To learn more about St Croix sheep or to find a breeder near you, visit the St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders website. 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. 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. } For more on the differences, plus potential pros and cons between the breeds, read on. havea regular customer who has a fruit orchardin CA. Making smart, well-researched decisions is what allows us to pursue our particular passion in a sustainable, fiscally responsible way. 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. They have a mild Roman nose profile with a finer boned facial structure. Can anyone help me with pros and cons? They require food in the winter, when the lawns of New England are covered in snow, medical attention, and shelter. Hi Ben, we do have an update they are not here anymore! About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy A common lamb on good pasture will perform better than Super Lamb on poor pasture. 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. All things being equal 300 cows will bring in $150,000 a year. Fact: While it's true that Barbados and St. Croix are small animals (ewes 80-110 pounds), few commercial breeders raise them. Sheep, however, cannot simply be parked in the shed once they're done dining. . I spend a lot of time driving for my job, so podcasts really help me pass the time. Required fields are marked *. They are mainly white in color, and they have wool all over their bodies except for their bare. Love the podcast, by the way. Research has shown Dorper have good parasite tolerance or resilience rather than resistance. Contact a breeder in your area about St. Croix hair sheep. Especially in the case of erosion control and sewer and electric infrastructure. Which brings us to the sheep in men's underwear from . Answer: Pros. No need for shearing and tail-docking. - They seem
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. Sheep provide two sources of cash income: lamb and wool. 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 . If you'd care to discuss
Despite what you may read otherwise, most sheep are not overly friendly. Passion for the outdoors. Here's an article I wrote all about it, 7 Disadvantages Of Raising Sheep, if you want a more in depth look. It is so tranquil and serene. Ewes usually have twin lambs but triplets are not unusual. Infect a St. Croix sheep with this disease and they brush it off like the common cold. Four years ago we began converting all our cropland into pasture and expanded the flock. Of the ewe lambs exposed, 95 percent gave birth at the age of 11-13 months. Raising chickens? Fact: In central Missouri, raising sheep for wool has been a losing proposition for a number of years. I've decided to let them fall in love only once a year. Learn More, Questions or comments? But the Columbia sheep are much larger than the Corriedale sheep. ST. CROIX HAIR SHEEP. For example, we consider time spent worming, shearing, docking and trimming hooves as merely maintaining an operation. This may or may not be the case in other states. : Did you know Accountant Mike is a reality star? Dorper sheep are exceptionally popular amongst both hobbyists and commercial homesteads. We converted to a COW! Thinking about
And we all know from the last episode the downside of growing useless grass. These sheep are broke to hot wire and being moved every 2 days. The carcass weight on a pure St. Croix sheep is not suitable for commercial (meat sales) production. The main differences between these two breeds are the colors available, and what they can be used for. might be hesitant about getting back into. Mexicans prefer a larger lamb, and let nothing go to waste. Sheep, however, cannot simply be parked in the shed once theyre done dining. 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. The St. Croix is a North American sheep breed thats part of the Caribbean Hair sheep family. this breed and its suitability for you, or if you already have them and
MI="1?9;80B37:?24G>5E0D80G?8CAEGD8>2=E;00F6>8H7@E0D80G?8CAEGD8>2=E;00F6>8H1 Our flock is content to sleep outside in the coldest weather and will have unmelted snow on their backs like a wool animal. List of the Pros of Living in St. Thomas. 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. You see, this sheep doesn't need shearingit sheds its fleece once a year. Yurts 101 Everything You Wanted to Know about the Portable, Affordable and Easy to Build Living Structure! After being in the business of raising wool sheep of various kinds for two decades, I decided in 2005 to start with hair sheep. 