Gerlad Q. Fitch, Extension Sheep Specialist, Oklahoma State University
(Previously published by Oklahoma State University Extension: February, 2017)
There
are many advantages to lambing in October and November in Oklahoma. Small grain pastures can be utilized by the lactating ewes, which have lambed during the mild fall weather. There are no parasite problems for the growing lambs, and the lambs can be sold on the high April and May markets before the summer heat arrives. The only lambs that need to be carried through the summer are replacement ewe lambs.
To accomplish this program, a strict schedule of breeding and lambing activities is necessary. Only certain breeds and breed crosses can be utilized successfully, and an efficient lamb growing and finishing program is needed. The initial program can be successful and reasonably profitable, but the enterprise will become more efficient and profitable if a productive line of ewes is selected.
The purpose of this fact sheet is to suggest a breeding and lambing schedule and a flock management plan that incorporates successful management practices. Suggestions are also presented for a mating system and selection program to improve the productivity of the flock over time. Continue reading A Breeding Program for Fall Lambing
Despite much needed rainfall occurring last week from Meigs and Athens Counties to Belmont County, it was not enough to overcome the drought conditions made worse by scorching heat with many days with high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. Farther north, very little rain fell in August or during the summer. At the Zanesville Municipal Airport for example, only 0.17” of rain fell in August and 4.95” fell in June-August. This marks the driest August on record and second driest summer for this location for the period 1946-2024. Similar conditions are present for many counties across south central and east central Ohio.
are ideally suited to small-scale and part-time farming operations in Pennsylvania due to their adaptability and nutritional versatility. Sheep can be fed a diet high in concentrates (similar to swine) or solely a forage diet. Furthermore, marketing opportunities are plentiful in the northeastern United States. Lambs can be marketed at any age and often vary in weight from 40 to 160 pounds, depending on the time of year and market demand. This publication will focus on accelerated production practices to take advantage of both off-season and holiday markets.
is a complex business and many Ohio farmers utilize outside assistance for specific farm-related work. This option is appealing for tasks requiring specialized equipment or technical expertise. Often, having someone else with specialized tools perform tasks is more cost effective and saves time. Farm work completed by others is often referred to as “custom farm work” or more simply, “custom work.” A “custom rate” is the amount agreed upon by both parties to be paid by the custom work customer to the custom work provider.
to a recent study, lamb consumption increased by $1.17 billion to $1.31 billion.
lamb and goat prices lagged behind the record-high prices of 2022. Based on limited production in 2024, prices have the opportunity to rise.
and goat operations all experience some amount of hay waste during winter feeding. Now is a good time to look back and evaluate how much hay was wasted.