SHEEP vs. COWS: WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU? // Comparing Cattle Profitability | Micro Ranching for Profit

[@Tobin013]

As a fellow 1st generation regenerative livestock farmer who raises both sheep and cows, I just have to say that you do such a fantastic job in all of your videos and content! Thank you!

[@theShepherdess]

THANK YOU, Isaac!

[@dhillonkidambi9839]

Much love from kenya 🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@tonykim3304]

You got yourself a new subscriber in Kenya, just discovered your channel, and am humbled by your acknowledgement of God's input in your farming. Was at tht position of cows vs sheep when I started my operation. We pretty face same challenges with parasites and deaths and am going to keep drawing from your experiences. Be blessed

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Tony! I am so grateful for your encouragement. Thank you for subscribing and God Bless! -the Shepherdess

[@williammackey7243]

Having folks like you do this, is a total blessing. Thank you.

[@theShepherdess]

This comment means more than you know. Thank you, William!

[@DanKlein_1]

Neat comparison and easy to see why sheep are the preferred product. I ended up having cattle but that wasn't a business decision. It was more because that is what I grew up with and knew and what I have time for. I have a full time job and just needed cheap lawnmowers to keep the place from growing up around me. :-) Neat to have this information and your perspective though. Wouldn't this be a neat way to retire early and still generate a sustainable income?!

[@DoctorPrepperMD]

Thanks for these videos. Just found you. As someone starting a 60 acre operation with both pasture and dense chaparral I have been weighing beef/goat/sheep for a while now. Your info is super helpful.

[@andriesfourie4226]

Fully agree with your assessment. Even when comparing income (profit) per area ( acre / ha), sheep outperform beef. The downside is sheep is definitely more management intensive than beef cattle. Great work.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Andries! Sheep are a real opportunity for small acreage ranchers right now. I’m excited to see how things go here. -the Shepherdess

[@earlhunt2815]

Thanks!

[@Kypreparedness]

I can express the same sentiment on the hoof care with sheep, especially in wetter locations. Also with predators. We’ve had hair sheep for going on 4 years now on 10acres with zero predation losses due to our woven and electric fences. We’ve also had excellent luck with lambing. We have to help very little, usually coming out to lambs running around that we’re born overnight. Have only lost one at birth due to being stillborn, and 2 or 3 die weeks after birth with our first lambing due to parasites.

[@thegravityrebel]

Thanks for the videos! I'm living vicariously through you for the moment. I'm super proud of you for being this adventurous.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!!

[@vaudevillian7]

Interesting to see sheep in the US as it’s relatively rare to see compared to here in the UK, great video. I grew up mostly around cattle but our neighbours had sheep and dairy cows. In the village my parents live in now though it’s nothing but sheep (and some alpacas actually).

[@breadbread4226]

Also if you have a small operation that doesn't have the scale for a tractor(or areas inaccessible to tractor), moving dead or injured cattle is a PAIN. Grew up on a dairy farm and half of our staples wasn't tractor accessible. The first time an animal was injured in that area we had to feed and water it in place, in the middle of the staples, with other cattle walking around it until we found time to and figured out how to move it and then take a window out and create a complicated set up of ropes, chains and one of these big white bags that we cut up to blanket the animal in whilst we were dragging it along the floor with the tractor. With most sheep, one strong person or two can pick them up.

[@theShepherdess]

This is such a good point!

[@monikaschneeberger4642]

Thank you, very informative! We live in the Canadian Prairies, and the biggest part are the costs for overwintering. We have a cattle operation now, but are planning on going into sheep. The market is strong in Canada also. You are an inspiration. All the best!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much for yo comment, Monika! I couldn’t believe it when I heard from another Canadian sheep farmer that they feed hay from October to April. It’s a crazy parallel to our mild TX winters. I hope you’ll keep me updated as you add sheep to your farm! -the Shepherdess

[@CecilliaDB]

I’ve gotten myself on a breeder list and committed to adding sheep in 2022…I’ll be paying allot more attention now and probably going back to rewatch some!

[@theShepherdess]

I am so excited for you!! Keep me updated on your journey to sheep.

[@jamesobryan3258]

I agree with most everything in the video. I have cattle and goats. I think if you are trying to fatten beef on grass or are direct marketing beef, using smaller breeds or smaller framed animals would cut your finishing time down on your beef. A frame score 1 steer or heifer will be finished at 700-800 lbs whereas a frame score 7 or 8 will have to be 1400-1500 to be finished. Another thing to consider is the cost of fence needed for small ruminants vs large ruminants. Other than that, well done!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, James, and great info on the smaller breeds!

[@ferree1709]

Looking at starting in 2 years. This was really good. Will probably do both.

[@rachelheermann5665]

Way to go Girl! I will keep you in my prayers.

