HOW SHEEP EARN 400% MORE THAN COWS // Comparing Cattle Profitability | Micro Ranching for Profit

[@theShepherdess]

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

[@danw6014]

A rancher told me once, you gotta have enough cattle to be respectable and enough sheep to make a living.

[@theShepherdess]

This is good!! 😄😄

[@roosterqmoney]

One of the coolest sayings ive heard

[@Dave-Shearer]

I heard "Cows for ego, Sheep for profit"

[@ziggyc4474]

Very wise man

[@WhiteDorperRussia]

Good words! The right ones!👍

[@masonmcknight5866]

Your channel is one of the only grazing channels that actually talks about margins and money. Love your stuff

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much!

[@Popeye151]

This comment points out exactly why I enjoy your posts, and exactly why I subscribed.

[@polarfriedgaming5711]

I’m 14 I own 6 cows that I saved up and bought myself and I am switching to sheep and this video helped much!

[@Gymratzero]

Dude what’s your count now

[@shickakaper8028]

Why don't you sale ice cream??? It's called vertical growth. Cuts out the middle man. Ps sheep make for God awful advertising. "Ain't nobody sailing sheep-cream🤢"

[@MiasMeatJourney]

@@shickakaper8028I would gladly take some sheep cream! 🙋🙋

[@MiasMeatJourney]

I know this is super late, but I’m curious, as a 14 yr old myself, how did you save up the money? And how much did they cost?

[@EriPages]

You're 16 now, what's the update?

[@jsutton9142]

About 7 years ago I sold my cattle. Now I custom graze cows from June through October and run about 250 spanish cross meat goat does. Complete game changer. I went from going deeper in debt to consistently paying down the debt that I inherited with the ranch. I would have to refigure it now with meat goat prices being so high but by taking into account productivity, inputs, and prices I figured out a few years ago that I would need $2400 per calf from a 1300# cow to match the pound for pound profit of one of my spanish does. Plus they eat my knapweed and prune my pine trees and sage brush.

[@theShepherdess]

What a great testimonial! Thanks for leaving this comment.

[@missourimongoose8858]

Who do you sell the goat meat to if you don't mind me asking, my dad's friend started raising goats over cows in the early 2000s because he found out he could make alot more selling goat meat to the Muslims who immigrated to st Louis from kosivo

[@jsutton9142]

@@missourimongoose8858 I sell mostly through the sale yard in Billings MT. I've sold replacement doelings privately. There are probably many opportunities to finish them out and sell direct in most places. We've considered doing that with small groups but we are in rural western montana and between finishing feed availability, long winters and may/june kidding it makes the most sense for us to sell through the ring for now. Especially with sixty pound kids bringing well over $200.

[@biguncle554]

Who the heck eats goat meat, sounds gross!

[@rogersorders]

@@biguncle554 most of the world eats goat meat, it's pretty good when done right. The US is the anomaly.

[@jhelm1712]

The Dorper breed is a fantastic breed to keep on a small scale farm , We farm with the same here in South Africa .. Currently farming with 100+ and its been a journey . I truly love the breed .

[@superjeffstanton]

Has the crime there decreased friend?

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

I live in heavy cattle country. When we bought this property just over 3 years ago I was under tremendous pressure to run cattle on it. As a 60 yr. old woman living on my husband's SS, there was no way I was going to start into cattle with no infrastructure in place, and just dealing with that size of an animal. NO way! I opted for goats for several reasons besides their more manageable size. My land is in a hollar, a lot of hillside, covered in brush. I know sheep will clear some brush, but I needed the reach of the goats to clear 4-6' above ground. Like you, I determined that the profitability of goats was greater than that of cattle. Sure, you can get right around $1,000 +/- per animal, but how long does it take you to get there? I had goats kid early last year who also kidded the end of the same year. That doesn't happen with cattle! My herd is not that big yet, but it's getting there. My property is 35 acres, but it is also woodlands beyond my property line. Great potential to expand.

[@ramziosramzios4213]

Lucky you are ,having farm raining animals I'm fascinated of raising sheep's goats calf I love that so much and I have experiance of 10y ,in my country ,but now I'm in Canada I wish really know how can I do this job or if I can find small farm to rent ....good luck for you ,keep going,with all my respect and best wishes

[@superjeffstanton]

My question is what do you do after the goats eat all the woods?

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

@@superjeffstanton Funny you should ask. I ordered bamboo just this morning. It grows and spreads very quickly and is very nutritious for the goats.

