]

congrats!!! to you and the rest of your family,,, you guys are rocking

[@theShepherdess]

I appreciate you so much, Yooper! God bless!! -the Shepherdess

[@leslietromski3395]

I love how you start out saying, I don't know why I am doing this. I just had this conversation with someone.I said we are seeing much much much smaller versions of Noah. That is who you are. God has called you and you have answered. AMEN

[@michaelmiller4252]

Great presentation!! 👍

[@darrinmcgann]

Beautiful. Gives me hope for this country.

[@breesechick]

❤❤❤ goodnight family

[@bradh7854]

God has put a desire in my heart to start farming. I want to raise chickens and possibly more but I dont know anything about it. Im a truck driver and that's all I know. Im trying to learn as much as I can.

[@theShepherdess]

Ask the Lord to lead you and walk through doors as they open! He will make a way!

[@StocksFarm]

Marry me, lol jk... Back around 2010 we were farming Cornish broilers, steers and goats and I discovered Joel Salatin video at our local library. We didn't realize how wrong we were doing it and immediately changed the way we not only did it but look at food and health in general of animals and people alike. I went on to read many of his books. Keep up the awesome content. I act discovered your channel looking for information on dorpers.

[@anavillegas775]

I got interested in this young beautiful lady it seems she is brilliant with the heart🥰 😍

[@KPVFarmer]

You are an inspiration!!! Keep moving forward; and your transparency as always, is appreciated! 🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸

Thank you for what you do and the attention you bring to agriculture. Kentucky farms are being destroyed with commercial development.