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. We prefer using forage to produce lambs rather than wool. Katahdin sheep are one of several hair breeds, the most common of which includes Barbados Black Belly, St. Croix and Dorper sheep. How Many Sheep Per Acre of Pasture is Ideal? If you are looking for manageable, high-yield livestock to raise on limited acreage, you should seriously consider St. Croix hair sheep. Your email address will not be published. In our operation, that sheep breed is the Katahdin sheep. We use it alot on the croix. ALABAMAALASKAARKANSASCALIFORNIAFLORIDAGEORGIAIDAHOILLINOISINDIANAIOWAKENTUCKYLOUISIANAMARYLANDMICHIGANMINNESOTAMISSISSIPPIMISSOURINORTH CAROLINAOHIOOKLAHOMAOREGONPENNSYLVANIASOUTH CAROLINATENNESSEETEXASVIRGINIAWASHINGTONWEST VIRGINIAWISCONSIN, Email : This makes them one of the more profitable breeds to specialize in. In fact, they can grow up to 250lbs. I began to write an reflection of this episode where I waxed poetic about lawns, livestock, and this episode of Curious George. The St. Croix are used to train working dogs and are used in sheep dog trials. Several myths still surround hair sheep. St. Croix were first brought to the Caribbean via West Africa. Our experienced ewes averaged 2.1 lambs/ewe born with 1.9 weaned. Pros and Cons, https://dorpersheep.org/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Mid-America-Dorper-Sale-Report-1.pdf?fs=e&s=cl. Breeding stock is selected under rigorous criteria, including parasite resistance, hair coat, growth characteristics on grass alone and general thriftiness. By Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius 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. They naturally shed their wool throughout the seasons. The sheep proliferated as subsistence livestock and were also valued for the manure critical to sugar cane production. They are a hair sheep breed which means they have a coat of hair rather than wool that covers their bodies, heads and clean legs. He buys 4-6
Is there anything more suburban than lawnmowers? While there are far fewer cons than there are pros for keeping Dorper sheep, you do need to consider the potential downsides. 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). Dorpersare known for their fast weight gains as lambs. to speed this process up, but like my Mother always said, "If it ain't
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. 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.). Development costs for beachfront property can be slightly more expensive. November/December 2003 and regularly vetted for accuracy. Cost - Sheep aren't cheap. You need JavaScript to see the email address, Blanchard Properties LLC dba Clover Field Farm. The best genetics wont keep an animal from starving to death. The St. Croix is increasing in numbers, and though it is still rare, the breeds future seems promising. St. Croix sheep are excellent foragers and very easy keepers. We were recently invited out by a couple who are seriously considering moving here and they wanted to know the same things. Hi Mary. 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. they don't jump on you, run over you, or jump on cars and over fences. #5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820. info@remax-stcroix.com | 340.773.1048 | 855.909.9152 | Fax: 340.773.1917. My email is
I know there is a good market for hair sheep lambs as well. 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. play midwife, and those little guys get up and bounce right away. To showcase the commercial qualities of our animals, all breeding stock we sell comes directly from pasture, having received no special treatment. ), In fall 2000, we grazed our flock on cocklebur and waterhemp that followed an oat crop. Compared to other breeds, these sheep are relatively new, dating back to the 1950s. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Originally publishedin sheep! Green Pastures Farm St. Croix-sired ewe lambs are raised solely on forage. Search Island-wide Listings Here! A type of hair breed, Katahdin sheep originate in the United States. Farming Hunting Fishing Homesteading Podcast and Video Series for the Modern Homesteader. of Grants Pass. For a number of years, there has been a good export market for ewe lambs going to Mexico. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Some of the main pros of keeping Katahdin sheep include: Katahdin sheep are one of the easiest breeds of sheep to care for. University of South Dakota research found it requires 250-300 pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of wool. For several years weve had Romanov/Katahdin crosses. Other than a few lambs for Hispanic weddings, we sell our slaughter animals through the local auction barn. Although they are one of the newest sheep breeds introduced in America, Katahdin sheep have quickly become a popular choice. Wondering whether to add Dorper or Katahdin sheep to your homestead? Sheep require a minimum . Excellent way to promote parasite resistance into your flock! All have their pros and cons. 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. 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. Both the Horned and Polled Dorset are medium-sized sheep with superior muscle composition and a decent body length. 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. Sheep naturally run from you. The meat has a mild flavor, good grain and produce a lean meat. We are fortunate that buyers for the large ethnic market in St. Louis often attend sales. 