[@abdulali8738]

163  Your God is one God. There is no god but He, the Benevolent, the Compassionate. 1  In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. 2  Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds. 3  The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 4  Master of the Day of Judgment. 5  It is You we worship, and upon You we call for help. 6  Guide us to the straight path. 7  The path of those You have blessed, not of those against whom there is anger, nor of those who are misguided. 2  God, there is no god but He, the Living, the Eternal.  To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. He is the Sublime, the Magnificent.  Originator of the heavens and the earth. He made for you mates from among yourselves, and pairs of animals, by means of which He multiplies you. There is nothing like Him. He is the Hearing, the Seeing. 1  Say, “He is God, the One. 2  God, the Absolute. 3  He begets not, nor was He begotten. 4  And there is none comparable to Him.” 3  He sent down to you the Book with the Truth, confirming what came before it; and He sent down the Torah and the Gospel. 4  Aforetime, as guidance for mankind; and He sent down the Criterion. Those who have rejected God’s signs will have a severe punishment. God is Mighty, Able to take revenge. 5  Nothing is hidden from God, on earth or in the heaven. 6  It is He who forms you in the wombs as He wills. There is no god except He, the Almighty, the Wise. 36  To every community We sent a messenger: “Worship God, and avoid idolatry.” Some of them God guided, while others deserved misguidance. So travel through the earth, and see what the fate of the deniers was. 253  These messengers: We gave some advantage over others. To some of them God spoke directly, and some He raised in rank. We gave Jesus son of Mary the clear miracles, and We strengthened him with the Holy Spirit. Had God willed, those who succeeded them would not have fought one another, after the clear signs had come to them; but they disputed; some of them believed, and some of them disbelieved. Had God willed, they would not have fought one another; but God does whatever He desires. 254  O you who believe! Spend from what We have given you, before a Day comes in which there is neither trading, nor friendship, nor intercession. The disbelievers are the wrongdoers. 255  God! There is no god except He, the Living, the Everlasting. Neither slumber overtakes Him, nor sleep. To Him belongs everything in the heavens and everything on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His permission? He knows what is before them, and what is behind them; and they cannot grasp any of His knowledge, except as He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation does not burden Him. He is the Most High, the Great. 256  There shall be no compulsion in religion; the right way has become distinct from the wrong way. Whoever renounces evil and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy handle; which does not break. God is Hearing and Knowing. 257  God is the Lord of those who believe; He brings them out of darkness and into light. As for those who disbelieve, their lords are the evil ones; they bring them out of light and into darkness-these are the inmates of the Fire, in which they will abide forever. 258  Have you not considered him who argued with Abraham about his Lord, because God had given him sovereignty? Abraham said, “My Lord is He who gives life and causes death.” He said, “I give life and cause death.” Abraham said, “God brings the sun from the East, so bring it from the West,” so the blasphemer was confounded. God does not guide the wrongdoing people. 259  Or like him who passed by a town collapsed on its foundations. He said, “How can God revive this after its demise?” Thereupon God caused him to die for a hundred years, and then resurrected him. He said, “For how long have you tarried?” He said, “I have tarried for a day, or part of a day.” He said, “No. You have tarried for a hundred years. Now look at your food and your drink-it has not spoiled-and look at your donkey. We will make you a wonder for mankind. And look at the bones, how We arrange them, and then clothe them with flesh.” So when it became clear to him, he said, “I know that God has power over all things.” 260  And when Abraham said, “My Lord, show me how You give life to the dead.” He said, “Have you not believed?” He said, “Yes, but to put my heart at ease.” He said, “Take four birds, and incline them to yourself, then place a part on each hill, then call to them; and they will come rushing to you. And know that God is Powerful and Wise.” 1  Kaf, Ha, Ya, Ayn, Saad. 2  A mention of the mercy of your Lord towards His servant Zechariah. 3  When he called on his Lord, a call in seclusion. 4  He said, “My Lord, my bones have become feeble, and my hair is aflame with gray, and never, Lord, have I been disappointed in my prayer to you. 5  “And I fear for my dependents after me, and my wife is barren. So grant me, from Yourself, an heir. 6  To inherit me, and inherit from the House of Jacob, and make him, my Lord, pleasing.” 7  “O Zechariah, We give you good news of a son, whose name is John, a name We have never given before.” 8  He said, “My Lord, how can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have become decrepit with old age?” 9  He said, “It will be so, your Lord says, ‘it is easy for me, and I created you before, when you were nothing.’” 10  He said, “My Lord, give me a sign.” He said, “Your sign is that you will not speak to the people for three nights straight.” 11  And he came out to his people, from the sanctuary, and signaled to them to praise morning and evening. 12  “O John, hold on to the Scripture firmly,” and We gave him wisdom in his youth. 13  And tenderness from Us, and innocence. He was devout. 14  And kind to his parents; and he was not a disobedient tyrant. 15  And peace be upon him the day he was born, and the day he dies, and the Day he is raised alive. 16  And mention in the Scripture Mary, when she withdrew from her people to an eastern location. 17  She screened herself away from them, and We sent to her Our spirit, and He appeared to her as an immaculate human. 18  She said, “I take refuge from you in the Most Merciful, should you be righteous.” 19  He said, “I am only the messenger of your Lord, to give you the gift of a pure son.” 20  She said, “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, and I was never unchaste?” 21  He said, “Thus said your Lord, `It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for humanity, and a mercy from Us. It is a matter already decided.'“ 22  So she carried him, and secluded herself with him in a remote place. 23  The labor-pains came upon her, by the trunk of a palm-tree. She said, “I wish I had died before this, and been completely forgotten.” 24  Whereupon he called her from beneath her: “Do not worry; your Lord has placed a stream beneath you. 25  And shake the trunk of the palm-tree towards you, and it will drop ripe dates by you.” 26  “So eat, and drink, and be consoled. And if you see any human, say, ‘I have vowed a fast to the Most Gracious, so I will not speak to any human today.'“ 27  Then she came to her people, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have done something terrible. 28  O sister of Aaron, your father was not an evil man, and your mother was not a whore.” 29  So she pointed to him. They said, “How can we speak to an infant in the crib?” 30  He said, “I am the servant of God. He has given me the Scripture, and made me a prophet. 31  And has made me blessed wherever I may be; and has enjoined on me prayer and charity, so long as I live. 32  And kind to my mother, and He did not make me a disobedient rebel. 33  So Peace is upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the Day I get resurrected alive.” 34  That is Jesus son of Mary-the Word of truth about which they doubt. 35  It is not for God to have a child-glory be to Him. To have anything done, He says to it, “Be,” and it becomes. 36  “God is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.” 37  But the various factions differed among themselves. So woe to those who disbelieve from the scene of a tremendous Day. 38  Listen to them and watch for them the Day they come to Us. But the wrongdoers today are completely lost. 39  And warn them of the Day of Regret, when the matter will be concluded. Yet they are heedless, and they do not believe. 40  It is We who will inherit the earth and everyone on it, and to Us they will be returned. 56  As for those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe punishment, in this world and the next, and they will have no helpers. 57  And as for those who believe and do good works, He will give them their rewards in full. God does not love the unjust.” 58  This is what We recite to you of the Verses and the Wise Reminder. 59  The likeness of Jesus in God’s sight is that of Adam: He created him from dust, then said to him, “Be,” and he was. 60  The truth is from your Lord, so do not be of those who doubt. 111  And say, “Praise be to God, who has not begotten a son, nor has He a partner in sovereignty, nor has He an ally out of weakness, and glorify Him constantly.” 85  Whoever seeks other than Islam as a religion, it will not be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers. Read The Quran “I am to you a clear warner.”  “That you shall worship none but God. I fear for you the agony of a painful Day.”

