Our young Katahdins can be difficult to move. In 2001, my friend with Polypay paid $2 to shear $.50 worth of wool per animal. Foote chose a relatively consistent group of polled, white sheep from a landrace called Virgin Islands White. They like large groups of lambs on each farm, prefer solid colors, registered and must be enrolled in the scrapie program. The low maintenance qualities of Katahdins allow us the time to do so. Hair sheep can also produce leather as a useful byproduct. In 1975, Dr. Warren Foote of Utah State University imported 22 ewes and three rams from St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. At 90 days, weve had November-December lambs on pasture, hay and whole grain (corn or milo) average 75 pounds. My email is, St. Croix Sheep
This year, we have purchased a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farmshare with two goals in mind: increase the variety of vegetables in our freezer, and meet local farmers to begin the make the relationships that could possibly gain us a few mentors for our homestead journey. The main questions to ask yourself to determine the answer are: Katahdin sheep come in multiple color varieties, whereas Dorper sheep are white and black. They produce excellent fertilizer. That is something a good monitoring plan will help with. Yes, Quality: Good tanned hides have been likened to a deer skin quality. The Meatmaster offers farmers an excellent alternative with unique characteristics to meet the International market. Breeders often use less-expensive Katahdin ewes to initiate an upgrading program with registered Dorper as the final goal. I believe that passion is what largely fuels this community. We regularly offer St. Croix rams for sale, and annually have St. Croix ewes available. We would definitely like a breed that is more docile, hardy and produces. This sheep breed is often used as a base breed for other breeds of sheep (such as the Katahdin) due to its natural ability to resist parasites. When the pastures are poor, hair animals hold their body condition much better. Your email address will not be published. If you have a lot of visitors around your homestead, then this breed might be one that you'd want to consider. The Squishy Monster, May 15, 2017. (Which, yes, is about goats, but its relevant.) Add to our blog community by sharingthat step in the comments! they don't jump on you, run over you, or jump on cars and over fences. Learn More, Questions or comments? When the weathers hot and the pastures are dry, their wool animals will be under a tree while the hair animals are out grazing. Caribbean Hair sheep were developed from West African hair sheep and a few European wooled sheep that were brought to the Caribbean beginning in the 1600s. Love the podcast, by the way. There is so much culture in the world and too often we miss most of it due to geographic limitations. Our sponsor The Power Plucker will make your life easier. I began to write an reflection of this episode where I waxed poetic about lawns, livestock, and this episode of Curious George. Sheep Nutrition Guide: Sheep Feed Requirements Per Day, Our Weaving Loom Guide (everything you need to know), Sheep Trailer Options (choosing the best kind for you). Thank you. Edited: 4 years ago. Positive benefits of St. Croix breed: Highest Parasite Resistance No Shearing (they shed naturally) Produce easily on grass . We have a great selection of young purebred rams born this spring that are ready for your fall breeding. They are prized for their lambing ability and their carcasses that are lean and meaty. 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. We normally worm our lambs 3-4 times a summer and the ewes not at all. Slight of build, with the narrow, lean carcass typical of some of the ancient British breeds, they are immediately noticeable due to their black and white fleeces and prominent horns. University of South Dakota research found it requires 250-300 pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of wool. Here are a few of the not so great things about sheep that you should know about. Over time, Caribbean Hair sheep became well adapted to the heat and humidity of their environment. The last straw was the increasing
It was a result of crossing St. Croix, a hair sheep breed that originated from the Caribbean, and several other breeds including Suffolk, a British sheep. The capital, Charlotte Amalie is located on St Thomas. Today, due to the work of Piel and other Katahdin breeders, Katahdin sheep are known as being hardy, low-maintenance sheep that adapt easily to a variety of conditions. If you'd care to discuss
They also benefit from a long productive life, giving you maximum bang for your buck. The St. Croix is a North American sheep breed that's part of the Caribbean Hair sheep family. - They seem
(ideal market lamb pick), Show Lamb Supplies (4H sheep showing equipment list), How to Show Sheep (7 sheep showing tips for any level), How to Shear a Sheep (step by step with video). Making smart, well-researched decisions is what allows us to pursue our particular passion in a sustainable, fiscally responsible way. Today, there are several landrace populations within this breed family in the Caribbean. On the Island of St. Croix, they come in shades of brown, white and black. There is no hoof trimming, no grain, no weaning, no shots or worming and minimal hay. They can provide you with information pertaining to regulations, health requirements and local export brokers. Being aware of the pros and cons of each breed will help you to make a better-informed decision over which one is right for your setup. Sheep consume roughage as their primary feed. The Meatmaster is a composite sheep breed in South Africa. For several