[@annadietz3037]

Love this video! Love learning new things from the videos you share!

[@lukea.wharton4456]

Thank you so much for this breakdown! I've been much more interested in raising beef in the past, but yes, I've never pictured just beef on my farm. So, if and when the Lord gives me strength to start my own farm, I'll make sure to have plenty of both animals (and lets not forget our two-legged friends either) :)

[@calebnicley754]

I watch all your videos and I have raised cattle my whole life. I now have sheep and goats as well. I am naturally partial to beef but I agree with everything you said. I would, however, say that 1.80/lb for a good steer is extremely generous for most parts of the country right now. I direct market mine but if not, I would be getting 1.40 to 1.50 at a sale barn. Good info though 👍 hope you succeed in everything and give the glory to God.

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks for your encouragement, Caleb! I also appreciate the pricing insight. -the Shepherdess

[@Chasineighty]

We have both... we run a cow/calf operation plus I have a small flock I originally purchased to train my border collies. I love how safe the sheep are to handle... I never worry about being in with them , where as you need to watch your self around a new momma cow lol Also you need spendy handling equipment for cattle where as we get away with minimal equipment with the sheep.

[@theShepherdess]

Yes! So true about the cost of handling systems!

[@debgwynne8444]

@@theShepherdess but sometimes a handling system means a person can farm longer without any outside labor. So you have to weigh the cost benefits. You are still young and can grab those ewes and put an ear tag in them. I need a sheep grabber. So part of every business plan should be that "what if" scenarios as well as what will I be able to do when I am 65 and still want to raise sheep, the long term. BTW if you work on sheep leg confirmation you will be able to develop ewes that walk right and never need a hoof trimming. I haven't trimmed a hoof in about 20 years. And when they needed it they were culled. You are doing a great job!!! Keep doing it!

[@theShepherdess]

@@debgwynne8444 I have to agree with you, Gwen. I am currently saving for a $3000 handling system upgrade for my sheep. Thankfully I have two teenage guys that are willing to help me once a month, but I’m realizing they may not be up to that kind of volunteer work forever. 😄 Thank you so much for your encouragement! -the Shepherdess

[@brettpayton6286]

Great video. Some of them reasons are the same why we chose sheep over beef for our 30A + easier for kids to handle. In regards to your dual herd. That cross grazing aspect, do you run your beef right with the sheep or do they come behind them? An then do they get the same number of days per pad on the rotation as the sheep get? How many cows you running normally? Thanks very much. Keep up great work an java a blessed day

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks, Brett! At present I’ll rotate species. I’ll graze a paddock hard with sheep, let it rest then graze it hard with the cattle. I’m still working on a solid system, but this is the one I’m working with currently. During spring when I am not running species-specific protein supplement I will graze the sheep and cattle together. Hope this helps! -the Shepherdess

[@michaelowen5471]

Thank you so much😃 best info found anywhere

[@annaleaeastley4692]

Looking forward to watching what you share! 😊👍🏻

[@Goaskdrbobcom]

Thank You! God Bless!

[@ManOfSteel1]

i think you should make a table chart in excel and put the screenshot on video and attach the google docs in description because it would really benefit the serious farmers.

[@nicklopez3413]

Haha in Arizona the cows love eating the mesquite pods right off the trees, they have on occasion gotten in my yard and eaten all the leaves on my orange trees.

[@jamibarnett9266]

Awesome breakdown comparison. Thank you!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Jami!

[@mxgangrel]

You videos are jam-packed with value added information. I'd love to see that overwintering video. I also like to know what you have to do to help them when they're giving birth. What are you monitoring for if you're in the barn? I acquired some land, but haven't decided exactly what I'm going to do with it yet besides fruit trees, bees, and fish.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much! I’ll add the overwintering video to my radar. I have revamped my overwintering plan big time for 2021-22, so I want to be sure it is successful before sharing the info. In regards to lambing, below are a few videos I made last spring that talk about when to assist. As a rule, once the water bag breaks you should see a lamb within 45 minutes. If you do not, it is time to assist. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZuTnn95r6ifhqs kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYiaf39mqJaCaNE

[@bickabraham2397]

What are sheep vs goats? And how do sheep eat grad vs beef. I mean do sheep tear it out vs chewing the blade off? Thank you for answers😜

[@hariFamily12]

❤❤ good farm.

[@jeanyockle5739]

Small scale thinking gets small scale returns.,

[@TheNakidGardeners]

Great video. Very informative

[@jlpaints]

Thanks for this video. Very informative.

[@hart796]

Great work!

[@bthorn5035]

How do you supply water to the different paddocks? Do you use a well or city water? I'd appreciate any insight on this?

[@theShepherdess]

I talk about that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4rIo5uGe7p5Y5o

[@yolandadobbs882]

Is there a way to protect your sheep, from parasites. I'm all about prevention.