[@kellistitzlein3235]

shee

[@ajdu5390]

I know nothing about farming, cattle, or sheep, but I found your video very interesting! Good luck, and thanks to ALL, our amazing farmers and ranchers!

[@darcoln3208]

Figured Texas was too hot for sheep, great to see you getting it done. Forwarded your video to my brother who lives in Austin.

[@utmbunderground]

Actually, it's really nice to find someone on this platform who is data driven. I have searched all over KZbin, as I intend to restock my grandfather's ranch in SE Texas since his passing but with Goats instead of Cattle this time, and it's great to finally find someone who has the numbers from research data to drive their forward approach. Many thanks for your time and effort to upload these videos; it looks like I know what I will be binge watching tonight.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!

[@TrentCantrell]

Goats are great but do your homework. If you try to raise them like cattle you might have heavy losses like The Shepherdess and myself until you figure them out.

[@LacieOwens]

I’m so thankful for what you’re doing… regenerative Ag AND sharing what you know to help others do the same. I know Abba is proud of you sis!

[@aldonious0229]

Awesome video. I’m a dFW resident and I am super impressed on how educational your video was in a short, well programmed timeframe.

[@tonydelapa1911]

This is my first time on your channel. In the last hour, I watched 3 others and bookmarked several more. Your business approach and penchant for analytical thinking are very impressive. In the next couple of days I hope to get caught up and listen to another dozen, or more. Thank you for sharing your personal financial details and projections with your viewers. I follow several beef and dairy farmers/ranchers. Your explanation of things is among the best. Thank you.

[@PrestonHillMedia]

I'm based in New Zealand and have 30 acres, this is very accurate to my own experience, the numbers are slightly different but the principle is the same. great video.

[@buzzbustillos3016]

Keep up your teaching. This is helpful, as a veteran this is something I want to do with my girls.

[@Ant1matr]

I'm in IT, but I find your videos great. I've joked many times I want to quit IT and become a farmer. While your industry is very volatile, the idea of working my own land is my carrot on a stick. Cheers.

[@downbntout]

Or better yet, leasing that land, far more financially smart

[@SEANGUS-xe9ib]

I had to sell my cattle herd due to a heart attack and i miss them every day.It took 10 years of hard work to have a respectable herd to be proud of and selling offspring to other future cattle farmers to upgrade there herd.Your videos are great to watch all future livestock farmers need to watch and learn! it's not always about the return of money but all things in between that make it so rewarding.Great video keep up the good work......

