WHY DORPER SHEEP? | All About the Angus of the Sheep World

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Why did I choose the Dorper Sheep for my Sheep Farm? In this video I break down what went into my decision to run Dorper sheep for my farm business. At the end of the day, you will have to do your research, weigh out the pros and cons, and decide what is best for your farm. I hope this video explaining why I chose Dorper Sheep helps you in whatever decision you make.
-the Shepherdess
"Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." Psalm 100:3
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In this video you will find out:
Why the Shepherdess chose Dorper Sheep for her farm
Facts About Dorper Sheep Breed
The origin of Dorper Sheep Breed
Are Dorper Sheep good for meat?
What is a good sheep for meat?
Dorper Sheep Breed Characteristics
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 by 2027. Thank you for joining the journey!

[@theShepherdess]

➡➡CLICK HERE for my $100k Farm Business Plan: bit.ly/farmprofit

[@jeshurunfarm]

Dorper means 'From The Town' Respect from Africa 🇿🇦 (South Africa)

[@NoSleepTilGitmo]

I love your spirit and joy in life, thank you and God bless!

[@jayhay1237]

Although I grew up on a cattle ranch, I lost money 2 outta the first three years with cattle. I had some sheep just to keep the grass down in my big orchard of 30 fruit trees and it didn't take me long to realize profits from sheep. I grow and sell alfalfa for main income but grew the Suffolk Hampshire cross flock for 12 years before learning about dorpers. I switched to dorpers a year ago. Best group of sheep I've ever had! Every thing I learned about them has proven true. My favorite benefit about them is the fact that they are not picky eaters. I feed them the lesser quality hay I produce so I don't worry about selling a sub par product, and they happily clean it up! Hard workers, low maintenance and great producers.

[@echochapman7657]

I have a good friend with a large dorper breeding operation near Grahamstown on the Eastern Cape. Whenever I get out there to do a hunt, we have Braai with lamb and game……. Between South Africa and Australia I’ve been spoiled with respect to lamb, but the dorper is about the best I’ve eaten.

[@gelowigoppad]

Excellent choice of sheep. No breed can compare to the dorper when it comes to hardiness, fertility and growth. Pure profit machines!

[@liviumititelu7397]

I think texel are a bit better if not the same

[@jjohnsengraciesmom]

My question is, how is theor wool

[@andrewhamilton2121]

@@jjohnsengraciesmom dopers are hair sheep meaning hair not wool

[@kotsmonster]

There is a upgrade from dorper sheep when it comes to hardiness : Meatmaster sheep! Not a very poetic name, but boy oh boy. It’s a cross of dorper and damara sheep.

[@craigcowan9066]

@@kotsmonster I am in pa. Any meat master rams close?

[@danielvanniekerk8675]

When you see how well Dorpers perform in the Karoo, you realise their true worth (semi-desert in South Africa). They were bred specifically for karoo farming. South African agricultural research was once considered to be among the best in the world.

[@nevinkuser9892]

I consider it the best. All the detailed information and studies come from South Africa.

[@Spiked2005]

One big benefit is the lack of sharing requirement and the costs associated with that

[@villagesheepkm1276]

Thanks for sharing knowledge

[@4mbrad642]

Absolutely, I have found this video valuable and informative. Thanks

[@bustednutcreations9946]

Great video, never thought of sheep before.

[@paulacooper4501]

Great info! 👏👏

[@super15071]

Great content

[@morgma]

I love how you make sure he is staying right there hahahaha love it

[@nathanpieterse6644]

Amen to the last part, you just got me subscribed to your channel. Bless you and your animals.. Thanks for the content.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!

[@franciscoayala1062]

Hello I just wanted to say that I’m happy that I landet on your Channel, I will check all of your videos. Very impressed with the couple I was already watching. Specially where you are talking about building Pastures. Best regards from Germany and keep the great work. btw, I’ve already subscribed to your Channel. GOD BLESSINGS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY 😊

[@danilofernandez4656]

The info you are sharing about dorper sheep enough to convinced to venture into it when I retire from office here in Phil.

