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Lambs on the Farm - Page 2

© Don De Beyer

For the summer the lambs are pastured in 3 different areas. They are given the chance to eat down one field before moving to the next. This allows me to provide a nutritious meal to the animals without over stressing any single pasture. This rotational system works well for most of the time, although we can get a fair amount of hot dry weather in late summer in my location. The lambs are given free access to water, salt and minerals. They are fed a pelleted sheep mix morning and at night to help them put on a few more pounds. I also utilize some of my garden byproducts as treats for the lambs when they are available.

In the fall I check the lamb crop every week to feel how well they are finishing. When they are plump enough but not too fat I ship them to the local butcher. Then after a couple of weeks I am able to sell sides of lamb (cut and wrapped) to my customers.

Raising lamb has again this year come to an end. As a small farming business, it is less profitable than some other crops but I get to enjoy watching my lambs all summer. If anyone would like to try raising lamb next year I would suggest you take the plunge and buy a couple of lambs. They are not overly difficult to raise and there is no comparison to the lamb you buy in the local supermarket. It will simply be the best tasting lamb you have every had.

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