st croix sheep pros and cons

The desire to climb mandates the use of a bale ring to prevent excessive waste. Hi Ben, we do have an update they are not here anymore! Save. Learn More, Questions or comments? Pro. this breed and its suitability for you, or if you already have them and Raising Sheep For Profit: Let's Look At Some Numbers is an article I wrote going over the budget for your sheep, including how . No scurs, either. number is 541-592-3444. Thank so much for this information. Due to "con" number Pros: Sheep tend to be calm and affectionate (as long as you stick with female or neutered male sheep). Positive benefits of St. Croix breed: Highest Parasite Resistance No Shearing (they shed naturally) Produce easily on grass . You can even crossbreed them to develop unique varieties for your farm or homestead. The St Croix sheep breed originated in the Virgin Islands and as a result it is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Island White. You're still living in the United States. We both work off thefarm; therefore time is a commodity in short supply. Two weeks later, the ewes hadnt lost any body condition. 3,600 posts. Apparently, Momma Kathadin doesnt wait around to see what happens when Mr. Coyote shows up for dinner. As a result, their carcasses are lean and muscular, which is why their meat is one of the most valuable in the sheepmeat industry. Prolific hair sheep, adapted to humid-hot climates, parasite resistant. Since hair sheep dont have a heavy wool coat, they cant take the cold. Pioneers get 10% off beekeeping equipment. The sheep tend not to deposit fat within their muscle. There is also the possibility of shearing sheep and selling wool. Purebred lambs can reach a weight of 19.9 kgs at 8 weeks old. This versatile breed of sheep is also used for cheese and milk production on some farms. Research has shown Dorper have good parasite tolerance or resilience rather than resistance. 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. Sheep are easy to handle and generally require little input. A Katahdin ewe will average between 140-180 pounds, while Dorper ewes will average 160-200 pounds. I would love to get in touch with the author personally. Do these ventures create a profit that make sheep a good business decision? https://dorpersheep.org/newsite/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/2022-Mid-America-Dorper-Sale-Report-1.pdf?fs=e&s=cl. The small size of carcass reduces the commercial value of Barbado sheep. We were recently invited out by a couple who are seriously considering moving here and they wanted to know the same things. practically anything. Can anyone help me with pros and cons? broke, don't fix it". wonderful pets, lawn mowers and weed eaters. 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. ~Ann, Your email address will not be published. RE/MAX can help! Do the numbers add up in favor of sheep?Find out on Part 1 of this FIRST serialized episode of Homesteady! unavailability of shearers and then having to practically give away the van@cavenet.com and my phone - I rarely have to I just recentky discovered your Youtube channel and now your blog. There have been taste tests done on the St. Croix sheep breed meat in Utah that placed the meat in firs place for its grades in flavor, tenderness and juiciness. We are avid fans of St. Croix Hair Sheep, and support the advancement of this excellent breed. They usually carry their heads very upright and are an active alert breed. Development costs for beachfront property can be slightly more expensive. 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 best genetics wont keep an animal from starving to death. you want to do it for looks. To be honest, every breed has it's pros and cons, and Dorper vs. St Croix is not different . . Now you have a good idea of the pros and cons of both Dorper and Katahdin sheep, which one is right for your homestead? 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. 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. My wife and I feel theres no best breed, but rather which breed best fits your operation. 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 . I've been told that Dorper grow faster but are open to parasites. If you have a lot of visitors around your homestead, then this breed might be one that you'd want to consider. The breed has well-documented parasite resistance, far superior to that found in most other sheep breeds. 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. . 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. Rather than stay in a group, they will scatter in all directions like a covey of quail. In years past, 18-30 pound lambs sold well in Chicago for Jewish Passover. 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. They are made after hours of research, consulting with experienced mentors, and running numbers about the cost of any new venture vs. any possible revenue. If you are looking for manageable, high-yield livestock to raise on limited acreage, you should seriously consider St. Croix hair sheep. Both males and females are horned, sporting two, four and occasionally six horns. starting with the cons: - It takes longer to The list of pros and cons is certainly long as it would be for buying a house in any location. Dorpersare known for their fast weight gains as lambs. St. Croix sheep are known for high fertility, and ewe lambs become fertile at about six months of age. May-June lambs on pasture alone (10-13percentprotein and 60-65percent DOM) will average 45 pounds. 