[@harshad9212]

Beautiful views

[@sergiopalacios882]

Thank you for your info

[@lamplighterfarm]

I'm bringing Dorper crosses to the farm this year. 😁

[@petemartin4300]

Great info and choice breed

[@cooperholdaway9559]

Wow got yourself a real stud there! Hope you get some great results from him👍 Thanks and God bless.

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks, Cooper! I am so excited to see what he produces here!! -the Shepherdess

[@ambannanayakaambannanayaka908]

Thank you.for.your.info❤❤

[@AllenJohnson4422]

Great information!!!

[@theShepherdess]

Glad it helped! Thank you for commenting. -the Shepherdess

[@Digger927]

I like the two toned version the best just because it's so easily identifiable. Looks like everything is going well Grace, congrats on the new flock. Take care.

[@theShepherdess]

Agreed! Can’t beat that contrast. Thanks for your support, Brent. Greatly appreciated as always. -the Shepherdess

[@asanoen1777]

Magical drive I ❤ it.

[@naturalonenaturalone8996]

thanks,good info.btw goodluck

[@jjjjj551]

Nice information 👌 👍 👏 😀

[@KingRDC]

i like you. you are very detailed! thank you! you earned a sub!

[@bobfortune8411]

thank you

[@AbidAli-bv2gl]

Excellent video, Mam you are intelligent woman

[@RON99ROUTE69]

Orang muda yang berjaya,, terbaik !! Sangat memberi aku inspirasi..

[@mdraselahmed7406]

Very nice

[@patriciabeyer7824]

👋 Good morning. You have given a lot of information. The Dorper sheep are a good looking sheep as well. I wish you all the best in your adventure with them. 🙌🙌🙏☝️👍🐐

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Patricia!! -the Shepherdess

[@pablotorres5239]

Love your video!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you Pablo! -the Shepherdess

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Greetings from the LooseNatural farm in Andalusia Spain where we have decide on breed of sheep

[@dinshamsul2976]

So nice

[@jandrevanzyl4979]

Another great, jam packed with great information video, friend!🙌🏻🔥 Great work on your flock!🌱 My country with a bit of bragging rights on those guys🐑🇿🇦😉 Keep on keepin' on🤠

[@theShepherdess]

How did I know you’d like that plug for South Africa’s great work?? 😂😂 I appreciate yo ur support so much, Jandre! Thanks as always. -the Shepherdess

[@jandrevanzyl4979]

@@theShepherdess Of course 😂😉 Always friend🙏🏻🐑

[@yoopermann7942]

congrats on the new addition to your ranch!! GOD sure does take care of his faithful!!!

[@theShepherdess]

AMEN, the Lord is good. Not always an easy road, but He walks it with us. 🙌🏻 -the Shepherdess

[@andyjones6361]

Wow girl it looks like you got it going on. Nice stock and your grass looks amazing!! Congrats!! I love the psalms at the end. Put it out there and if someone is offended too bad.

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks, Andy!

[@andyjones6361]

@@theShepherdess We wish and dreamed for years prayed that the Lord would allow us to have a place in the country. Through a divorce my cousin ended up with land that needed to be sold as she inherited debt with the settlement. So she sold me 11 acres. We built 3/8 road into it and and pond, 4 acres wooded. I cash rent about 3 acres I wish I had 20 more. I don’t know if I could market sheep here in Indiana but it would be a great additional what I’d do otherwise. Land is going for 15k per acre here. I paid 9k just a year ago. Had to match the average of what she got on the other side of the creek. What does land cost there? I’ve got a neighbor with a wooded couple acres that I might be able to rent. But that would be better with goats! I just so aspire to that life style! I’m no stranger to hard work either!

[@aussiefarmer6012]

Dorpers in Australia will go through or under any fence, they are aggressive sheep and don't eat very well compared to more traditional prime lamb breeds. Dorpers are hardy, have good feed conversion because they don't put their energy into wool. They are also fertile and good browsers like goats.

[@mirib5007]

My hat’s off to you, honey! I admire you! You’re a smart girl! I was wondering why the sheep look so clean, or like they had just recently been shorn…they aren’t Woolley.

