How I Left the CITY and Started a SHEEP FARM

[@followerofyahushaoctaviadm]

I was a city girl my whole life and a lawyer! My husband and I moved to small town USA 7 years ago. My husband and I just closed on a home in the country with acreage because we started suburban homesteading and want to extend on more land. I’m a stay at home mom now and my husband still works a full time job but we are starting this journey! We are feeling led by the Almighty in this direction! HalleluYah

[@Valleymobwelding]

I'm a welder and my wife is a stay at home mom, we've been farmers for exactly 3 months. Keep hammering! We love your channel

[@theShepherdess]

Appreciate your support so much, Sam! Were you at the last Small Farmer Virtual meet? I think I remember your name? -the Shepherdess

[@Valleymobwelding]

@@theShepherdess yes we we're and it was super beneficial. We can't wait for the next one!

[@jamesland8302]

Thanks for sharing a little of your story. A few years ago we moved back to TX from being on the mission field for 9 years. I continue to travel in missions, I help pastor at a local church and have a few business I work to pay the bills. But farming is something God put on our hearts even before moving back. We have had to learn everything from scratch, it's been an uphill battle but thankfully we are finally seeing a return on our investment...even if it is a small one. But more importantly we are doing what God has placed in our hearts even though we do not understand 100%! God bless you in your endeavors and let me know if you ever want some real coffee, as I am always bringing back coffee from the Caribbean where the missions work is! God bless you!

[@emilybradley8197]

A little over a year ago my engineer husband decided he wanted to try his hand at farming on our property. He went to Greg Judy’s grazing school and came back so excited. He’s tried to get me onboard, I’ve supported him, but have been a bit wary of this whole experience. We have spent the last two months clearing our property line in anticipation of the perimeter livestock fence that was installed last week. Two weeks ago I stumbled upon your videos. I am now so excited for September to get here, for that is when our 20 ewe Katahdin + Dorper cross sheep arrive! You, my dear, are responsible for the change in my attitude! Your openness in sharing the ups and downs of the last year, showing us what sheep raising can look like, your gentle spirit touched my heart. I am now reading and watching all sorts of info so I can be prepared come September! We will have our flock for a week before my husband has to go out of state on business! Yikes! He will only be home every other week for the following two months! Good thing I’m on board now! Lol! Thanks, again, for your videos! Best wishes to you as you continue this journey!

[@theShepherdess]

Emily, I am so humbled and grateful for this encouragement. I can’t quite put it into words... THANK YOU and please keep me updated on your journey here. God Bless, -the Shepherdess

[@Liz514]

I would love to be a farmer some day. Right now God has opened the doors for us to move out of our tiny townhouse and into a new state and a new house with a bigger backyard. I think it’s my practice space and trusting in God to open the doors when it’s time. Great channel!

[@britaniethompson8841]

You are so inspiring. I have a new dream now. And I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

[@theShepherdess]

I am just so grateful the Lord is using my story to reach you! Keep follow the open doors!! -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@NoLaughingNDakitchen20]

Wow I love your videos!! I been wanting to get onto to sheep faith faith but I don't even know how to start. Your videos are giving me a lot of insight thank you!!!

[@ShepherdsCreek]

I was born and raised in the city as well but I've always wanted to be a farmer. I've never officially worked in any sort of farm setting but I have jumped in at every opportunity I could find. We bought a quarter section a bit over a year ago and I'm hoping to get sheep soon and officially start farming. I am a full time mom and student as well but fingers crossed I can add farmer to the list lol

[@gonzaloseoane5712]

I'm 45 and i never give up to my farm dream.

[@roosterdigg]

For a city folk, you did something most city folks don’t know. Always cross the hinge side of the gate. 😂😂. In all seriousness enjoying your videos. I was planning on putting goats and cattle on my forty acres I just bought. Now I’m thinking dorper is the way to go. Thanks for sharing so much information!

[@timothydeneffe249]

Same here, i have no prior experience. Honestly your marketing and business background might be important for the style of farming you chose rather than prior farming experience. This being a rather new style, proper advertising and market and profit analysis is key. Thanks for sharing.

