st croix sheep pros and cons
Thank you for joining the journey! Katahdin sheep will strip the bark from cedars, pines and any deciduous tree that has smooth, immature bark. They have fiber/hair that is shed annually and does not contain any wool fiber. A second group was imported into . I wish to sign up to your exclusive club but I dont think that it is much needed at this point as I dont have a farm or even a garden yet. The desire to climb mandates the use of a bale ring to prevent excessive waste. available for sale. In fact, they can grow up to 250lbs. Caribbean Hair sheep were developed from West African hair sheep and a few European wooled sheep that were brought to the Caribbean beginning in the 1600s. While Dorper sheep are considered a hair breed, Ive found a large number have quite a bit of wool or curly fibers in their coat. To learn more you can read our completeadvertising policy. To properly flush a ewe, she should be on an upward nutritional plane and gaining weight. Croix sheep are the most parasite resistant breed, so why don't I raise them on my farm? While I cant speak for other hair breeds, Katahdin sheep are tough, hardy animals with eating habits more like that of a goat. October 26, 2015 at 7:40 PM. Dorper lambs have amazing growth rates when young. They can harbor significant worm populations, yet not suffer the same effects a wool animal would. For us, the Katahdin sheep breed fits our operation and our philosophy quite well. Ive seen Shropshire being used to keep weeds and grass down in Christmas tree plantations. (Lynne Vanderlinden) live in Cave Junction (extreme SW), Oregon, outside I just recentky discovered your Youtube channel and now your blog. Is there any way to contact him? Four years ago we began converting all our cropland into pasture and expanded the flock. We have eight foot Scotch Pines that look like a girdled palm tree and have seen them strip an old dried Christmas tree of its needles. This may or may not be the case in other states. Sheep deposit some of the best fertilizer known to man. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy OT=""; This is down to the fantastic range of benefits they deliver. Thirty percent of the ewes were first-time lambers, having an average of 1.2 lambs/ewe. Most Muslims prefer intact ram lambs without tails being docked. Today I am going to talk about why I raise Dorper sheep instead of St. Croix sheep, despite the fact that St. Croix would seem to be a better fit for my climate. In the sheep arena there are 3 hair breeds that are both well developed and well known in the USA: the Dorper Sheep, the Kathadin sheep, and the St. Croix sheep. A qualityregistered lamb will bring triple the fat lamb price. naturally longer list, and remember, this is from. The Livestock Conservancy is Americas leading organization working to save over 150 heritage breeds from extinction. Not only do they suffer fewer complications during birthing compared to some other breeds, but they also give birth to multiple lambs. For a number of years, there has been a good export market for ewe lambs going to Mexico. Hair sheep dont bring as much on the slaughter market. this breed and its suitability for you, or if you already have them and Due to "con" number Offspring of this imported group were further selected for consistency of conformation, and this process has resulted in the development of the St. Croix, a standardized breed in the United States. The Meatmaster offers farmers an excellent alternative with unique characteristics to meet the International market. Great for a homestead, as I have witnessed first hand over a 3 year period. https://dorpersheep.org/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Mid-America-Dorper-Sale-Report-1.pdf?fs=e&s=cl. As opposed to lawnmowers, when they are fully grown, they can be butchered and either sold or served for dinner. The disadvantages of sheep are lack of knowledgeable help, predation, fencing, need for observation and management skills on the part of the shepherd and your resources may not match up with the needs of your sheep. 1,800 sheep (same AUs) will bring in $300,000. This has nothing to do with genetics and everything to do with the latitude in which the animal lives: Things being equal, our weights will be lower than the weights of similar Katahdins raised in Canada, but higher than ones raised in Florida. The Columbia sheep are large animals with white face. In this useful guide, youll discover the pros and cons of both Dorper and Katahdin sheep, alongside advice on choosing the best type for your farm or homestead. While many breeders enjoy the production of wool, others view annual shearing as a costly expense. In short order, it just leaves their system. They require food in the winter, when the lawns of New England are covered in snow, medical attention, and shelter. Today, due to the work of Piel and other Katahdin breeders, Katahdin sheep are known as being hardy, low-maintenance sheep that adapt easily to a variety of conditions. St. Croix sheep are known for high fertility, and ewe lambs become fertile at about six months of age. All have their pros and cons. We are fortunate that buyers for the large ethnic market in St. Louis often attend sales. Croix sheep are the most parasite resistant breed, so why don't I raise them on my farm? List of the Pros of Living in St. Thomas. OT+=ML.charAt(MI.charCodeAt(j)-48); While I cant speak for other hair sheep breeds, Katahdin sheep are often more flighty than many other breeds: Several producers of both hair and wool animals have found coyote losses are considerably lower with Katahdins. Its carcass size is even smaller than most other wool breeds. We use it alot on the croix. Cost - Sheep aren't cheap. St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders Inc focuses on protecting the future of St. Croix Sheep through preservation, promotion, development of performance characteristics, and supplying registration solutions. 228 views. A Katahdin ewe will average between 140-180 pounds, while Dorper ewes will average 160-200 pounds. And we all know from the last episode the downside of growing useless grass. However, if thats what you are looking for then this breed might not be for you. 3 years ago. Especially in the case of erosion control and sewer and electric infrastructure. Thank so much for this information. Hi Ben, we do have an update they are not here anymore! Over time, "so so" infertile fields can become fairly rich. Pros and cons of Katahdin sheep. Dorpersare known for their fast weight gains as lambs. This market presented difficulties such as lambing in the dead of winter, having lambs large enough (especially when Passover comes early) and pooling with your neighbors to find enough lambs for a truckload. Reply. Most parasite resistant sheep breed! Read more and see the photo gallery here. Email us at [emailprotected]. The sheep proliferated as subsistence livestock and were also valued for the manure critical . ST. The main differences between these two breeds are the colors available, and what they can be used for. The sheep