[@theShepherdess]

AMEN. This comment is spot on. Thank you for sharing and I hope my videos (and those of others here on youtube) help you relive the pleasure your animals gave you. Thank you! -the Shepherdess

[@tomawboss7513]

Outstanding! The preface, Putting it in context, the layout. This is well done and a valuable tool for any start up or rancher considering sheep.

[@chadandkourtney]

I'm so excited to have stumbled across your channel! We have 25 acres and are wanting to do sheep. Everyone around here has cattle, and boy would I be rich if I had a nickel for every time someone told me I'd never make money on sheep vs cattle! So this video was awesome for seeing the breakdown, and I will be sharing it often.😁

[@goatgate3815]

Having raised both herds of cattle (cow/calf and backgrounding) and flocks of sheep again as a lambing operation or strictly a meat operations over four decades I’ve learn a thing are two. Just up front a healthy calf at 400# is nearly indestructible for years of breeding or is slaughtered. Sheep are either dead, dying or feeding up coyotes and bobcats. Wool sheep are a waste of time. Sheep regularly do stupid. Cattle in a routine, healthy environment can be trusted. The vet work load for cattle is minimal. For sheep you need an on site fecal testing station and parasite supplies, serious fencing, hoof trimmers with flip a table, birthing pens plus supplies and guard dogs (not cheap to buy and raise), and a predator rifle. Cattle can free range. Sheep are best penned up nightly. Just saying you’re comparing apples and oranges. Would estimate the intensity of management required at ten to one and stockman skills at twenty to one. Both animals serve up delicious healthy protein. You’re efforts are appreciated and admirable. Adlai - 1Chro 27:29

[@berniedouglas1023]

I am glad that I have better sheep than what you raised. I have ewes that are born, raised, and bred on pasture. They come in once a year for a CD&T Booster shot.

[@riograndedosulball248]

Sheep are like jet planes, that can perform better but require everything you have in maintenance. I love sheep, my oldest memory is >2 years old me giving milk to a little lamb. But they require everything set right for them to work. My fields are very swampy and foresty, that means they ALWAYS were sneezing and had sore feet from the humidity. They require a dy pasture with lower grass to feed on, you have to protect them, trim their wool, cure their wounds before they become infected, make predator proofed fences, and shoot every single stray dog you see before they smell your sheep. Cows are more hardy, may give you some headache here and there, jump over a fence eventually, but they are much easier to take care of

[@julianshepherd2038]

@@riograndedosulball248 Scotland is wet and covered in sheep.

[@MrMawnster]

best penned up nightly? They have night vision like cattle way better than ours. Have you seen a sheep run...or rams go at things? That agility and acceleration lol lol Lost 3 calves this past spring and not one damn sheep to predators. They go right into the willows and brambles and make pack chasing a misery. Just ask my dog. Never trimmed damn feet, they work for their food and scrabble and are out how they should be wearing them down. You sound like you run a pen fed soft ass operation for cattle and sheep...working for them.... you make THEM work for you

[@jeremywendell5501]

Completely agree people don't realize sheep are a paint-by-numbers animal

[@hotartesian4163]

Subscribed before I finished watching this video. The comments alone are rich with experience and great questions. I have good acres of grass, browse, and shade trees to graze horses and cattle other people bring to use it, and harvest good hay, also. But as I already graze laying hens and heritage breeds of meat chickens, I have been thinking of adding sheep or goats, or both for myself. The predators are many so electric fencing is a big help, as are good dogs on patrol. Watching your video is definitely inspiring and will surely get me into trouble in the future with my cattle-ranching neighbors who lease grass from me! Looking forward to viewing more. Thanks.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you very much!

[@rickayers3150]

Outstanding summary, I always teach that you need to know where you are at to know where you are going. Great job., your on the right track, now think value adding.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Rick!!

[@karllo9116]

First time watching one of your videos, and really appreciate the timestamps. So often farm KZbinrs ramble forever and you never know when they'll drop the info you clicked for. You jump straight into the topic and give timestamps? Instant subscribe.

[@theShepherdess]

This feedback helps so much! Thank you for taking the time to comment. -the Shepherdess

[@randallcrawford4141]

Fish can be 4.00 a pound...if you got a pond might be some extra income and 5 to 6 months to grow to harvest..and cronix Quail has a shorter time and do well in cages...so having a diverse crop of quick growing and return is a good idea and the one that gives you the most profits invest more in those areas. And like the idea of slicing bread to up the sales maybe to process for edible safe food for quicker sales but must also be cost effective... every one like a good deal and lower prices and good food!

[@homesteadingwithPJ]

Thank you for sharing all this! I love sheep especially Dorper sheep, and what you shared here today is one of the biggest reasons why. The numbers just make sense! Your sheep are beautiful, thanks for getting the Dorper name out there! Thanks for doing what you do. I hope we cross paths one day!