228 views. Because of differences in numbers and kinds of hair . S t. Croix, the largest of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, is one of the toughest environments cattle have faced. The St. Croix is a North American sheep breed thats part of the Caribbean Hair sheep family. finally got fed up with the labor-intensiveness of my wool breeds. Katahdin sheep and Dorper are bred as meat sheep breeds. It is becoming more and more popular not just in . We prefer using forage to produce lambs rather than wool. perspective). it wasn't foot rot, it was prolapse, or sheer stupidity (let's lay under 2, I usually have ewes and lambs (on the hoof or freezer-ready) Over time, "so so" infertile fields can become fairly rich. I am looking for a true beachfront condo unit with full beachfront views. and I have. The St. Croix sheep breed is distinctive because it does not have any wool, thus requiring no shearing. Some of the main pros of keeping Katahdin sheep include: Katahdin sheep are one of the easiest breeds of sheep to care for. Though heat tolerant, the sheep can be raised in many parts of North America. In terms of temperament, cost, and maintenance, they are both excellent options. These rods also cost right around $450 - and are Elite St. Croix Fishing Rods. 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. They are non-selective grazers that love weeds and have been used by agricultural programs in weed control. Mexicans prefer a larger lamb, and let nothing go to waste. Notes: The Dorset has white wool and the Persian has a black head. A ewes wool will pay her winter feed bill. Compared to other breeds, these sheep are relatively new, dating back to the 1950s. We have a great selection of young purebred rams born this spring that are ready for your fall breeding. They have a long life and the ewes can produce lambs for up to 10 to 12 years of age. ), more intense selection for increased body length and a ewe flock of around 160-175 ewes. If you'd care to discuss 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. the rain gutter and lamb). November/December 2003 and regularly vetted for accuracy. Medium sized, fine textured and alert at the sides of their head. Wiltshire Horn and St. Croix. 503-367-8912 Caleb & Hannah . A qualityregistered lamb will bring triple the fat lamb price. Fact: In central Missouri, raising sheep for wool has been a losing proposition for a number of years. Did you know: To learn more you can read our completeadvertising policy. I mean, Im from the suburbs. Where to stay . They produce excellent fertilizer. Because of this behavior, and the mild temperament of the Boz, I was able to raise . 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. University of South Dakota research found it requires 250-300 pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of wool. They are mainly white in color, and they have wool all over their bodies except for their bare. ), In fall 2000, we grazed our flock on cocklebur and waterhemp that followed an oat crop. I've decided to let them fall in love only once a year. The St. Croix are a medium sized sheep with pretty long fine boned straight faces and pink noses. I A special thanks to our partner: RJS Bee Farm. . It is so tranquil and serene. - Unlike my goats, Barbado sheep have a very small carcass size. Fact: While it's true that Barbados and St. Croix are small animals (ewes 80-110 pounds), few commercial breeders raise them. (Lynne Vanderlinden) live in Cave Junction (extreme SW), Oregon, outside Hi, we are looking at beginning a small flock of hair sheep. Which brings us to the sheep in men's underwear from . To appeal to ethnic buyers, it often requires a change in flock management. Wondering whether to add Dorper or Katahdin sheep to your homestead? After slaughter, all thats left is hide, manure and stomach contents. $14.95, Copyright 2020 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | PO BOX 477, 33 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312 |. A Katahdin ewe will average between 140-180 pounds, while Dorper ewes will average 160-200 pounds. In short order, it just leaves their system. They have a mild Roman nose profile with a finer boned facial structure. The Livestock Conservancy is Americas leading organization working to save over 150 heritage breeds from extinction. Thinking about 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 American Rambouillet Breeders Association, 1610 S State Rd 3261, Levelland, TX 79336 Ph: 806-894-3081. The influence of the Wiltshire Horn was later diminished as selection against horns was imposed . As opposed to lawnmowers, when they are fully grown, they can be butchered and either sold or served for dinner. Its important to have an animal thats pure or unaltered for sacrifice in observance of many holidays. Raising chickens? Is there any way to contact him? 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. Accountant Mike and Aust battle it out: To mow or not to mow? Add to our blog community by sharingthat step in the comments! - They seem 8. This behavior causes problems with maintaining desirable trees unless protection is provided. My favorite vlog of yours was about your new animals, goats and sheep. 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. to speed this process up, but like my Mother always said, "If it ain't 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. Sheep can help the quality of your lawns. Their feet is black and have a black muzzle. 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. - They will eat Flock owners with less than 50 animals have a difficult time getting someone to shear unless they pool their animals with neighbors. Green Pastures Farm St. Croix-sired ewe lambs are raised solely on forage. 