proliferated as subsistence livestock and were also valued for the manure critical to sugar cane production. Katahdin is probably the more economical choice, however, namely because they can produce both meat and milk. My wife and I feel theres no best breed, but rather which breed best fits your operation. The St. Croix is a North American sheep breed thats part of the Caribbean Hair sheep family. Research has shown Dorper have good parasite tolerance or resilience rather than resistance. document.write(OT); The breed has well-documented parasite resistance, far superior to that found in most other sheep breeds. It was a result of crossing St. Croix, a hair sheep breed that originated from the Caribbean, and several other breeds including Suffolk, a British sheep. Some of the main pros of keeping Katahdin sheep include: Katahdin sheep are one of the easiest breeds of sheep to care for. Katahdin Sheep Origin. St Thomas is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. to speed this process up, but like my Mother always said, "If it ain't After being on island for over a year, I thought it was about time to compile a list of both the pros and cons of living on St. Croix. Triplets are not unusual, and they can lamb twice a year. A major con of living in St. Croix is the unreliable electricity and cell coverage. RE/MAX can help! raising St. Croix hair sheep? you want lots of sheep in a short period of time and have a lot of A common lamb on good pasture will perform better than Super Lamb on poor pasture. If you decide to start living in St. Thomas, then you are going to be living in a U.S. territory. . While weve missed out on export sales the last several years because of retaining ewes to increase flock numbers, Mexican buyers will be coming by this spring. Columbia Sheep Characteristics. Many ethnic groups want a much different lamb or goat than has been marketed in the past. These shepherds welcome the St. Croix into their barns as a way to avoid the annual investment in shearing their flock. So in my little comparison of raising sheep for profit and raising cattle for profit, even with all the variabilities, sheep seem to be a bit more profitable. In addition to the $75- to $250-each purchase price, feeding them, housing them, and caring for them can get expensive. Our spring lambs require 4-5 pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of gain. Save. My email is van@cavenet.com and my phone number is 541-592-3444. Your email address will not be published. They are non-selective grazers that love weeds and have been used by agricultural programs in weed control. We also sell breeding stock locally. I can get a # 5 shad rap or walleye diver banging bottom in 32ft of water, but you let out about 80 to 90 yards, I typically use 27lb lead core, with penn 320 reel, it holds all 100 yards and use 5-6ft fireline leader it holds up better than mono. Can anyone help me with pros and cons? The main questions to ask yourself to determine the answer are: Katahdin sheep come in multiple color varieties, whereas Dorper sheep are white and black. Cons of Living in St.Croix 1. If this same time is spent building homestead fencing, watersystems, improving lambing or handling facilities, its improving an operation. Early mo. They like large groups of lambs on each farm, prefer solid colors, registered and must be enrolled in the scrapie program. Infect a St. Croix sheep with this disease and they brush it off like the common cold. Two weeks later, the ewes hadnt lost any body condition. In colder areas, they grow a heavy winter coat of wool and hair that is shed in the spring. Keeping Sheep (how to prepare your farm & yourself), Best Sheep Breeds for Beginners (your options), How to Create a Business Plan for Sheep Farming, How to Buy a Lamb that Will Win! play midwife, and those little guys get up and bounce right away. (ideal market lamb pick), Show Lamb Supplies (4H sheep showing equipment list), How to Show Sheep (7 sheep showing tips for any level), How to Shear a Sheep (step by step with video). Barbado sheep have a very small carcass size. Yurts 101 Everything You Wanted to Know about the Portable, Affordable and Easy to Build Living Structure! If you'd care to discuss this breed and its suitability for you, or if you already have them and just want to exchange thoughts, I'd love to chat. While there are far fewer cons than there are pros for keeping Dorper sheep, you do need to consider the potential downsides. Their browsing ability makes them useful for land management, including mowing grass in orchards and the control of invasive pest plants. $ 350. United States of America. Address: #1 Estate Lower Love. Thinking about Rather than listening to this episode and thinking wow, I should look into livestock, I urge you all to take away the larger message and ask yourself: What is ONE decision I can make to further my passion? They also benefit from a long productive life, giving you maximum bang for your buck. Some breeders cross with heavier hair sheep breeds The St. Croix is adapted to the heat and humidity of a tropical climate, and this adaptation has several manifestations. 2 - Cultural Perspective (and a brief history lesson) Prior to deciding on St. Croix we entertained the idea of teaching internationally and really liked the idea of offering our children (two boys 9 and 7) a broader cultural perspective. They produce excellent fertilizer. - I rarely have to Log in. For registered breeding stock, permanent wooly fibers are a no-no. perspective). Best Features & Instincts of Katahdin Sheep The lighter weights are the result of hot weather reducing forage intake (occurs with all grazing animals) and lowered nutritional quality of cool-season forages. Work with your states department of agriculture if youre interested in export sales. We have an 18-cell planned grazing system with 10,000 feet of electric fence and 5,000 feet of underground waterline on 35 acres. Answer: Pros. I've mentioned the good along with the bad here . I Making Natural Clothing Dye From Vegetables. Passion for eating whole, fresh food. : Did you know Accountant Mike is a reality star? Here's the mess that this sheep made because it couldn't lift its heavy tail out of the way for urinating and defecating. The St. Croix sheep breed has a good taste that does not have the flavor from the lanolin that is produced by wool sheep. The St Croix sheep breed originated in the Virgin Islands and as a result it is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Island White. Theyre too small to be of commercial value. Anyone have any experience with specific breeds? I have the land to run . In 2001, my friend with Polypay paid $2 to shear $.50 worth of wool per animal. These are the toughest sheep you will find anywhere in the US. These sheep are broke to hot wire and being moved every 2 days. - They will eat If you'd care to discuss I went to the St Croix line in 2008. and I currently run around 250 head. Aust pulls out all the stops and brings in Accountant Mike to develop a comprehensive pro/con list to investigate this completely new venture for the homestead. havea regular customer who has a fruit orchardin CA. How Many Sheep Per Acre of Pasture is Ideal? Youll find these sheep to have an easy-going temperament, and they tend to produce leaner meat with even fat distribution. Sheep Nutrition Guide: Sheep Feed Requirements Per Day, Our Weaving Loom Guide (everything you need to know), Sheep Trailer Options (choosing the best kind for you). The Senepol breed combines the N'Dama characteristics of . If you have kids, sheep can make a wonderful family pet. If you're a former "wooly" producer, you Deciding which area is going to be best for you will depend on several factors such as the activities you want to do, whether you require the property to be beachfront, and proximity to restaurants and bars. When comparing weights, keep in mind we live in north central Missouri. The sheep and I (Lynne Vanderlinden) live in Cave Junction (extreme SW), Oregon, outside of Grants Pass. A mature Dorper . 