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks so much! I have enjoyed several of your videos myself. Great work over there! -the Shepherdess

[@txjellybean3772]

Well now, a Texas girl telling how it's done. I'm so glad your vid popped up! God bless Texas! 🤠

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks 👍

[@hesavedawretchlikeme6902]

My brother in law in Oklahoma had raised sheep back in the 1980s 1990s. He had Great Pyranese dogs to watch over them. Still had problems with the coyotes in the open pasture. Donkeys are good to have as protection to the flock too. Later he went back to cattle. I've always wondered though why we do not raise more sheep in the US. It's hard to find mutton/lamb in the markets.

[@Hakkeholt]

In West-Europe we now have wolves killing sheeps by the dozens. Donkey's are possible, but these also kill some lambs..

[@taylorsessions4143]

I personally have gotten sick every time I consume mutton. I believe that I am not the only one who has a weak stomach. This could be the reason we produce less overall in the US.

[@jandeveloper]

And do you know that lamp is more healthy meat than beef?

[@waykeeperfarmandnerdery]

Wow, what a useful breakdown and explanation of the time and potential returns you can expect when choosing what animals to raise. We have a small homestead scale flock of dairy sheep, where we can sell the sheep for those wanting to also milk or breed - or as meat. I agree that selling direct is way better overall. We haven't gotten into cows, but this gave me so much to consider if we ever venture in that direction - thank you!!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much for commenting! I’m grateful it was helpful. 🐑

[@PineyGroveHomestead]

You break it down well!! We are figuring out how we are going to proceed with our small farm and this was helpful information. Thanks.

[@roebinin]

Your sheep videos just make them engage on the farm. Is it possible to ignore such opportunities? Thank you for your enthusiasm, it inspires!))

[@LandElevated]

Wow! Thanks for giving the summary. We definitely learned a lot from this video. Most of our customers would love to develop their land into farms. Information like this will surely be a big help. Keep it up! 💪

[@joeyn985]

We have 4.5 acres. We do rotational grazing, and we simply don't have the pastures to sustain cattle. But we currently own 4 sheep and they have thrived for 8 months now on just poor pasture and lawn. They are remarkably easy to manage

[@calebadeleye]

There is something i love about this video, after everything she still used the opportunity to Proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you ma

[@nate2188764]

So helpful. My wife and I are planning to buy a farm in the next 2 years.

[@BoomhauerWorldwide]

Great video! Couple points, with cattle I'd certainly expect far better weaning weights than 550. The extensive time line you brought to light on grass fed beef is the reason "grass fed" beef is largely cost prohibitive if folks hold their operation to a profit threshold, this is something many new comers do not realize when planning to market this way. For me producing seed-stock (bulls and replacements), and selling steer weanlings around 750-900 lbs has proven very profitable but the genetics are key. It would be interesting to pencil out sheep on larger acreage around 150-200 acre range for comparison

[@kylehuberofs8052]

Do you calculate how many lbs per acre your producing? Or just per head? I can produce more lbs per acre with smaller cattle but no one wants a smaller cut of beef. I've talked to a couple guys that only sell ground beef because they can produce more lbs per acre with Dexter's but can't sell smaller cuts

[@BoomhauerWorldwide]

@@kylehuberofs8052 My lbs. weaned per acre would be in the 475 range on average. 1.5-2 acres per CC pair, this is dependent on quality of forage so varies year to year. This is just one criteria where the Angus breed shines, in feed efficiency, daily gains with moderate frame size. They're easy to maintain body condition. And they sell. The Angus caveat according to many, docility, has more to do with handling than genetics. In the case of your Dexters, if it were me I would consider what you might get for them at weaning, or even yearlings if you're fall calving. Minimizing expense, increases profit.

[@Trythis837]

The sheep numbers were extremely conservative as well. I would definitely expect more than two 65lb lambs per ewe per year. Under an accelerated lambing system 3 lambs per year at 80-100lb averages should be possible.. pretty well doubles her estimates. The big thing with sheep vs cattle is when you lose a sheep or a lamb it’s not a big deal, hold one ewe lamb back and you’re back in business in 8 months. Lose a cow or a calf and you’re out the profit on 4 other cows for a couple years.

[@benjaminbauer4883]

@@Trythis837 also got to consider that a least for use we only loss 1-2 calves a year and maybe that many cows running 400 head. But with sheep yes the loss per sheep is less but your going to lose more sheep than cattle.

[@GratefulOverlander]

Beautiful, smart, and hard working. This young woman is amazing

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Interesting. I’m curious why you didn’t consider (or if you did consider it why it wasn’t in the video) pastured hogs. Saladin and others have shown where the profit for that much property can be double your nine month income with twelve months (two six month grow outs). Great explanation, I guess now I have to go watch that other video.

[@floydperry0033]

Thank you for such a great insight on the subject and timelines. Your video surely put things into context. Want to include that your video was not discouraging, but was eye opening to different avenues... Thank you.

[@taylormoore3400]

Idk how i went from value investing on KZbin to sheep hearding. However after watching this theres huge parallel between the two.