[@theShepherdess]

That’s really encouraging to hear!! I plan to share more on how I’m actually marketing my farm business right now. I hope it helps people. I see a lot of promise in small farming if you have the resources at hand... not riches by any means, but a lot of opportunity for some profitability! -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@Edge776Onpoint]

Love your channel and completely appreciate your thoughtfulness and willingness to share!

[@LtColDaddy71]

I love your excitement! You are part of the most important element in farming. We all need to be farmers, that's pretty much my philosophy. Connected to our food and our environment as much as we can be.

[@theShepherdess]

Your comment means a lot to me, Tom! Thank you! I agree, I think if you can’t be a small farmer, you should find your closest small farmer and show them support. -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@spoolsandbobbins]

I agree!!

[@deanbarr5740]

Very inspiring story. Love your enthusiasm and your learning experiences. We can all learn from one another. I'm 59 years old and a few years from retirement, although I have been away from farming for almost 40 years I'm thinking of getting back to my roots after I retire. Keep up the good work and content your doing. See you in your next post.

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks Dean! Your encouragement means a lot. See you there 😉. -the Shepherdess

[@spoolsandbobbins]

Good for you! All the best. From Nova Scotia Canada

[@brettpayton6286]

Absolutely love it. It hits home. Born in raised in the city. Had friends that where from the farm. Work for myself in heating an air an wifes a stay at home. At 36 moved to Missouri an bought 30A farm. 5 years in I'm still working for myself an running a flock of 36 ewes an lambs. Striving for the ability to not have to leave every day an staying home an farmen.

[@stevetrueman2882]

I used to think city people couldn't be farmers but you proved me wrong

[@theShepherdess]

😂 That’s the greatest compliment I could have asked for. -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@stevetrueman2882]

Yessir also do you wish you were like more muscular cause it would make it easier to lift stuff

[@Digger927]

"I grew up in that environment"....Well, I'm sorry you went through that but I'm glad you found the good life eventually! Lol! I'm about an hour south of KC. KC isn't bad as far as cities go but you're a long throw from your old life now, haha. It's fascinating how fate/the Lord opens doors as we're ready for them to be opened. I think we're highly encouraged to walk an enlightened path. Sometimes it takes some pretty brutal encouragement but it always seems to work out somehow. Bless you gal, my best wishes and prayers are with you.

[@theShepherdess]

Lol 😂 I think it makes rural life sweeter when you’ve experienced some of cons of hyper-urban living... some days I do still miss that coffee shop though . 🤣 -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@onebadls1]

Wow, both of our stories are so similar!

[@Commonmomhomeschooler]

Girl!! My family moved from washington state last year to missouri.. i misssssss coffee. I use to frequent a coffee stand daily. Its been 11 months sense ive had espresso and i to wouod drive hours away to bring home many yummmmmy good coffee lol.

[@theShepherdess]

Haha!! I’m feeling like we are kindred spirits. 😂 I always get 2 coffees when I’m headed back to the country. Sometimes one makes it home, sometimes it doesn’t. 🤷🏼‍♀️😅 Thanks for commenting!! I hope you’ll stick around so we can get to know each other better. 🙌🏻 -the Shepherdess

[@michaelcopeland1173]

Hey, i live in Georgia and study agriculture science with intentions to become a farmer soon and i would like to say, i love your videos, they are very helpful and informational. I to am from the city and will be living off a homestead so this video was a major help.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Michael!

[@jlpaints]

What a great video. I am really excited for you. I have so enjoyed watching things unfold for you.

[@theShepherdess]

I couldn’t have asked for a better community to begin this journey in. Thank you!!

[@fentazifarms9286]

I've worked in/ been around ag my whole life, I always hated it & wanted to get as far away from it as I could. But after learning about regenerative ag & finding channels like yours, I've never been so motivated to be apart of ag. For the first time in my life I actually consider myself a farmer!