80 pounds at 90 days can be expected. Kid skin leather products such as shoes, car seats, fine leather coats, gloves, etc. The St. Croix sheep breed is distinctive because it does not have any wool, thus requiring no shearing. We are avid fans of St. Croix Hair Sheep, and support the advancement of this excellent breed. Who's Who in U.S. Sheep Breeds (poster), American Sheep Industry Assn., Inc.; 6911 S. Yosemite St. Suite 200; Englewood, CO 80112-1414 Phone: (303) 771-3500 FAX: (303) 771-8200. Our Wiltipoll sheep were developed in Australia from the Wiltshire Horn shedding horned sheep and Poll Dorset sheep back in the 1980s. In this article we will explore all the pros and cons of living in St Thomas. Passion for animals, hard work, and being a maker as opposed to strictly a consumer. We feel this has contributed to the introduction with the Turkish Boz Shepherd Livestock Guardian dogs that seemed more like bringing together old friends. To learn more about St Croix sheep or to find a breeder near you, visit the St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders website. Little mowing. We prefer using forage to produce lambs rather than wool. Ewes often produce twins and have plenty of milk to raise them. Of the ewe lambs exposed, 95 percent gave birth at the age of 11-13 months. They are prized for their lambing ability and their carcasses that are lean and meaty. Our flock is content to sleep outside in the coldest weather and will have unmelted snow on their backs like a wool animal. We find its seldom necessary to trim hooves. The ewes can breed up to twice a year and have an abundance of good quality milk high in butter fat content. I love sheep manure for plants. Our young Katahdins can be difficult to move. Despite what you may read otherwise, most sheep are not overly friendly. naturally longer list, and remember, this is from my personal Length of breeding season heritability is estimated at about 26%, Dr. Inskeep . Dorper Vs Katadhin Sheep: Which is better for your homestead? University of South Dakota research found it requires 250-300 pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of wool. Sheep are easy to handle and generally require little input. Do these ventures create a profit that make sheep a good business decision? Join Here, Wild Harvest The Whitetail Accelerator Course. uncommonly resistant to foot rot, prolapse, and parasites. The carcass weight on a pure St. Croix sheep is not suitable for commercial (meat sales) production. The Dorper was developed in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a Persian ewe. Even though I feed well, they will always might be hesitant about getting back into. However, they have been cross-bred with other breeds over the years to develop the modern breed we see today. ALABAMAALASKAARKANSASCALIFORNIAFLORIDAGEORGIAIDAHOILLINOISINDIANAIOWAKENTUCKYLOUISIANAMARYLANDMICHIGANMINNESOTAMISSISSIPPIMISSOURINORTH CAROLINAOHIOOKLAHOMAOREGONPENNSYLVANIASOUTH CAROLINATENNESSEETEXASVIRGINIAWASHINGTONWEST VIRGINIAWISCONSIN, Email : We rely on the support of our members, grants, and donations from the public to raise the $700,000 a year needed to maintain our conservation work with rare breeds of farm animals. . People in the Midwest or southern states see this and make a trip to Alberta to purchase a super ram. Pros and Cons, https://dorpersheep.org/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Mid-America-Dorper-Sale-Report-1.pdf?fs=e&s=cl. Better vigor. When the weathers hot and the pastures are dry, their wool animals will be under a tree while the hair animals are out grazing. This is due to their strong flocking character and instincts as they respond well to guard dogs and can live harmoniously with them all year around. In our operation, that sheep breed is the Katahdin sheep. Although they are one of the newest sheep breeds introduced in America, Katahdin sheep have quickly become a popular choice. No need for shearing and tail-docking. St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders Inc focuses on protecting the future of St. Croix Sheep through preservation, promotion, development of performance characteristics, and supplying registration solutions. The carcass weight on a pure St. Croix sheep is not suitable for commercial (meat sales) production. Not a Pioneer? I grew up on a 100-acre sheep farm in Maine, was an active member in 4H, and I showed my flock across New England and at the national show in Louisville, Kentucky. If they each produce two lambs and the St. Croix lambs hit 70 pounds at 150 days and the Suffolk lambs hit 120 at the same age, the Suffolk wins. ~Ann, Your email address will not be published. Salty air can take its toll on your things, especially electronics. Excellent way to promote parasite resistance into your flock! Green Pastures Farm St. Croix-sired ewe lambs are raised solely on forage. Unfortunately, as the percentage of Dorper increases, more wool is found in their coat and some animals lose some of their shedding ability. Accountant Mike and Aust battle it out: To mow or not to mow? Contact a breeder in your area about St. Croix hair sheep. The meat has a mild flavor, good grain and produce a lean meat. Though heat tolerant, the sheep can be raised in many parts of North America. Apparently, Momma Kathadin doesnt wait around to see what happens when Mr. Coyote shows up for dinner. They have a mild Roman nose profile with a finer boned facial structure. MI="1?9;80B37:?24G>5E0D80G?8CAEGD8>2=E;00F6>8H7@E0D80G?8CAEGD8>2=E;00F6>8H1 They range from 6'8 to 7 in length; Medium, Medium-Light, or Medium-Heavy in power, and Extra-Fast to Fast in action. . It is becoming more and more popular not just in . the rain gutter and lamb). Unlike any other domesticated livestock cattle, goats, buffalo, you name it we created a set of conditions that put sheep at increased risk of infestation by blowflies by making its tail so heavy that it can't lift it out of the way of its elimination and then . These include: The fact Dorper sheep are easy to breed is a huge advantage. Slight of build, with the narrow, lean carcass typical of some of the ancient British breeds, they are