[@danielslagle6440]

You are great at what you do, an all-around talented and smart young lady. Sheep are money. Had both cattle and sheep and I'll never do cattle again except to raise for my freezer. For income, sheep or even goats.

[@andyzumwalt3632]

Glad you will be covering losses, sheep can be a greater risk in alot of circumstances. Some of my pasture areas much predictor risk than others

[@ciaranharrington4141]

Get a few guard dogs

[@benjaminbauer4883]

@@ciaranharrington4141 you priced a merima dog these days 3k Australian dollars per pup and you still have to train the thing. Plus it's still an animal

[@marioknowsitsgod1506]

This was amazingly straight forward and concise. I’m subbing and I’m going to seriously consider pursuing this.

[@makapalatrace8385]

Excellent vid Have been planning to sell at the beach and build a tiny home, barn and garden on as many acres (in a conservative state) as my equity will allow. Very useful vid Thanks

[@dwighthires3163]

I love seeing what you are doing. You are excellent at teaching. Keep it up girl.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Dwight!!

[@jeremycherny2041]

We had sheep for years. They seemed very labour intensive.haha. I guess the prices are a lot better now then when we sold them off in 2009. At that time we were getting around 1.30 to 1.50 a pound. The other problem was predators. I switched to cows after that. Maybe a guy makes less but they just do their thing. We keep a good eye on them at calving time but other wise time spent I would say for us is less then half. We don't finish very many animals. Just for our own use and close friends. The rest go to auction. From the day they hit the ground to sale day is about 8 months. Granted prices are down right now but we averaged $1201 dollars a steer last year and $1145 a heifer. I hope the sheep work out in your favor.

[@theShepherdess]

Agreed! Much more labor intensive. Sheep need a shepherd every day, cows need a Cowboy twice a year. 😅 -the Shepherdess

[@Bojangles6]

She doesnt mention that sheep prices are at all time highs and cattle prices are normal. There are alot of little details that sometimes get left out of videos like these.

[@kylehuberofs8052]

Your doing good at those prices. I just sold some Angus heifers on the smaller side (950lbs) and only averaged $450 a head.

[@jeremycherny2041]

@@kylehuberofs8052 that's awfully low? Same animal in Canada would of got you in the 1200 dollar range right now. A year ago you would of gotten 14 to 1500 dollars on that weight.

[@marcusfoust5050]

@@kylehuberofs8052 that’s absolute robbery. You should be getting more like, what? 1.50 a pound?

[@johna3734]

We are in the dfw area as well. We plan to buy some land, but in the meantime, we are looking for raw milk. Last time, we drove out to cleburne and paid $8 a gallon for 10 gallons. It has to be raw A2 milk or possibly sheep milk. I’ll come pick it up. If 10 gallons is too small of a purchase, I can ask all my friends who drink raw milk if they want to do a group purchase. I tried contacting Mill King creamery near Waco about a group buy and they stopped responding once they found out I’m not a retailer.

[@8sanibel]

Fantastic, great video structure and content. Starts with summary and time stamps, addition resources, and solid economics.

[@waltobringer2928]

I'm a first time viewer and a new subscriber. Now I'll watch all of your previous videos!

[@jcobe-qi6mv]

Thanks for the video. One cost you didn't mention is the setup cost for sheep vs. cattle. Fencing, equipment, vet expenses, etc.

[@theShepherdess]

I covered that a bit in this video: SHEEP vs. COWS kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3zZeoShrrCjrK8

[@tonykim3304]

Mutton fetches premium compared to beef. Sheep are more vulnerable to parasites and diseases but that is easily compensated for by the short gestation period and fast growth. Very good analysis

[@theShepherdess]

Very true! Thank you for commenting!

[@arthurmbedzi263]

I’m glad I stayed till the end, John 11:25 is one of my favourite scriptures ❤

[@MikeyDonios]

Looking into raising some sheep. Glad I found your channel. Keep dropping the knowledge!

[@getivan]

Neat video, ma'am... I live in Fort Worth, myself. Trying to figure-out what to put on some land a couple hours west. For all the research I did on cattle, this is literally the first I'm seeing that sheep are so much more profitable. I think they take too much local maintenance for what I'm looking for, but still really neat to learn about... thanks! :) (glad to see you are God fearing, also, btw... way to put that out-there)

[@9252LIFE]

Thanks for the business plan worksheet. Have a great day

[@NeuKrofta]

That's cool and all but is that a Chevette hatchback in the back to the left 3:40?

[@arashbrar3571]

You are doing a great job . Farming is passion and way of life. God bless you , keep working hard and succeed in your farming👍🏻👍🏻

[@LilacDaisy2]

I took notes, as the WAIT for my cattle to grow and breed, etc, before I can make a dollar, is getting a little depressing. However, you only used "weaning" as a timeline for the sheep. The cattle's timeline was to full-grown. I'm guessing it's just two extra months for the lambs to reach harvest weight? Even still, this makes me want to invest in the different fencing for sheep. Just have to work out how many sheep can thrive on our 15 acres, along with 4 cows, their calves and their yearlings. Thank you so much for sharing your info ... and for the end words on screen.