[@theShepherdess]

This is one of the best comments I've had all day! Thank you so much for sharing. Keep me updated on your journey! -the Shepherdess

[@fentazifarms9286]

@@theShepherdess Will do!! Thank you for everything you're doing, can't wait to see what the future holds you & your farm!

[@wendyelliott1315]

Great job, but curious how you came to own 23 acres and the cost of running 23 acres with a herd. How did you find your 23 acres? Was it cash or farm credit, etc.? If you are willing to share, I would love to know the "how you got started" part of your journey. You are doing a tremendous job and would love to know how you work full time at home and have the time to work your farm and herd alone... you look way rested to be able to do that all on your own :) lol. Love the sheep and your story, just curious about the start up! What made you decide to move from the city to the country?

[@lynnp.8463]

Great video, Shepherdess! Looks like you learned leather tooling. Do you have a store that you sell what you make from? Link?

[@theShepherdess]

Yes I do! I post my work at shopshepherdess.com when I have the opportunity to make inventory. Here is a link to last winter's product: harmonyfarms.blog/product/american-made-leather-wallet/

[@annadietz3037]

What a neat story!!! Encourageing video! Thank you, Grace, for what you share in your videos!! 🙌🏻🌱🐑

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Anna!! So grateful for you!!

[@accidentalhomestead5522]

I’m a 51 year old construction worker and have the dream of transitioning into the ag life. Congrats. I still have a full time job, paying off things and getting in some infrastructure on our ten acre space. More of us should desire the agrarian life. Strong communities, people, families.

[@ahirasanchez5941]

I am so glad to have found your channel! My husband and I are working on starting our own dream farm. Prayers!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much for following. Please keep me updated on your journey! -the Shepherdess

[@ruthleake1725]

Great video!!!! Loved hearing your story. Yours and mine are very similar...🙌🏻👏🏻💕👍🏻

[@theShepherdess]

Small world 😉

[@merrillpage]

I grew up in the suburbs, and didn't have any real experience with farming either. My parents had a garden some years, but I wasn't very interested in helping with that either. I didn't love weeding. It just wasn't my thing. Yet, I do love nature, and when I first saw Allen Savory's Ted Talk about holistic management, I was really impressed and excited. When I went carnivore, then realized the intersection between that way of life and Savory's methods. I became even more excited. I really want to become a farmer, for two main reasons. One is I want to be more self-sufficient, and two is that I'd love to rehabilitate some small section of the earth, and make it bloom and grow like it was meant to do. I don't think it's ever going to happen, though. If it was just up to me it would, but my wife and kids are not interested, and I can't just leave them. Which I guess means that it's not my calling from God after all, right? Maybe I can be happy just being a customer of regenerative farmers, and maybe volunteering to help on weekends or something. You ready for customers yet? I live in Houston, and I'd love to support your efforts.

[@theShepherdess]

You’ll be the first to know once I have products ready. Keep up the great work... the doors may open for you one day... be ready! -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@shalomdiy9735]

My brother watches alot of your videos very educational good work!

[@cameronparker5449]

Hey Sheepardess, thanks for these videos. Even though I am 45, I feel like I relate to you as a new farmer more than the average farmer out there that seems to be 65+. I am a software engineer manager. I just made an offer on 122 acres and am starting to consider sheep because of your videos. I am mostly interested in pigs from watching Farm Builder, Sheraton Farms and Joe Salatin. Anyway thank you for inspiring new farmers.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you Cameron! Congratulations on starting your journey!!

[@BalancedRuminantGrazers]

Love the story telling style of this video!! ❤️

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you Kelsey!! Your friendship and support has meant a lot to me on this journey. -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@mti2035]

Thanks for this and all you say ,go girl,

[@CecilliaDB]

Great video, love the encouragement.