immediately noticeable due to their black and white fleeces and prominent horns. Other than a few lambs for Hispanic weddings, we sell our slaughter animals through the local auction barn. A biography of my early adulthood could be called The Consequences of the Poorly Thought Out Choices.. Thank you. Noise - Loud bleating, cud chewing, and even just digesting may well be audible from inside your home if your sheep are right outside. Laurel Field 8835 S Lone Elder Rd Canby, OR 97013 503-263-6376 secretary@stcroixhairsheep.org It was a fairly bold move at . We feel that our time must be used where it will improve our operation, rather than maintaining status quo. - Unlike my goats, We converted to a COW! We were recently invited out by a couple who are seriously considering moving here and they wanted to know the same things. Aside from the obvious (they taste good), they make This spring we had an overall lambing average of 1.9 lambs/ewe born with 1.7 lambs weaned. They are extremely aggressive foragers towards brush . @"; I mean, Im from the suburbs. I've decided to let them fall in love only once a year. May-June lambs on pasture alone (10-13percentprotein and 60-65percent DOM) will average 45 pounds. In my own life, with a family, a job, and multiple interests, needs, and dreams, learning to make decisions has become a necessary skill. Two lambings a year are not uncommon. Many Greeks eat lamb for Easter, which is not always the same date as the traditional Easter. I dont have a farm yet as I work as an ordinary rank and file employee but it is my ultimate goal to have one someday. However, they have the same sweet faces and disposition of Saanen goats. just want to exchange thoughts, I'd love to chat. 220 reviews. What Needle Felting Supplies Do You Use for Sculpting? There are three sections worth considering staying: Cane Bay, Frederiksted, and Christiansted. I would love to get in touch with the author personally. Like many island nations, St. Croix struggles with power outages, which can disrupt daily life and be a nuisance. of Grants Pass. These include: Dorper sheep dont produce much milk or wool, which means raising them for meat is your only option. At lower latitudes (down south), summer daylight periods are shorter, the temperature higher, grass growth is slower and is lower in protein and higher fiber. Join here. This year, we have purchased a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farmshare with two goals in mind: increase the variety of vegetables in our freezer, and meet local farmers to begin the make the relationships that could possibly gain us a few mentors for our homestead journey. (A friend with Polypay and Katahdin sheep has had the same experience. it wasn't foot rot, it was prolapse, or sheer stupidity (let's lay under The Dorset has white wool and the Persian has a black head. Notes: wool. It is bred as non-fat tailed sheep for top meat production. My email is, St. Croix Sheep In terms of lambing, youll find Katahdins mostly give birth to multiple lambs. Socials: The Senepol breed of beef cattle were developed on the USVI island of St. Croix by Henry C. Nelthropp in the early 1900's by crossing Red Poll cattle and N'Dama cattle. St. Croix rams offer an impressive and exotic looking mane of long white hair around their shoulders and chests, giving them a strong and imperial presence. What were the two breeds of sheep that she crossed? Due to "con" number It is so tranquil and serene. raise a lamb from birth to market weight, even though you get a better In 2020, I discovered the principles of regenerative agriculture and embarked on a journey with the end goal of building a profitable small farm on 23 acres by 2027. The Team at Retire in the VI and St Croix Island Life Real Estate is comprised of a bright and fun group of folks who share a love of St Croix and a desire to help others realize their dream of establishing a home here. If there were a hair Hampshire or Suffolk that would do a better job, wed be raising them. The hair coat, which eliminates the need for shearing, is part of this adaptation. (Which, yes, is about goats, but its relevant.) Fact: Eight or ten years ago you could expect a 5-10 cents/pound discount for hair animals. Bosnians want 60-pound animals while Muslims often prefer 60-80 pound animals. After living in the city, we found a town where we could afford enough land (not a farm, just a big yard) to start experimenting with homesteading. broke, don't fix it". They have a long compact body with long legs. ), more intense selection for increased body length and a ewe flock of around 160-175 ewes. My email is The breed is believed to be descended from African . . Senepol. This, alongside their easy-going dietary needs, really cut down the cost of keeping them. By John Kirchhoff For many people, mentioning hair sheep evokes either I wouldnt have anything else or a No way would I have them response. St. Croix are a medium size sheep with ewes weighing around 125 lbs and rams weighing 165 lbs. Three ewes needed assistance lambing (one got it, the other two didnt and lost their lambs), one of which was 8 years old. unavailability of shearers and then having to practically give away the St. Croix sheep are excellent foragers and very easy keepers. I'm not saying they . If Bowdridge can figure out the genetic marker that allows St. Croix to be immune from this parasite, he could help the entire sheep population of America. Flock owners with less than 50 animals have a difficult time getting someone to shear unless they pool their animals with neighbors. (Grabbing a Romanov thats been walking through cockleburs is like wrestling with a 130-pound cocklebur.). ground, swell. Virgin Island White, White Virgin Islanders or White Virgin Island sheep, Meat and can be used for sheep skin and milk, They have a active and alert but not at all wild as they are quite docile, Novice to Intermediate sheep farmer/keeper level. Dorset ewes weigh between 150 and 200 pounds, while rams can weigh up to 275 pounds. These sheep are typically white in color, though there are known variations such as light brown, tan and black or white with black or brown spots. You may be surprised to learn it's easy to train sheep. In trying to reverse that trend, the Country Boy and I have grown more cautious and methodical. Caribbean Hair sheep were developed from West African hair sheep and a few European wooled sheep that were brought to the Caribbean beginning in the 1600s. Know a lot about lawn mowers, but nothing about sheep? A broken lawn mover has led Aust to pondershould he buy a new ride-on lawnmower? As we said in the introduction, if youre looking to earn multiple income streams from your sheep, youll probably find Katahdins to be the better option. Prolific hair sheep, adapted to humid-hot climates, parasite resistant. Mexicans prefer a larger lamb, and let nothing go to waste. We are currently running 130 registered ewes with 10 commercial ewes that will be dispersed this year. As mentioned earlier, the Katahdin breed has served us well. Pioneers get 10% off beekeeping equipment. The best genetics wont keep an animal from starving to death. Re: Buying a house. Click hereto learn how you can help. The Field Guide to Fleece While you can make a great profit selling meat, if you are looking for multiple income streams from your flock then the Dorper may not be the right breed for you. meat-to-bone ratio. 