[@theShepherdess]

Yes, harvest for a lamb is only 8-12 weeks after weaning. I used the weaning date for sheep because that’s the time at which I’ll have cash in hand from the sale of breeding stock. My business model for beef involves having to wait until the steer is processed before I can make a sale. I hope this helps! Thank you so much for watching my videos. -the Shepherdess

[@Thor-o1v]

Sheep and horses is what I want, along with a garden, greenhouse, and small pasture set to hay I can dry for winter. 3 pastures I rotate would work well.

[@LtColDaddy71]

Sheep are so much easier on your land. As an organic grain producer, that is important to me. You’re broad brush here, but you certainly aren’t wrong. It’s just a matter of finding the market. Everybody loves beef. If a vegan falls off the wagon,it’s going to be for a big burger or steak, not a lamb chop! For me it’s all about how to put the most healthy cost effective product in to the consumers mouth. I’ll sell them as much lamb as they are willing to buy.

[@billnichols6503]

Great video... Great analysis. I am opening a large 10 hectare farm in the philippines.... Your information is great and I appreciate it

[@tomcurran1538]

I have 24 acres near "Mayberry," NC. From listening to Greg Judy, hairless sheep are the way to go. Good info. A good donkey/mule will keep the coyotes away.

[@mrsaye4783]

Hello I am from the Gambia west Africa. I like your work and you are confirming my research, on the comparison of the potential, the productivity and the profitability of life stock and poultry.

[@downbntout]

I'm impressed. Im imagining a post that says "Wouldn't you like a cow that drops fertile twins or triplets every year, starting at 1 year old?

[@OkieVet918]

maybe it's different because of your location, but here in Oklahoma we are finishing Angus/Hereford/Sim/etc beef cattle from birth to butcher in 18-22 months, with 20 being the norm. This is all grass fed, no grain/corn ever. I don't even finish them on corn. Also, no hormones ever, and no meds unless the cow gets sick. Still love the info... looking into moving to sheep as well.

[@allenbragg7920]

Like to hear a discussion on what the animals do for the property. How do they affect the soil?

[@chasecopeland5530]

Great video. I have always stressed to people with small acreages to look at sheep over cattle or at least cows. In Central MO, Greg Judy raises parasite resistant hair sheep with no grain or hay on stockpile using rotational grazing. Sheep have a lot of potential for a small homestead.

[@OurFruitfulFamily]

Yes! This is exactly why we are following Greg Judy's method for raising our St. Croix Sheep on our Homestead!

[@tomcurran1538]

Greg Judy...he da man!

[@anthonydooley3616]

Even though the cattle may return less profit per pound per year, I think it's great for your soil to have some beeves on pasture with your lambs. Just as diversity in crop species is better for your soil and provide different nutrients and pest control for your flock, a diverse animal population is also great for your soil. You aren't a sheep farmer, you are a grass/clover farmer. I'm sure you are familiar with Gabe Brown who is super smart on the subject. Congratulations on your book! May the Lord continue to bless you, the good sheppard.

[@BenedictFoley]

I'm in Australia and produce on a largish scale both beef cattle and sheep for mainly wool production and meat. I'm more cattle than sheep, but the sheep always make more money, its just that the sheep are more labor intensive to run. More of a life style choice for me, I could employ more labor and make more money by running more sheep but its easier to lean more towards the beef side of things and keep it smaller and simpler.

[@girlymel2323]

Hummm this has got me thinking but I’m wondering how much it would cost to change my fencing. I would also need multiple livestock guardian dogs where I am. I also do very little with the cows I’m thinking I would have to go at least once a day to feed the dogs and check on sheep. I need to put this to pen and paper to see how it would work out money and time wise. Thank you good video

[@johndaily7286]

You are an amazing person. Thank you for sharing this valuable information. Thanks from Chicago

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

we are pondering a small start with dairy sheep. I never thought of the freshening ewe market, but that could be the icing. potentially 40 acres of diversified pasture here.

[@kinggentiaustria5333]

You are doing an amazing job!!! I will you success, and prosperity!!!! 👍👍👍

[@txdouglas68]

You’re the best on KZbin because of you always sound positive

[@Prophet10Joseph10]

Thank you greatly, i learned a great amount of good knowledge.

[@ram_diesel_power6039]

Well good luck. I have 60 katahdin ewes. That many sheep will eat up your pastures very fast. You will be struggling with worms. One dry year means you will have to buy lots of hay. Right now sheep and goats are high so everyone is getting into it now. Good luck.

[@mrearthmoverny6485]

Interesting but your comparing fully raising cattle to sell for beef to selling breeder stock or feeder sheep. I wonder what the costs/ profits for fully raising the Sheep would be in comparison.

[@jessebirdwell9489]

Great video. as a strictly livestock producer this was very interesting to see numbers on sheep.

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks, Jesse!