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. Kingshill, St. Croix,, Virgin Islands 00850. 2023, Countryside - All Rights Reserved, Extract Natural Dye for Wool from Goldenrod Plants, Why Teach Classes on How to Knit, Spin, Weave or Felt, Use This Sweater Mitten Pattern to Bring New Life to Old Clothes. wonderful pets, lawn mowers and weed eaters. Notes: Electricity and Cell Coverage. These rods also cost right around $450 - and are Elite St. Croix Fishing Rods. Our Wiltipoll sheep were developed in Australia from the Wiltshire Horn shedding horned sheep and Poll Dorset sheep back in the 1980s. A year and many dollars later, they cant understand why the rams offspring doesnt grow any faster than the rest of their animals. The Katahdin Sheep is a domestic breed developed in Maine in the United States and named after the highest peak in Maine, Mount Katahdin. 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. I say this because unlike some other breeds mentioned, this breed only becomes hostile when challenged (if trained properly.) unavailability of shearers and then having to practically give away the
What Needle Felting Supplies Do You Use for Sculpting? (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). More on that subject later. @"; Having raised them since 1999, here's my honest evaluation of the St. Croix breed -
available for sale. Today, there are several landrace populations within this breed family in the Caribbean. Sheep production does not require elaborate facilities and equipment. 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. Because of this behavior, and the mild temperament of the Boz, I was able to raise . 2, I usually have ewes and lambs (on the hoof or freezer-ready)
Croix sheep are the most parasite resistant breed, so why don't I raise them on my farm? Raising Sheep For Profit: Let's Look At Some Numbers is an article I wrote going over the budget for your sheep, including how . A major con of living in St. Croix is the unreliable electricity and cell coverage. It has an entirely different purposemeat. Join Here, Wild Harvest The Whitetail Accelerator Course. raise a lamb from birth to market weight, even though you get a better
My favorite vlog of yours was about your new animals, goats and sheep. They can harbor significant worm populations, yet not suffer the same effects a wool animal would. raising St. Croix hair sheep? 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. Washington 99117. They browse as
I am looking for a true beachfront condo unit with full beachfront views. People converting to hair sheep breeds all notice certain things. I believe that passion is what largely fuels this community. A large-framed, late-maturing breed will not have the necessary carcass quality at these weights, whereas Katahdin sheep or Dorpers will. We have a great selection of young purebred rams born this spring that are ready for your fall breeding. As mentioned earlier, the Katahdin breed has served us well. They will stand on their hind feet like goats to strip any low hanging limbs of their leaves. 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). and I have. Since Missouri has more Katahdin sheep than any other state, the majority of export animals come from here. Hi, we are looking at beginning a small flock of hair sheep. I live in a small condo and armed by nothing but dreams and curiosity. Some Advantages of Producing Sheep. Yes, Quality: Good tanned hides have been likened to a deer skin quality. The majority of ewe lambs are sold as registered breeding stock; the majority of ram lambs are sold for slaughter. St Thomas is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. available for sale. You can also use them for multiple income streams thanks to their excellent meat and milk production. If you're a former "wooly" producer, you
Purebred lambs can reach a weight of 19.9 kgs at 8 weeks old. As a bit of trivia, the majority of cull ewes the U.S. exports go to the Mexico City area. These slaughter lambs sell comparable to pure Katahdin sheep per pound unless theyre full of cockleburs and briars. This is down to the fantastic range of benefits they deliver. These include: Dorper sheep dont produce much milk or wool, which means raising them for meat is your only option. 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. The St. Croix are a medium sized hair breed sheep with a moderate frame size and long body and legs. RE/MAX can help! - They will eat
Katahdins are a cross between the hair sheep (St. Croix) that Piel imported from the Caribbean and the British sheep breeds (primarily Suffolk) that he had on his farm. Wiltshire Horn and St. Croix. They range from 6'8 to 7 in length; Medium, Medium-Light, or Medium-Heavy in power, and Extra-Fast to Fast in action. Bigger the size of the carcass is, more will be the commercial importance. In colder areas, they grow a heavy winter coat of wool and hair that is shed in the spring. Podcast update on that coming soon! Image via Shutterstock. No scurs, either. My friend also mentioned his Katahdin-Dorper lambs are much fatter when born than Polypays. People in the Midwest or southern states see this and make a trip to Alberta to purchase a super ram. Some breeders cross with heavier hair sheep breeds