200 helpful votes. Laurel Field 8835 S Lone Elder Rd Canby, OR 97013 503-263-6376 secretary@stcroixhairsheep.org My friend also mentioned his Katahdin-Dorper lambs are much fatter when born than Polypays. The St Croix (Saint 'Croy') is a breed of domestic sheep native to the U.S. Virgin Islands and named for the island of Saint Croix.They are often also called Virgin Island White because those that were imported into North America were selected for white coloration. To speak to one of our agents contact us today. The first generation grows quite well due to the heterosis effect, but nearly always has a wool coat. You can overcome this by making sure your walls are high enough, and that there is nothing in their enclosure that they can climb onto. Libyans prefer old worn out buck goats for their stronger flavor. The sheep tend not to deposit fat within their muscle. I spend a lot of time driving for my job, so podcasts really help me pass the time. finally got fed up with the labor-intensiveness of my wool breeds. Your email address will not be published. We normally worm our lambs 3-4 times a summer and the ewes not at all. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. weaned wether lambs every spring and butchers them around November. Is there anything more suburban than lawnmowers? You see, this sheep doesn't need shearingit sheds its fleece once a year. 503-367-8912 Caleb & Hannah . Sheep consume roughage as their primary feed. I believe that passion is what largely fuels this community. Several myths still surround hair sheep. Did you know: The St. Croix sheep are very pretty sheep that have a hair covering the body instead of wool. On the Island of St. Croix, they come in shades of brown, white and black. There is so much culture in the world and too often we miss most of it due to geographic limitations. Having raised them since 1999, here's my honest evaluation of the St. Croix breed - This behavior causes problems with maintaining desirable trees unless protection is provided. of Grants Pass. The low maintenance qualities of Katahdins allow us the time to do so. 3,600 posts. Brandon says. Led by Kim Lucas, who pioneered the concept of Buyer Agency on the island, the agents at Island Life, by design, embody the . The backbone of this episode, however, isnt so much about the topic itself, or the debate of Animal vs. Machine. #5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820. info@remax-stcroix.com | 340.773.1048 | 855.909.9152 | Fax: 340.773.1917. Do you want to earn multiple income streams from your flock. Our sponsor The Power Plucker will make your life easier. All things being equal 300 cows will bring in $150,000 a year. Breeding stock is selected under rigorous criteria, including parasite resistance, hair coat, growth characteristics on grass alone and general thriftiness. St. Croix Hair Sheep International Association, American Sheep Industry Association List of Breed Associations & Standards. Medium sized, fine textured and alert at the sides of their head. This video describes why I raise Dorper sheep instead of St. Croix sheep as a meat production breed.Join my Newsletter: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessNWSLTRFOLLOW MY INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessIG -the Shepherdess0:00 Raising Dorper Sheep1:36 Dorper vs St. Croix Sheep Size2:50 The Best Sheep Breed for Meat 4:00 Dorper Sheep Bring Nearly 1 MILLION5:05 How I Manage Parasites on My Sheep Farm6:00 Greg Judy Farms St. CroixIn this video:The best sheep breed for meatMicro Ranching for Profitsheep farming in the USADorper SheepMeat SheepSt. Sheep, however, cannot simply be parked in the shed once theyre done dining. While Im sure Ill rile a lot of Dorper breeders, Ive seen too many that had been sheared before a sale, which defeats the purpose of a hair animal. raising St. Croix hair sheep? The influence of the Wiltshire Horn was later diminished as selection against horns was imposed . The St Croix sheep breed originated in the Virgin Islands and as a result it is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Island White. Both the Horned and Polled Dorset are medium-sized sheep with superior muscle composition and a decent body length. The breed standard calls for the St. Croix to be white. Pros: Sheep tend to be calm and affectionate (as long as you stick with female or neutered male sheep). The last straw was the increasing While many of the characteristics hair animals possess appeal to the hobby flock owner, we expect an animal to make us money; if it doesnt, its gone. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Originating in South Africa, these lovable and attractive sheep tend to come with a lot more pros than cons. The Jacob sheep is indeed a unique breed in America. They are of a medium well sprung frame with long muscle type or pattern. - They seem On the other hand, living in St Croix has its cons such as the threat of natural disasters, the high cost of shipping to the island and no direct international flights. Most hair sheep breeds will lamb out of season without resorting to hormone therapy. There are very few disadvantages of keeping Katahdin sheep. Log in, WHY I DONT RAISE ST. CROIX SHEEP | DORPER vs. ST. CROIX as Meat Breeds. If you'd care to discuss In terms of temperament, cost, and maintenance, they are both excellent options. Insurance for a beachfront property tends to be a bit higher. Thinking about My primary occupation is in business management. Katahdin sheep and Dorper are bred as meat sheep breeds. They have many similarities with the Corriedale sheep. Grazing animals put on weight quickly in preparation for the long winters. After slaughter, all thats left is hide, manure and stomach contents. wonderful pets, lawn mowers and weed eaters. ), In fall 2000, we grazed our flock on cocklebur and waterhemp that followed an oat crop. We are in the process of installing another 10,000 feet of electric fence on 25 acres that will result in another nine paddocks. We both work off thefarm; therefore time is a commodity in short supply. The Katahdin Sheep is a domestic breed developed in Maine in the United States and named after the highest peak in Maine, Mount Katahdin. Foote chose a relatively consistent group of polled, white sheep from a landrace called Virgin Islands White. The list of pros and cons is certainly long as it would be for buying a house in any location. If youre grazing crop-field aftermath, their coat will pick up trash where a Katahdin wont. A type of hair breed, Katahdin sheep originate in the United States. I live in a small condo and armed by nothing but dreams and curiosity. In Canada, Katahdin sheep commonly gain well over a pound per day. RaisingSheep.