[@yoopermann7942]

not only these things but you can stock about 6 sheep for the same pasture as one cow/steer,, so yup i do agree sheep are more profitable than cattle are,, 2) if like your in TEXAS every one has cattle, go to sheep/goats that way your not have to deal with every one trying for the same dollars,, as always another rambling comment from an old man,,,, thank you for the tips and info

[@rickayers3150]

Great point

[@theShepherdess]

YES! So much opportunity for small acreage ranchers when it come to sheep! Thank you for your support as always, Yooper. -the Shepherdess

[@moonrisingfarm3524]

Thank you for your insight

[@FlameRobinBand]

thank you! helpful as always🙂

[@dbgldcndr]

Another great Video thank you

[@javiergaray9687]

Exelente video tengo 10 acres me gustaria Tratar con sheep's gracias por sus consejos Aqui en El Norte de texas

[@dwighthires3163]

Good job prof!

[@theShepherdess]

😅😄😄 thank you, sir!

[@AmirHussain-ij5zp]

That good if I considered that sheep 🐏 are more profitable then cow because cow are very slowly in growing beaf 2 year clove are not enough his weight is 200 pounds but sheep is better.

[@servethelordnow]

Have you sold lambs yet, I am looking forward to hearing about selling methods. I wish they would make it easier to sell a processed lamb for the farmers.

[@dolcepescas6153]

WOW! So helpful I've been wantig a miniature jersey cow for milk, and recently learned about how awesome sheep are. I only have 2 acres tho, tiiny tiny farm. With a mini cow, would it be possible to have one mini cow and a couple sheep? Also, keeping a mini bull is crazy right? Like i shouldn't even think about it, just find a boyfriend down the street for her to visit sometimes? Wondering what's possible if they're half the size of normal cows. I need to learn more about the parasite issue

[@theShepherdess]

Good questions! It’s generally said that you can have 2 sheep per cow without increasing acreage. I think 2 sheep and a mini cow is definitely doable if you rotational graze!

[@l.n.9462]

As a young farmer, how do u make friends? Do u work on ur farm with someone else?

[@theShepherdess]

My farm only takes 12 hours per week :). I have plenty of time for friendships right now. Thank you for the comment! -the Shepherdess

[@rickayers3150]

Very good explanation. I agree 100 per cent. Although I belive diversity is part of a safety key. One animal can help the other with land management and parasites. I would take sheep over cows any day. I know you are in Texas so you put up with dry ground. Put the same heard in NY with 6 months of mud and cows can destroy pasture ground.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you! I agree about the animal impact issue. It starts raining in February and doesn’t quit until may. It makes me grateful to be running sheep when that time period hits. 😅 -the Shepherdess

[@AllSectorsHearThis]

Wouldn't following with chicken break the parasite pressure.

[@theShepherdess]

Chickens help more with external parasites than internal parasites.

[@muhdakmal2085]

hello miss shepherdess, do u think i can raise cow or sheep too in us? or i can't because it's full?

[@scooter2202]

I’ve been around cow calf operations all my life. I wonder what the average lamb sells for at an auction

[@RaviEK-z3g]

You are my best friend

[@MrZeev76]

Talking about guard dogs, check out the KZbin videos on guard donkeys. They are said to be better than guard dogs.

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks for the suggestion! Many people say it’s difficult to find a donkey with proper guardian instincts, but I do know of a few sheep farmers who have tried it :). -the Shepherdess

[@farmv2136]

Any way I can dm u I just stared on 19.2 acres

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Why aren’t you running a flock of chickens behind the sheep in rotation? They pick apart the poop to get at the maggots eliminating a large part of the fly infestation and breaking up the poop means a couple rains and it is essentially “gone.” Fewer parasite problems.

[@theShepherdess]

Here is a video on our chickens: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4HFd5Kle7iNlZI

[@arhforever5726]

You are amazing smart very clear

[@leanneoconnell4660]

Cash flow returns quicker with sheep.

[@theShepherdess]

AMEN. I am still waiting on the beef steer I bought a year ago to finish growing… but have already sold a full season worths of lambs and ewes. -the Shepherdess

[@hitman1421]

Half gallon of sheeps milk is 2100 calories. All you need a day.

[@theShepherdess]

Wow!

[@halilbalaban1056]

You are dealing with a very nice topic. I am sure you are giving very useful information. However, I cannot benefit from the information because I do not understand your language. I think it would be very useful if you added subtitles to your video so that it can be watched all over the world and more people can benefit from your information. While getting the chance to be watched all over the world will contribute to your KZbin income, it will also ensure that your information is distributed to more people. If you take this suggestion into consideration, I will be very happy to access your information. I wish you success in your work and good night.

[@RaviEK-z3g]

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