[@lr937]

Thank u for taking t time to make and post this videos… very useful for a beginner wanna be farmer like me😬

[@tusharpandhare45]

Wow! I just love your voince n all d videos it is very helpful to viewers❣️

[@jjkbabawami]

i love her voice and the way she talks

[@markpennella]

Keep up the AMAZING work!!

[@adammaina5612]

You are a great blessing. Your business acumen is admirable and quite inspiring. I am sold out on sheep. The market for sheep here in Kenya is burgeoning. I am also applying your thought processes to finetune business plan for Ostriches. You may consider this retite later as well. Reproduction potential is much higher that traditional farm animals and nearly everything about it is highly valued.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Adam! Your comments bless me.

[@jmfarms3555]

Just a question. When you compated the time for return on investment why did you compare a weaned lamb to a finished steer, instead of comparing to a weaned steer, or maybe a heifer ready to breed?

[@theShepherdess]

It has to do with the my business plan for beef (retailing meat direct to consumer) and sheep (breeding stock). The timeline follows what I believe is age necessary to turn a significant profit on each animal. Thanks so much! -the Shepherdess

[@papaguilar8794]

Thank You Maam for your comprehensive content.

[@mariamalshaer]

Ready to watch all of it. Liked and subscribed

[@guillermomaguire5394]

Awesome. I know zippo about ranching...okay, less than zippo. But I do know business, and this video is an excellent primer of business analysis for people who are trying to learn such things. Put another way, this video is worth more than a semester of top tier university business class.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you very much!!

[@thehayteamtv6830]

Liked the insight, always said sheep were the faster way to make money

[@rhuffstedtler]

Minor quibble - when you’re saying ROI, you actually mean payback period. ROI should be expressed as a percentage of the return over the input. To be really precise about the finance, you should compute a net present value. Without doing the math, I’d guess that the shorter turnaround on the sheep helps the NPV.

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks very much!

[@hebasedd]

Who cares to be honest? She did an astounding job presenting the results for others. Everyone knows what she meant, the nerve...

[@rhuffstedtler]

Hi @@hebasedd. I've clearly offended you in some way, although I'm not sure how. One of the things I really appreciate about Grace is that she takes business as seriously as she takes agriculture. ROI, payback period, and NPV can lead to different capital allocation decisions. Which tool is best to use differs a bit depending on context (although NPV is usually the best choice if one isn't sure). I'm not sure that "everyone" knows what she meant (I haven't talked to everyone), but I do know that I've seen people struggle with the difference in finance classes, so I thought the clarification might be helpful for some.

[@hmutandadzi]

I have liked and subscribed because you know the message you want to convey and you are very direct.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!!

[@ks_hunter7327]

The breed of the sheep is very critical, some breed are more parasite resistant and others. Also a guardian dog is a must, not only to protect against predators on the ground but from the air as well. Ravens, Black headed vultures and larger avian predators go after activity birthing ewes and new born lambs.

[@robertgulfshores4463]

Thank you! Glad you are using regenerative techniques. It's amazing to see what rotational grazing can do! Good luck with your sheep operation, subscribed. Also, if you or anyone else has any tips for making lamb taste good, pls let me know. I've tried to like it, but maybe I just need to find another breed or find a better way to prepare.

[@PeterSedesse]

Another big advantages of sheep over cows They scale down better. If you have less than 23 acres, you can easily have a herd on down to 5 acres (about 25-30 sheep). You can also control your pasture health easier by timing your sales. Great weather and pasture is thriving, wait an extra month to sell. Bad weather or pasture looking a little rough, sell a bit earlier. A smaller animal gives you more of an ability to fine-tune your pastures.

[@webstuff56]

Always a pleasure to watch you. Great info!

[@thomasmartin8825]

I like the information you gave. I'm looking into ranching and getting away from truck driving

[@theShepherdess]

Hope my videos help!

[@jimmaworkurgessa8247]

100% organic and 100% grass feed has high value now days every where.

[@highoctain113]

I just ran across your video today... My wife and I bought a run down farm in Colorado earlier this year and we have been tossing back and forth what we should do with it. Cattle is what this county does.... Well, cattle and pot.... And there are a few people that do goats and sheep, but I think sheep is probably the direction of travel even though we have to contend with coyotes and already lost 60% of the herd we have purchased... You are right, it's a very steep learning curve.

[@highoctain113]

What state are you located?

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks, Ryan! I am farming in Texas. Sheep are tough, but the advantages are too appealing to let them go. 😂

[@highoctain113]

@@theShepherdess definitely going to keep watching and learning.

[@evelynrogers7145]

Your always precise. Complete information.

[@declanking-williams356]

Super informative and educational video. I have a small herd of dorper sheep. Thank you again and you most definitely have a new subscriber and follower.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you very much!

[@nexthyype7637]

Amazing video very honest and anyone can apply this to their own farm

[@raphaelsanchez2611]

Ccr..thank you for th business plan. Amazing job Goddess