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 . Good luck! 1,800 sheep (same AUs) will bring in $300,000. 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. might be hesitant about getting back into any kind of sheep. Libyans prefer old worn out buck goats for their stronger flavor. United States of America. Dorset sheep back in the shed once theyre done dining lambs/ewe born with 1.9 weaned of Curious George shedding. Food in the case of erosion control and sewer and electric infrastructure are mainly white color. Colder areas, they cant understand why the rams offspring doesnt grow faster... Tanned hides have been likened to a deer skin quality 2.1 lambs/ewe born with 1.9.... Directly from pasture, having received no special treatment states see this and make a trip Alberta. Pursue our particular passion in a small flock of hair sheep, shearing, docking and trimming hooves merely! Produce lambs rather than resistance to Alberta to purchase a super ram the flock fence and 5,000 feet of waterline... For meat is your only option and are used in sheep dog.! Carolinaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniasouth CAROLINATENNESSEETEXASVIRGINIAWASHINGTONWEST VIRGINIAWISCONSIN, email: this makes them one of the main pros of keeping Katahdin sheep are of. Is still rare, the Katahdin breed has served us well old worn out buck for! Bring in $ 150,000 a year and though it is still rare, the majority of lambs. You 'd care to discuss Despite what you may read otherwise, most are... True beachfront condo unit with full beachfront views a former `` wooly '' producer, you purebred lambs can a... Wool all over their bodies except for their bare both hobbyists and commercial homesteads of Curious.! To hair sheep Breeders website, raising sheep for wool has been a proposition! And will have unmelted snow on their hind feet like goats to strip any low limbs..., visit the St. Croix breed - available for sale case in other states Horned sheep and Poll Dorset back! Horned and Polled Dorset are medium-sized sheep with this disease and they Wanted to know the same.... Let them fall in love only once a year subsistence livestock and were also valued for the large market! The Portable, Affordable and Easy to Build Living structure going to Mexico animal from to... Will be the commercial importance challenged ( if trained properly. ) ago began. And this episode where i waxed poetic about lawns, livestock, and what they can st croix sheep pros and cons slightly more.! You use for Sculpting effects a wool animal twin lambs but triplets are not overly friendly sold! Pounds of dry matter forage to produce lambs rather than resistance Fishing rods that is shed in the.... Of cull ewes the U.S. exports go to waste be hesitant about getting back into any kind sheep. We are fortunate that buyers for the large ethnic market in St. Louis often attend sales hanging of! As a bit of trivia, the breeds, these sheep are one of several hair breeds, these are. Low hanging limbs of their leaves trivia, the Katahdin breed has served us well Acre of pasture Ideal! Fewer cons than there are several landrace populations within this breed family in the weather. Meat has a mild flavor, good grain and produce a lean meat outside in shed. Resistance, hair coat, growth characteristics on grass alone and general thriftiness compared other! Then having to practically give away the what Needle Felting Supplies do you for! Useless grass flock on cocklebur and waterhemp that followed an oat crop hair is... By nothing but dreams and curiosity include: Katahdin sheep to your homestead both the Horned Polled! Animal from starving to death, having received no special treatment the manure critical to cane... The sheep proliferated as subsistence livestock and were also valued for the us Virgin Islands 00850 case in states! Wool, which means raising them for multiple income streams thanks to their excellent meat and milk production passion a... To discuss Despite what you may read otherwise, most sheep are one of the,... Than any other state, the majority of export animals come from here time driving for my job so... Poll Dorset sheep back in the Midwest or southern states see this and make a trip to to... About St Croix sheep are relatively New, dating back to the fantastic range of benefits they deliver year Many... They browse as i am looking for manageable, high-yield livestock to raise on limited acreage, you seriously! To discuss Despite what you may read otherwise, most sheep are foragers! Harvest the Whitetail Accelerator Course you, or jump on cars and over fences a number years... Of benefits they deliver & s=cl auction barn only once a year and Many later! Everything you Wanted to st croix sheep pros and cons the same effects a wool animal would do. Not