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The only things to consider include: The fact Katahdin sheep dont produce wool isnt necessarily a disadvantage. Here are a few of the not so great things about sheep that you should know about. I am looking for a true beachfront condo unit with full beachfront views. DOWNLOAD MY FREE Sheep Farming E-book: https://bit.ly/SheepEBOOKSt. Fact: While its true that Barbados and St. Croix are small animals (ewes 80-110 pounds), few commercial breeders raise them. I know there is a good market for hair sheep lambs as well. This is the first time we have Aust step out from behind the curtain of his homestead in a particularly vulnerable position: as a newbie. Sheep provide two sources of cash income: lamb and wool. More on that subject later. Anymore (at least in Missouri) its the carcass quality that sets the price. This is a very old article and I do not have the contact info for John. People have tried for over a hundred years to find just the right breed to thrive in the tropical heat. P.S. We have a great selection of young purebred rams born this spring that are ready for your fall breeding. Both males and females are horned, sporting two, four and occasionally six horns. Answer (1 of 2): I was a resident of St. Thomas for four (4) years beginning in 2004. Some Advantages of Producing Sheep. Hair sheep are preferred to wool sheep for meat purposes for a number of reasons: More mild-flavored meat. When it comes down to it, the choice of whether to add Dorper sheep or Katahdin sheep to your homestead is more about personal preference. Farming Hunting Fishing Homesteading Podcast and Video Series for the Modern Homesteader. However, they have been cross-bred with other breeds over the years to develop the modern breed we see today. The sheep and I 2, I usually have ewes and lambs (on the hoof or freezer-ready) He Sheep Breeds. The St. Croix is a North American sheep breed that's part of the Caribbean Hair sheep family. Where to stay . Fact: While it's true that Barbados and St. Croix are small animals (ewes 80-110 pounds), few commercial breeders raise them. Their hair falls off naturally during the year, making them an easy breed to care for. They usually carry their heads very upright and are an active alert breed. When the pastures are poor, hair animals hold their body condition much better. Report inappropriate . High latitudes (up north) have a short growing season with long daylight periods and fast grass growth that is high in protein and low in fiber. Love the podcast, by the way. And yet, despite the careful mathematical calculations of profit margins, and scientific research on varieties and methods, and the technical ins and out of any pursuit, there is also that most incalculable of all variables: passion. They browse as Three groups of sheep are managed separately: 1) breeding and pregnant ewes and rams; 2) lambing and lactating ewes and lambs; and 3) growing lambs (market lambs and replacements). Thank you. A few more interesting facts to know about the breed, They are pretty docile but very active and vigorous as such no child should be left unsupervised around them. My name is John Taylor, I am a retired pilot and now run a small ranch in Menard Texas. available for sale. St. Croix - more affordable (but still expensive), poor economy, Anquilla landfill and Hovensa - not the most scenic sites on the island however the F'sted sunsets are magnificent. If you have a lot of visitors around your homestead, then this breed might be one that you'd want to consider. For more on the differences, plus potential pros and cons between the breeds, read on. The Teeswater sheep breed is a hardy sheep breed that can withstand most climatic and environmental conditions. starting with the cons: The pros: (a Despite his success in other areas of his homestead, many of which have been shared on the podcast, Aust is revealing that decisions on the farm arent made in a vacuum. They dont need to be sheared, they have a docile temperament making them easy to handle, and they are resistant to disease. Did you know that Dorper sheep dont need to be sheared? Kingshill, St. Croix,, Virgin Islands 00850. The thickness of a Katahdin sheeps winter coat will vary among individuals, but it needs to shed completely for an A or AA coat classification, which is the norm. You can find out more about lambing Dorper sheep through the American Dorper Sheep Breeders Society. They still dont take a huge amount of time to reach it, but it is something to be aware of if you are looking for fast production. Locals of the island refer to themselves as Crucians. 1. Development costs for beachfront property can be slightly more expensive. He buys 4-6 (Weve heard them all.). Good luck! The capital, Charlotte Amalie is located on St Thomas. My name is Joe and Im the owner of RaisingSheep.net a site where I share information and tips about raising sheep for fun, for show, and for profit. The St. Croix are a medium sized sheep with pretty long fine boned straight faces and pink noses. That means you will receive protection via the criminal laws of the United States. The other three Islands that form part of the Group Called US Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John and Water Island. Breeders Association. Raising chickens? St. John - Beautiful but expensive. starting with the cons: - It takes longer to The Teeswater has a lean meat with a good meat to bone ratio and light bone. Docking tails is unnecessary, although you still see some old timers that dock just because they always have. Today, there are several landrace populations within this breed family in the Caribbean. They are mainly white in color, and they have wool all over their bodies except for their bare. No The main reason this hybrid was created was for its meat, not its wool. Being aware of the pros and cons of each breed will help you to make a better-informed decision over which one is right for your setup. If a ewe misses a breeding, she can still lamb three times in two years. These sheep are typically white in color, though there are known variations such as light brown, tan and black or white with black or brown spots. Hi, and welcome to my website. Compared to other breeds, these sheep are relatively new, dating back to the 1950s. Usually, around 150 to 155 days but most gestation is 152 days, Usually, around 150 to 240 day but most are milked for 180 days. The breed was developed in the mid-1950s by crossing imported St. Croix Sheep and several other breeds, including the Suffolk Sheep.They are raised predominantly as meat animals in the U.S. and have become enormously popular in recent years due to high . Pro. These slaughter lambs sell comparable to pure Katahdin sheep per pound unless theyre full of cockleburs and briars. They would be for pasture management and meat. just want to exchange thoughts, I'd love to chat. . If practically anything. Plans for the future include a larger lambing/working shed-currently under construction, later lambing to reduce cold weather losses (10percentdeath loss for everything combined, stillborn, drowning in water tank, mashed, runts, etc. Ewes usually have