[@rlyman111]

Nice advice for making choices. Jesus loved his sheep and shepherds. Good job!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you as always Robert and AMEN!! -the Shepherdess

[@maherhasna4979]

Thank you for the good information you presented. Why do not you shear the wool in order for new wool to grow before the cold weather arrive.?

[@karolryba121]

excellent

[@louiecampbell8227]

Might be an interesting breed to cross with Clun Forest sheep. Also a haired breed but nearly always lamb out twins and can lamb twice a year or three times in two years.

[@robcunningham2988]

What do you do with the wool sheds? Do you shear, comb, or collect from ground? Thank you. Rob

[@thomasbeckett1245]

Raising beef 🥩, the nutritional supplements made huge increase in ease and success. I’m retired now. But did enjoy the family farm while it lasted. The best of memories. Due to success. Failure is like hitting your thumb with a hammer. Dealing with failure is important also.

[@burtontrott726]

THANK YOU FOR VALUABLE INFORMATION, I WILL STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR CNANNEL.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Burton!

[@apbtkamikaze910]

Super !

[@anthonyburke5656]

Try Australian White, it incorporates the best of the Dorper and then some, another hair sheep

[@rickayers3150]

I have been following you for a while now. You have sparked a great interest in me with your Dorper sheep. I love raising sheep and will be starting a flock soon. I wonder how well they would do in the north?

[@theShepherdess]

I think the breed is pretty hearty and would do well up north. You may have to consider winter housing, but it should be doable! Thanks for following! -the Shepherdess

[@ndiritumaina3556]

Kindly hire me

[@wabg00]

Congrats! very wise decision, wishing you great success! If you allow me, I should add to the positive side of Dorper's breeding that they are not season-linked fertile ..... this means that provided that you have Rams on the herd... you can ensure having foals all year round !!! this means that you can be selling lambs "out-of-season".......... and of course, to the price you want 🙂

[@DanKlein_1]

Great info. I didn't realize there were 2 varieties of the Dorpers or where they originated. Knew they were a meat breed but didn't realize their status in the meat sheep world. Interesting.

[@theShepherdess]

I was hoping this video would give people a good quick orientation with the breed! Thanks for encouraging me that it did. I appreciate you as always, Dan! -the Shepherdess

[@heltonrural9001]

Seu trabalho é excelente em prol da ovinocultura

[@danielhunt1212]

Great video. Appreciate the information. John 10:11

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Daniel!

[@jlpaints]

Thanks for the information. Might be in the market for some of your animals. By the way you’re gonna have to get orange flags and a long stick to put on your sheep so you can find them! Your grass looks awesome!

[@theShepherdess]

😂😂🌱🌱 but really, let me know if you have a referral for a square baler... might put back some hay until the flock catches up.

[@hrargate]

Thanks for sharing of your experience!!! I learn a lot from you I just started 5 month ago experimenting with 12 sheep’s 4 male and 8 females so far so good But the meat quality is very poor , the sheep’s are from local of Africa Ethiopia 🇪🇹 But my plan is to grow to high production for export.. I know it is far away for you to travel to Africa but I wished you visit us! And help us means also the community (or invest with us) we have 20 hectare of green land with water

[@verncook1528]

Oh you’re in hinds county wow!, I google harmony farms

[@ruansiebert]

Best choice

[@mimibergerac7792]

Super sheep had very close to 400g /d weight gain on grass and mothers milk alone. Unfortunately the few available in France have zero claw hardiness selection. The problems were just to big to continue...

[@bwogifarmsuganda]

Thank you so much for this. I have ordered for 2 rams from SA to cross them with our local sheep in Uganda Kindly share any link how I can fatten them like yours. The Feeding how you do it. I see several watering points which is very crucial in their feeding. Otherwise, driving 3000kms for breed was worthwhile. I have just started following you but im hooked. Keep up the good works Shepherdess.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you very much!!

