Getting Started with Sheep: Part I – Things to Consider
Kathy Bielek and Roxanne Newton, Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins (EAPK) Communications Committee
(Previously published online with EAPK: January 22, 2026)
(Image Source: Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins)
So, you’ve decided that sheep might be a nice addition to your existing farm, or a good place to start your farming adventures. You may have decided that Katahdins would be the best breed for your situation. After all, they’re hardy, easy care with their shedding hair coat and parasite resistance, and they’re wonderful mothers. Everything sounds great so far, but what now? Where do you go from here? And how do you actually get started? Part 1 of this two-part series will offer questions for you to consider on lots of important topics with links to other EAPK blogs where you can dig deeper into a particular subject. Part 2 will provide a guide to keeping your sheep healthy and productive.
Facilities
First, it’s a good idea to make sure you can actually have sheep on your property. Are there zoning or other restrictions on land use? Do you have adequate acreage? Do you have adequate forage? The number of sheep per acre depends in large part on the type and quality of the forage and your management system. Your local Extension or National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office may be able to provide information on stocking rates in your area. Do you have access to hay if you do not have enough pasture? Have you identified potential poisonous plants and trees in your pastures? Sheep are always willing to try new plants, which isn’t always a good thing.