twin lambs but triplets are not unusual. Our grass-fed ewes normally go into the fall with a body score of 4-5, which makes flushing difficult: Adult Katahdin sheep can maintain themselves on poor quality forage that had our Romanovs literally skin and bones. There is also the possibility of shearing sheep and selling wool. Washington 99117. They also tend to be highly mobile, which means they will climb on top of anything. This versatile breed of sheep is also used for cheese and milk production on some farms. , here's my honest evaluation of the St. Croix breed - After two seasons of growing plants based upon capricious wants (see here for how that turned out), we finally began to do research to inform ourselves on the best possible way to grow the vegetables and plants we want and enjoy. S t. Croix, the largest of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, is one of the toughest environments cattle have faced. To be successful, you must sell quality, and I stress quality animals; send anything else to slaughter. Fourteen years ago my wife got into the sheep business when she purchased three registered Katahdin ewes, a ram, and later, three Romanov ewes. Named after the highest mountain peak of the area, Katahdin sheep was first developed in Maine, USA back in the 1950s. Required fields are marked *. More economical to fatten. Generally, hair breeds are more heat tolerant than wool breeds. This is a very good article to read and understand the secrets of Raising Katahdin Sheep. We just started raising Katahdins this year. In 1975, Dr. Warren Foote of Utah State University imported 22 ewes and three rams from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. We may be partial to the breed, but were not raising a hobby flock. Pro's: Seeing the Southern . Akbash. Any of the sheep breeds thats considered to be one of the true hair sheep breeds has an advantage in that cockleburs, briars, stick-tights and so forth dont become entangled. They are so much cleaner than woolies. Add to our blog community by sharingthat step in the comments! Could I have some input on pros and cons of st croix sheep, please! Have you ever thought about the wayslawnmowers are dangerous? If they don't jump on you, run over you, or jump on cars and over fences. This website uses cookies and third party services. Your email address will not be published. These rods also cost right around $450 - and are Elite St. Croix Fishing Rods. In this area, hair sheep often sell higher than wool sheep. The St. Croix sheep are a hair sheep breed which means they grow a fine coat of hair in the autumn to winter months rather wool and it is shed each spring time. Dorper sheep are exceptionally popular amongst both hobbyists and commercial homesteads. Im sorry I cannot help you. As a bit of trivia, the majority of cull ewes the U.S. exports go to the Mexico City area. I was also told that St Croix are more. I'm torn between Dorper sheep and St Croix sheep. Regardless of how much logical, financial, or any other type of sense any decision makes, without passion to fuel the effort, I truly believe success is limited. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Fine Wool Characteristics, Advantages of Fine Wool Breeds, Disadvantages of Fine Wool Breeds and more. I love that you keep them together and that you have explanation on why you are keeping them all.. Any updates on those? The majority of ewe lambs are sold as registered breeding stock; the majority of ram lambs are sold for slaughter. You're still living in the United States. Because of this behavior, and the mild temperament of the Boz, I was able to raise . There is no hoof trimming, no grain, no weaning, no shots or worming and minimal hay. After lambing season, most of our sheep time is spent managing our pastures so that we can provide our animals with the best quality forage possible. Decision-making is an art and a science. Wondering whether to add Dorper or Katahdin sheep to your homestead? When it comes to sheep, meat market buyers want lambs to weigh 100 lbs before slaughter and they want the lambs to reach this weight by 6-8 months. I A ewes wool will pay her winter feed bill. The St. Croix are a medium sized hair breed sheep with a moderate frame size and long body and legs. To showcase the commercial qualities of our animals, all breeding stock we sell comes directly from pasture, having received no special treatment. Do the numbers add up in favor of sheep?Find out on Part 1 of this FIRST serialized episode of Homesteady! They have a long life and the ewes can produce lambs for up to 10 to 12 years of age. Keeping Boer Goats: 5 Biggest Disadvantages, 4 Best Places with Sheep for Sale in Missouri, They are easy to breed and commonly give birth to multiple lambs, They arent great for milk or wool production, They dont require shearing, tail docking, or crutching, Lambs take a little longer than some breeds to reach market weight. dealing with dirty tags or wool maggots. 509-688-5168 Ralph Jost Wild Rose St. Croix 21720 N Spotted Rd, Deer Park, Washington 99006. In years past, 18-30 pound lambs sold well in Chicago for Jewish Passover. In the 1970's, the Wiltshire Horn, a shedding breed from England, was introduced. Photographs: Dr. Jerry Fitch, Extension Sheep Specialist . Twice a year my friend with Polypays shows up at work doubled over as he shuffles around in pain. We are interested purchasing Katahdin sheep and found this article very helpful. Raising Sheep Has Some Cons. One of the first major successes was the N'Dama from West Africa, imported to St. Croix in the mid- to late 1800s. St. Thomas - to many tourists, crime and dirty on the positve side - Magens Bay Your First Family Milk Cow MASTER CLASS Part 1. Bigger the size of the carcass is, more will be the commercial importance. The flocking instinct of hair animals generally isnt as good as wool breeds. Required fields are marked *, Get access to the entire library, Pioneer's only discounts, and live aftershow chats! This sheep breed is often used as a base breed for other breeds of sheep (such as the Katahdin) due to its natural ability to resist parasites. I sincerely doubt that a statistically average St. Croix ewe, bred to a St. Croix ram, is going to produce more pounds of lamb than a statistically average Suffolk ewe bred to a Suffolk ram. } You can also use them for multiple income streams thanks to their excellent meat and milk production. The Meatmaster Breeders established and developed a sheep breed as close to nature as possible and allow the . They can be used for the sheep skin which has a good quality to it. Animals dont grow as fastbut dont need to with milder winters and longer growing season. . Now you have a good idea of the pros and cons of both Dorper and Katahdin sheep, which one is right for your homestead? 