[@Mansahx]

If been researching this breed as well. Your one of the first I’ve seen YT that raises them successfully 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. I did want to confirm that they are beefy/stocky in terms of weight for meat. So thanks for that. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾. They seem super docile and friendly too. What’s the biggest or heaviest dorper you’ve raised? Thanks for responding too. 😁😁😁

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you! My ram would be the largest dorper I have in pasture and he is around 230lb. Most of the lambs we send to processing are about 100lbs. Thanks so much!

[@melhawk6284]

They are kind of a pretty thing, too! What are the pelts like, with the hair on? Soft like an icelandic pelt?

[@ktefccre]

Hi. Can you talk about the non numerical downside of Dorpers sheep? Can you also tun a number analysis base on your farm? Thanks.

[@aminayoub242]

Great video thanks. How many dorpers can I keep per 1 hectar as the main source of green pasture?

[@anthonyburke5656]

You will find once people learn how to cook them, they will start looking for Lamb Recipes. They are great on the tooth.

[@archangel20031]

So, can you put a net on them to keep the hair on so that you can harvest it in the fall for use like other lambs wool?

[@NorthWoodsCountryBoy]

Thanks for the info! Quick question: where did you purchase your dorpers? You mentioned you traveled a ông way to get them. Which breeder did you buy them from?

[@fionajane56]

We have White Dorper Sheep in Kentucky. Our 2021 ram lambs off grass and Mom at 2 months old averaged 70 pounds. We held back 3 commercial ram prospects. Your flock looks wonderful and it looks like your careful planning is working!

[@theShepherdess]

Love hearing about your dorpers, Fiona! Great weaning weights. 😍 Thank you so much for commenting. 🐑 -the Shepherdess

[@juanpieterse4075]

I just want to add something the dorper sheep we have today comes from years of selective breeding. I want congratulate you ,your sheep looks good and you making and doing the correct choices , you go girl you are on the path of success!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Juan! I hope to contribute to this breed by continuing the work of so many before me. -the Shepherdess

[@njabulomotagane7807]

@@theShepherdess Hi are you based in South Africa? if yes where can one purchase Dorper Sheep to start their own sheep farm?

[@juanpieterse4075]

@@njabulomotagane7807 That depends from your location but I suggest get in contact with your local livestock auctioneers like BKB, Vleis Sentraal ect. ... dont buy livestock from other regions other than where you want to raise them

[@heirloomn.heritage7004]

@@njabulomotagane7807 I believe this shepherdess ranches in the state of Texas, United States.

[@Theunislb]

proudly south african sheep

[@Lucky13Twice]

I would be interested in bringing them to Colombia.

[@craigcowan9066]

I am from pa. Did you buy your ram here in pa. ? What breeder you talk to here,? Can Dopler handle Winter here?

[@JesusHernandez-ld9ee]

Hi I’m really glad for you business , I have been living in south of California but never seen such of beautiful grass fields ,what part of America do ya are living? Thank you

[@heirloomn.heritage7004]

Texas

[@monicadabney8471]

I think St. Croix sheep is also an excellent breed.

[@mahmoudbouafia7893]

Thanks for the videos Are dorpers lambs born with or with out tails ?

[@stormhawk31]

Did you check out Katahdins?

[@bthorn5035]

How are you dealing with this nasty drought in TX right now?

[@RanchoelPalomar]

Can tell where did you buy your first sheeps please ? Thanks in advance and a good video 👍👌👌

[@theShepherdess]

Go to shepherdessdorpers.com to join the wait list 🐑

[@elvisestevez5816]

where did you go to buy your sheep--- i.e. the 2k mile trek?

[@junaidnazir4600]

Can u guide me how can I get the pure dorper sheep because I want to start investing in this business

[@shaneward4790]

Hope this isn't preceved a dumb question. What is the ratio of Dorper per acre. My wife wants livestock and I've thought about sheep but was hesitate. I didn't know how I would shear them. This segment has taught me there is a wool vs. meat sheep. Reading comments has taught me climate tolerance. Huge "Thanks" to You & those that shared their correlation of experience. Please don't forget my question. GOD BLESS

[@juanpieterse4075]

depends on the amount rainfall / grass and area 4 sheep = 1 cattle

[@theShepherdess]

Hi Shane! With the intensive rotational grazing I am doing I could easily run 3-5 sheep per acre. I’d probably stick with the lower number because you want to be sure your pasture rotation gives plenty of time for parasite die off (40-60 days rest on each paddock for that). Hope this helps! 7 sheep equals 1 cow, so you could get with a local cattleman to determine what your areas carrying capacity is. -the Shepherdess

[@benjaminbauer4883]

Not all 'meat sheep' are sheding sheep just so your aware when your buying your flock

[@johnstoyles5005]

We are new followers, another great video. We had Pollypay sheep many years back.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you very much!!