[@theShepherdess]

THANK YOU! Your support really means so much. -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@0Hillbilly]

You may realize it now, maybe not. The way you did it is the best way. Live on and learn the land, see how water flows where the best grass grows. Build your farm to meet the needs of the land. Your journey is an awesome and blessed one.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Ivan! To hear that brings me a lot of encouragement... -the Shepherdess🐑🌱

[@edgeoftheforesthomestead602]

Great Video and we just subscribed!! Its good to see others transitioning from city to the farming life (like us) and putting themselves out there for others to see. Your videos are very inspiring, thx from Texas.

[@theShepherdess]

I appreciate your encouragement so much! Thank you for your support and keep up the great work on your end. -the Shepherdess

[@kothakim]

Developing a crush 🥰 ... In all seriousness, kudos and God speed!

[@sandyhalsted855]

This was inspiring to watch! I never would have guessed you were so new to this and had such an urban background. We have a few acres here and the more we start to do, like gardening, chickens, etc the more we want to keep learning and expanding. So far it's just for our family but who knows where it could lead in time. It's a lot to tackle on top of a full time job but we are loving it. It just all takes time and money and is a slow process building infrastructure. Would love to hear more about home based businesses. Love the scripture you ended the video with, and how you began the video by slipping into your muck boots!

[@theShepherdess]

The Lord uses the most unlikely instruments... I think my journey is proof of that and I hope it emphasizes His power :)... Thank you for watching! -the Shepherdess

[@elizebethparker5412]

Small world, Grace. I communte to downtown KCMO after morning chores. One of these days...

[@theShepherdess]

Ahhhh!! Roasterie and Lamar’s donuts are 2 of my favorite stops when we venture up there for visits. Ever been to either one? -the Shepherdess

[@elizebethparker5412]

Yes, those are some of our favorites also!

[@bearupfarm1818]

That was a great video.Ralph

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks, Ralph! Your faithful support through comments means a lot. -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@aaron___6014]

I'm always curious how one of faith can tell the difference between a recurring desire to pursue something and a calling or feeling of being led by the lord. How do you get in tune with this?

[@theShepherdess]

For me it was prayer and walking through the open doors the Lord put in front of me. ❤️

[@dc0145a]

God Bless you. Love hearing how you started and looking forward to watching your journey. I'd definitely would like to hear more about home based business what are your other sources income??? How did you go about finding the 30acres?

[@burkeandsons5]

Pete was an Architect and Grew up on the farm he's on! I love How the Lord is the center of your life, I'm ranching with cattle and just acquired sheep, man they are noisey 😂😄 I'm a RealEstate Broker, I love my job here in Washington State, But want to just ranch really!

[@OFADMA]

هذه هي القناة التي ابحث عنها ⁦❤️⁩

[@smallpotato1282]

Hi there my sheep had two lambs

[@theShepherdess]

That is great! Congratulations 😄 -the Shepherdess

[@mosesjayaprakash]

We can invest in your farm, if you want to expand.

[@saveourlife1840]

I invite you come in Bangladesh

[@jonerlandson1956]

*if you think you can buy better coffee than you can make* ... well then... i don't know what to tell you... good luck...

[@theShepherdess]

Lol 😂 -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@redeemedsparta]

Precious testimony. Father God is good!

[@theShepherdess]

AMEN AND AMEN! Thank you for your support. -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@jasonkeith162]

Have you chronicled your $ inputs and outputs? I’d love to know how much you lose each year with this hobby.

[@theShepherdess]

I’ve actually considered making a vid on what I spent in 2020. Definitely at the investment-intensive phase of my farm business game. I think it would help people to know what $$ goes into it. Thanks for commenting! -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@jasonkeith162]

That would be an awesome video!

[@mariebo7491]

Not sure if you realize this, but you basically repeated everything from the first half of the video in the second. Also from other videos. Try not to be so repetitive. There’s a lot of potential here. Can’t wait to see where this goes. Follow that Calling, girl. My family feel like we’re being called to start a chicken farm. ❤️

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks for watching all my videos! Not everyone does, though, so I frequently repeat important info from my story. Keep me updated on how your chicken farm goes! -the Shepherdess

[@villgefood8831]

Im India medam plz 1 sheep