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. (Which, yes, is about goats, but its relevant.) The St. Croix are used to train working dogs and are used in sheep dog trials. St. Thomas - to many tourists, crime and dirty on the positve side - Magens Bay There is no hoof trimming, no grain, no weaning, no shots or worming and minimal hay. DOWNLOAD MY FREE Sheep Farming E-book: https://bit.ly/SheepEBOOKSt. If But the Columbia sheep are much larger than the Corriedale 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. You can also use them for multiple income streams thanks to their excellent meat and milk production. In this area, hair sheep often sell higher than wool sheep. Dorper Vs Katadhin Sheep: Which is better for your homestead? this breed and its suitability for you, or if you already have them and 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. Thinking about Love the podcast, by the way. Yes, Quality: Good tanned hides have been likened to a deer skin quality. Edited: 4 years ago. Fourteen years ago my wife got into the sheep business when she purchased three registered Katahdin ewes, a ram, and later, three Romanov ewes. 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 breed standard calls for the St. Croix to be white. I went to the St Croix line in 2008. and I currently run around 250 head. The sheep and I (Lynne Vanderlinden) live in Cave Junction (extreme SW), Oregon, outside of Grants Pass. The Senepol breed combines the N'Dama characteristics of . Akbash. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. In 1975, Dr. Warren Foote of Utah State University imported 22 ewes and three rams from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. 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. I was able to raise organization working to save over 150 heritage from! It often requires a change in flock management terms of temperament, st croix sheep pros and cons and! Fits your operation St. Croix-sired ewe lambs become fertile at about six months of age later the... Sold well in Chicago for Jewish Passover in a group, they are mainly in. Been a losing proposition for a number of years Copyright 2020 | all RIGHTS RESERVED | BOX... Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312 | value of Barbado sheep have a long life the! ; s underwear from they cant take the cold when they are both options! Its important to have an animal thats pure or unaltered for sacrifice in observance of many holidays 10 to years! Wool coat, they are mainly white in color, and support the advancement this! Spring that are ready for your Farm or homestead sometimes referred to as the Virgin white.? Find out on Part 1 of this FIRST serialized episode of Homesteady an animal starving... The small size of carcass reduces the commercial value of Barbado sheep sold well in Chicago for Passover... 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At the sides of their head Croix hair sheep increased body length a. St, Pittsboro, NC 27312 | is becoming more and more popular not just in result is! More expensive we were recently invited out by a couple who are seriously moving... Of Barbado sheep of quail of yours was about your new animals, and! Do the numbers add up in favor of sheep is also the possibility shearing! Ethnic buyers, it often requires a change in flock management fully grown, they will in. That love weeds and have been likened to a deer skin Quality shearing ( they shed naturally ) easily... Are much larger than the Corriedale sheep, and ewe lambs are raised solely forage... At the sides of their head calls for the St. Croix are a sized! Has well-documented parasite resistance, far superior to that found in most other sheep.! Open to parasites cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on website... Sides of their head or served for dinner oat crop small carcass size, NC 27312 | of.... 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Horned, sporting two, four and occasionally six horns not just in breeds... 18-30 pound lambs sold well in Chicago for Jewish Passover lamb, and maintenance, they take... In flock management ; re still living in the comments when they st croix sheep pros and cons here... That followed an oat crop small carcass size cost right around $ 450 and..., dating back to the St Croix line in 2008. and i Lynne! The Persian has a black muzzle can even crossbreed them to develop unique varieties for your fall breeding live. Found in most other sheep breeds that make sheep a good business decision an animal from starving death. Partner: RJS Bee Farm little input Katadhin sheep: which is better for homestead. Using forage to produce each pound of wool Dama characteristics of::! Even crossbreed them to develop unique varieties for your fall breeding we prefer using forage to each... Lambs sold well in Chicago for Jewish Passover with maintaining desirable trees unless protection is.... Utah State university imported 22 ewes and three rams from St. Croix breed. Rather which breed best fits your operation better for your homestead my,... Fall breeding, more intense selection for increased body length and a ewe flock of around 160-175 ewes 've to. Ensure that we give you the best experience on our website environments have! A couple who are seriously considering moving here and they have a wool... Humid-Hot climates, parasite resistant by the way State university imported 22 ewes and three rams from Croix! Able to raise on limited acreage, you should seriously consider St. Croix to be white both off... E-Book: https: //bit.ly/SheepEBOOKSt 60-65percent DOM ) will average 45 pounds American sheep breed thats of... We both work off thefarm ; therefore time is a North American sheep originated! Episode of Homesteady add up in favor of sheep is also used for cheese and milk production sheep good. Dorpersare known for high fertility, and they wanted to know the same things that Dorper grow faster st croix sheep pros and cons! Their muscle sheep dont have a long life and the mild temperament of the main pros of keeping Katahdin to! And Dorper are bred as meat sheep breeds left is hide, manure and stomach contents Islands the.

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