[@ntyatyambosauka7056]

hi where do you get your Dorper in South Africa?

[@azatbernayew4857]

Diliňe ýüregiňe emeğinize sağlık Allah bereket bersin

[@AngelReyes-ci8iz]

How I can talk to you I have 58 sheep and I don't know what to do with it

[@Marisolbeautymakeup]

Excelent video even though i have goats

[@nelismoll5147]

If your mind is stuck up in the production per animal then heavier animals make more sense to you but if you start looking at production per acre then somewhat smaller animals do better.

[@theShepherdess]

You are right about this, but it may be less applicable to sheep as a species since they are already a small class of animal. Inching down to a hearty breed in an already small framed animal presents double the opportunity in my opinion. Thanks so much for commenting! -the Shepherdess

[@breesechick]

🎉

[@andrewrivera4029]

Wow, 3000 miles! How do the animals do traveling for that long?

[@theShepherdess]

This guy did great. Thankfully it was only one way for him. I had an almost fully enclosed trailer, which I think minimized stress! -the Shepherdess

[@Ranchopistolas333.]

Hi ! Recently I bought boer goats 5 + 1buck , once I “ master “ boer goat , I want to also buy doodle sheep . Both for meat . Is there a reason u went with sheep over goat ? Would love to buy some from u in future ! Love ur channel

[@theShepherdess]

Sheep were more readily available to me and the value wasn’t too far below goats. 👍🏻

[@NYBirdman1980]

You are located 1 hour from me, I’m to the southeast of you. any clue on what your prices will be for a ram lamb?

[@theShepherdess]

Yes, I’ll only have 5 available and plan to release pricing to my newsletter subs first. Make sure you are on the list for that (link to subscribe in description). -the Shepherdess

[@mariesellambin9233]

Hi I just started a little farm in north Florida can I buy Dorper very young lamb from you to start?

[@theShepherdess]

I’m sold out for now, but check back next year!

[@colinbateman8233]

So do you have to sheer them

[@Pearl76Perez]

I was wondering if you had any dairy sheep? And could you use dorper sheep for dairy? If so how much would the produce? What would you recommend for a dairy sheep for here in Texas?

[@theShepherdess]

Check out this lady! She is great with dairy sheep: www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com/

[@Pearl76Perez]

@@theShepherdess Thank you. We plan to start having a small amount of sheep for just homesteading for our family but wanted to learn as much as possible before getting started. So thank you for any and all info. ❤️

[@glenncollins294]

Where do you sell?

[@aaronjuan3357]

Hi I have been listening and taking notes from your vids. I love them and I got inspired to trying out sheep farming. I went to my local sheep breeding program from our agriculture department and the have 3 types of sheep. 1. Dorper, 2. Black Belly and Katahdin. I went with the intention to buy pure breed Dorper but was discouraged from the pure breed Dorper as they will not do well as pasture animals in my country of Belize. It's very tropical. Any advice on this?

[@theShepherdess]

Hi Aaron, I recommend going with the breed that is best in your climate. Katahdin would be good to start with as many say that it is a more parasite resistant breed.

[@zyembla]

Your grass is too tall. Nice video, love the passion and excitement

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks so much! -the Shepherdess

[@kylanvanemmerik9397]

How are they with heat? Dry heat? I live in Arizona. I have the same passion for quality of meat. Ive started with Breese chicken.

[@theShepherdess]

They will thrive in your area! They were bred for dry climates and raising them in such a humid region as mine poses some challenges.

[@kylanvanemmerik9397]

@@theShepherdess good to know! Thank you! Whats a breeding pair run with Dorper?