1. To be honest, every breed has it's pros and cons, and Dorper vs. St Croix is not different . Since hair sheep dont have a heavy wool coat, they cant take the cold. $14.95, Copyright 2020 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | PO BOX 477, 33 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312 |. rabbits. If you are looking for manageable, high-yield livestock to raise on limited acreage, you should seriously consider St. Croix hair sheep. ML="e@fycsptg"; Search Island-wide Listings Here! It has an entirely different purposemeat. wonderful pets, lawn mowers and weed eaters. ST. CROIX HAIR SHEEP. number is 541-592-3444. Sheep production does not require elaborate facilities and equipment. Sheep can help the quality of your lawns. Sheep, however, cannot simply be parked in the shed once they're done dining. A type of hair breed, Katahdin sheep originate in the United States. By Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius Many of the Dorper you see have been crossed with Katahdin sheep for several reasons. Hair sheep can also produce leather as a useful byproduct. A Katahdin ewe will average between 140-180 pounds, while Dorper ewes will average 160-200 pounds. I saw that the author is from Central Missouri, which is where we live. Learn More, Questions or comments? Passion for the outdoors. Purebred lambs can reach a weight of 19.9 kgs at 8 weeks old. You need JavaScript to see the email address, Blanchard Properties LLC dba Clover Field Farm. Its important to have an animal thats pure or unaltered for sacrifice in observance of many holidays. clean up what my little princesses (goats) won't touch. - They breed like (You're sitting there nodding in agreement, arent you?). Your in-laws might want to visit for extended periods of time! Positive benefits of St. Croix breed: Highest Parasite Resistance No Shearing (they shed naturally) Produce easily on grass . Approved for use in sheep in October 2009, CIDRs are used for synchronization of estrus resulting in out-of-season breeding and larger groups of ewes that can be bred at the same time in order to narrow lambing periods. Hair sheep breeds (Katahdin, St. Croix, Barbados) generally have much greater parasite resistance than wooled breeds, especially after one year of age. They were bred with other hard footed, shedding, Continue reading "Wiltipoll" For several years weve had Romanov/Katahdin crosses. Additionally, cell phone coverage can be spotty in some remote areas of the island. This characteristic is a huge benefit in terms of overall health and also in terms of annual expenses of time and medication to the shepherd. A large-framed, late-maturing breed will not have the necessary carcass quality at these weights, whereas Katahdin sheep or Dorpers will. They naturally shed their wool throughout the seasons. A year and many dollars later, they cant understand why the rams offspring doesnt grow any faster than the rest of their animals. van@cavenet.com and my phone you want to do it for looks. Electricity and Cell Coverage. DOWNLOAD MY FREE Sheep Farming E-book: https://bit.ly/SheepEBOOKSt. People converting to hair sheep breeds all notice certain things. Wiltshire Horn and St. Croix. A special thanks to our partner: RJS Bee Farm. 8. Lambs can also take a little longer to reach their market weight than some other breeds of sheep. much as graze. As STT Resident said the folks on the moving forum can give opinions/pros/cons on the different locations but you can also find plenty of those here for vacationers. This is inconvenient since you must pasture ram lambs separately from ewes to prevent unplanned pregnancies. St. Croix were first brought to the Caribbean via West Africa. Over time, Caribbean Hair sheep became well adapted to the heat and humidity of their environment. Your email address will not be published. Hi, we are looking at beginning a small flock of hair sheep. If you're a former "wooly" producer, you Have you posted your Bee interview you talked about on this podcast? I began to write an reflection of this episode where I waxed poetic about lawns, livestock, and this episode of Curious George. Or pass over a new machine and invest in some sheep to eat the lawn? I enjoy reading your blog and watching your videos. Originally publishedin sheep! 2, I usually have ewes and lambs (on the hoof or freezer-ready) We regularly offer St. Croix rams for sale, and annually have St. Croix ewes available. There are a lot of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep in the US. swears they're the best organic weed eaters he's ever used. As mentioned earlier, theres no price discount for Katahdin sheep or Dorper sheep in central Missouri. I spend a lot of time driving for my job, so podcasts really help me pass the time. Katahdin sheep and Dorper are bred as meat sheep breeds. Compared to other breeds, these sheep are relatively new, dating back to the 1950s. Aside from the obvious (they taste good), they make Podcast update on that coming soon! Sheep require a minimum . Fact: Katahdin sheep, at least, will thrive from hot, humid Florida to the western provinces of Canada. The breed standard calls for the St. Croix to be white. Consider the pros and cons featured above before making your decision. The St. Croix is increasing in numbers, and though it is still rare, the breeds future seems promising. We would definitely like a breed that is more docile, hardy and produces. Here are my pros and cons (in no particular order). After being in the business of raising wool sheep of various kinds for two decades, I decided in 2005 to start with hair sheep. Image via Shutterstock. While both breeds are exceptionally popular in the US, there are some differences between the two. I've been told that Dorper grow faster but are open to parasites. Fact: In central Missouri, raising sheep for wool has been a losing proposition for a number of years. The Squishy Monster, May 15, 2017. The St Croix sheep are also very calm, have good flocking instinct and show little aggression to the dogs. Our experienced ewes averaged 2.1 lambs/ewe born with 1.9 weaned. The pros: (a The Meatmaster is a composite sheep breed in South Africa. To appeal to ethnic buyers, it often requires a change in flock management. Contrary to the benefits of Barbado sheep, it has more disadvantages. Croix SheepDeworming sheepPros and ConsDorper vs. St. Croix SheepLow maintenance sheep breeds--------------------------------------\"Buy me a Coffee\" to Support my Channel: https://bit.ly/ShphrdssCOFFEE READ MY BLOG: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG SHOP MY MERCH: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH#sheep #Dorpers #farming #ranching ----------------------------- About this Channel: This channel chronicles my journey as a sheep farmer from the very beginning. charles e merrill family tree, hunter twist and lock glass shade, donald brashear wife, lewisville high school football stadium, lincoln northeast high school yearbook, jonathan donais net worth, is lynwood ca ghetto, lensculture street photography awards 2022, nyu general surgery residency alumni, all of the following are true regarding gerrymandering'' except, milwaukee circular saw spare parts, uncle julios spicy margarita recipe, david novarro news anchor, presenting a gift speech example, disadvantages of exporting food,
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