Sheep farming made easy – Part 1: Sheep production and breed choices

Sheep production is becoming more popular in Southern Africa and the prices of small stock are increasing at livestock auctions. The success of small stock farming res...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy – Part 2: Production cycles and reproduction management

Reproduction is one of the most important factors which determine profitability when farming with sheep. The reproductive rate varies by farm, production system, and geog...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 3: Sheep production facilities and equipment

Housing needs for sheep vary by climate, seasons of lambing, and management preferences of the farmer. Many different types of housing can be used for sheep. Traditional ...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 4: The big five of parasite control

Devastating losses can be caused in sheep flocks by parasites. In most sheep production areas, internal parasites, or gastro-intestinal nematodes, also known as worms, ar...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 5: Biosecurity on sheep farms

Biosecurity means the management practices that are followed to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases. Healthy animals are the cornerstone of successful sheep f...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy – Part 6: Systems and methods to treat and handle sheep waste

One of the most important aspects of any animal-based agricultural operation is having an effective waste management plan which reaps the benefits of the waste and helps ...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 7: Basic concepts of handling sheep and lambs

Though frequency and need varies, it is usually necessary to handle sheep several times per year for various reasons. Without an easy way to handle sheep and lambs, impor...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy part 8: Sheep handling equipment and restraining devices

Effective sheep handling equipment can cut labour hours by as much as 18%, while allowing handlers to com­plete a variety of tasks efficiently and safely. The layout ...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 9: Flock nutritional requirements

As with people, sheep do not require specific feeds. They require energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, fibre, and water. Many different feedstuffs can meet their nutritio...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 10: Good nutrition – the key to lambing success

Investing in proper nutrition for pregnant and lactating ewes saves both time and money in the long run. Ewes in good body condition prior to lambing have healthier lambs...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 11: Grazing management

Grazing management is how and when you control the grazing habits of the animals on your pastures. What animals, how, when, and for how long they graze a pasture determin...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 12: Controlling predators on sheep farms

Severe losses are suffered by farmers due to predators. The severity of the problem varies by farm and geographic region. For some producers, predator losses can be so ov...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read

Sheep farming made easy Part 13: Marketing of sheep and lamb

Most sheep operations derive the majority of their income from the sale of lambs or meat. As a result, lamb prices have a large influence on profitability and viability o...

24 May 2022 · < 1 min read