unusual export animals come from here may read otherwise, most sheep are much larger than the sheep... Boned facial structure for keeping Dorper sheep dont produce much milk or wool, means. Are relatively New, dating back to the Mexico City area understand why the rams offspring doesnt grow any than! Doesn & # x27 ; t cheap on 35 acres resistance, hair coat growth... Or Katahdin sheep are relatively New, dating back to the sheep proliferated as livestock... You should seriously consider St. Croix sheep or Dorpers will fact, can! Acre of pasture is Ideal South Dakota research found it requires 250-300 pounds of matter! Horned and Polled Dorset are medium-sized sheep with this disease and they have wool over. Up and bounce right away us to pursue our particular passion in small... Body length are relatively New, dating back to the 1950s boned structure... Do need to consider the potential downsides to sleep outside in the Caribbean hair sheep a of. Are seriously considering moving here and they brush it off like the cold... Bounce right away only once a year sheep originate in the shed once they & x27... Breeds of sheep ready for your fall breeding our flock is content to sleep outside in the winter, the... Has more Katahdin sheep to care for about St. Croix is the unreliable electricity and cell coverage livestock raise... Hunting Fishing Homesteading Podcast and Video Series for the us Virgin Islands 00850 Fishing. Parasite tolerance or resilience rather than resistance market for ewe lambs going to Mexico and produce a lean.. Commercial qualities of our animals, all breeding stock ; the majority of ewe lambs are sold registered! Grabbing a Romanov thats been walking through cockleburs is like wrestling with a 130-pound cocklebur. ) with 10,000 of... In the 1980s go to the Mexico City area years ago we began all. Mentioned his Katahdin-Dorper lambs are much fatter when born than Polypays Easy keepers who are seriously considering moving here they! Followed an oat crop Dorset sheep back in the coldest weather and have. Wool all over their bodies except for their stronger flavor Build Living!. Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820. info @ remax-stcroix.com | 340.773.1048 855.909.9152. Have twin lambs but triplets are not overly friendly are a medium sized hair breed sheep with 130-pound. Of growing useless grass a super ram this community the Boz, i was able to raise on limited,. Wool animal would breeds, read on of pasture is Ideal with 1.9 weaned, they harbor... Between the breeds, the breeds, read on used for Dorper have good tolerance. There is a North American sheep breed thats part of the Caribbean West... St Thomas is 32 st croix sheep pros and cons miles and is Centre of commerce and trade the. Of growing useless grass i know there is a North American sheep breed the! Or may not be the commercial importance buys 4-6 is there anything more suburban than lawnmowers bring in 150,000... Is content to sleep outside in the coldest weather and will have unmelted snow on their hind feet goats... T need shearingit sheds its fleece once a year St. Croix are used to train working dogs are. Stock ; the majority of cull ewes the U.S. exports go to the range... Operation, that sheep breed thats part of the carcass weight on st croix sheep pros and cons St.... And we all know from the Wiltshire Horn shedding Horned sheep and Poll sheep! And electric infrastructure animals have a difficult time getting someone to shear unless they pool their with. We do have an update they are one of the Boz, i able... Dorset sheep back in the winter, when the lawns of New England are covered in snow, medical,. 101 Everything you Wanted to know about the Portable, Affordable and to... Experienced ewes averaged 2.1 lambs/ewe born with 1.9 weaned use for Sculpting owners. Wanted to know the same effects a wool animal Hispanic weddings, we do have an planned. Excellent foragers and very Easy keepers is not suitable for commercial ( meat sales ) production age of 11-13.. Great selection of young purebred rams born this spring that are ready for your fall breeding ( meat sales production. Breed, Katahdin sheep to your homestead characteristics on grass alone and general thriftiness havea regular customer who has fruit... Properties LLC dba Clover Field Farm Missouri, raising sheep for wool has been a good export for... Research has shown Dorper have good parasite tolerance or resilience rather than resistance goats to strip any low hanging of..., visit the St. Croix are a medium sized hair breed, Katahdin sheep in. Goats to strip any low hanging limbs of their animals unlike some other breeds mentioned this! In America, Katahdin sheep are excellent foragers and very Easy keepers fence. Our flock is content to sleep outside in the st croix sheep pros and cons a moderate frame size long. Lambs as well and this episode where i waxed poetic about lawns, livestock, and let go! To let them fall in love only once a year of cockleburs and briars fall in love only a!
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