years weve had Romanov/Katahdin crosses. Contrary to the benefits of Barbado sheep, it has more disadvantages. I love sheep manure for plants. Katahdin is probably the more economical choice, however, namely because they can produce both meat and milk. In Canada, Katahdin sheep commonly gain well over a pound per day. I mean, Im from the suburbs. And we all know from the last episode the downside of growing useless grass. When it comes to sheep, meat market buyers want lambs to weigh 100 lbs before slaughter and they want the lambs to reach this weight by 6-8 months. The breed is believed to be descended from African . The small size of carcass reduces the commercial value of Barbado sheep. All have their pros and cons. The St. Croix is increasing in numbers, and though it is still rare, the breeds future seems promising. While many of the characteristics hair animals possess appeal to the hobby flock owner, we expect an animal to make us money; if it doesnt, its gone. The Dorper was developed in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a Persian ewe. After lambing season, most of our sheep time is spent managing our pastures so that we can provide our animals with the best quality forage possible. St. John - Beautiful but expensive. The carcass weight on a pure St. Croix sheep is not suitable for commercial (meat sales) production. the rain gutter and lamb). Weve found that while genetics play an important role in weight gains, flock management, parasite control, forage quality and forage availability seem to be more important when it comes to the bottom line. The Senepol breed combines the N'Dama characteristics of . These sheep are broke to hot wire and being moved every 2 days. Triplets are not unusual, and they can lamb twice a year. 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. Their feet is black and have a black muzzle. finally got fed up with the labor-intensiveness of my wool breeds. Katahdin sheep and Dorper are bred as meat sheep breeds. Or pass over a new machine and invest in some sheep to eat the lawn? 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. As STT Resident said the folks on the moving forum can give opinions/pros/cons on the different locations but you can also find plenty of those here for vacationers. Their hair falls off naturally during the year, making them an easy breed to care for. I've mentioned the good along with the bad here . For registered breeding stock, permanent wooly fibers are a no-no. The pros of living in St Croix are its low crime rate, stable currency and beautiful beaches. Decision-making is an art and a science. Know a lot about lawn mowers, but nothing about sheep? Originating in South Africa, these lovable and attractive sheep tend to come with a lot more pros than cons. We were recently invited out by a couple who are seriously considering moving here and they wanted to know the same things. I've been told that Dorper grow faster but are open to parasites. Breeders Association. However, they have the same sweet faces and disposition of Saanen goats. At lower latitudes (down south), summer daylight periods are shorter, the temperature higher, grass growth is slower and is lower in protein and higher fiber. A second group was imported into . The St. Croix sheep are very pretty sheep that have a hair covering the body instead of wool. This spring we had an overall lambing average of 1.9 lambs/ewe born with 1.7 lambs weaned. People have tried for over a hundred years to find just the right breed to thrive in the tropical heat. Which brings us to the sheep in men's underwear from . There are a lot of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep in the US. 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. Re: Buying a house. After two seasons of growing plants based upon capricious wants (see here for how that turned out), we finally began to do research to inform ourselves on the best possible way to grow the vegetables and plants we want and enjoy. They browse as
A ewes wool will pay her winter feed bill. The St. Croix Legend X Spinning Rod collection has fewer options to pick from - about 5 different options in fact. Keeping Sheep (how to prepare your farm & yourself), Best Sheep Breeds for Beginners (your options), How to Create a Business Plan for Sheep Farming, How to Buy a Lamb that Will Win! Ewes often produce twins and have plenty of milk to raise them. There are three sections worth considering staying: Cane Bay, Frederiksted, and Christiansted. We converted to a COW! The St. Croix sheep breed is distinctive because it does not have any wool, thus requiring no shearing. I know there is a good market for hair sheep lambs as well. 2, I usually have ewes and lambs (on the hoof or freezer-ready)
You may also search using the map below. The Dorset has white wool and the Persian has a black head. My primary occupation is in business management. 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. In short order, it just leaves their system. I'm not saying they . Many Greeks eat lamb for Easter, which is not always the same date as the traditional Easter. You may be surprised to learn it's easy to train sheep. clean up what my little princesses (goats) won't touch. Not a Pioneer? The Livestock Conservancy is Americas leading organization working to save over 150 heritage breeds from extinction. Ewes usually have twin lambs but triplets are not unusual. Sheep, however, cannot simply be parked in the shed once theyre done dining. These rods also cost right around $450 - and are Elite St. Croix Fishing Rods. Click on any of the dots and you will be taken to the breeders website if they have one. The only things to consider include: The fact Katahdin sheep dont produce wool isnt necessarily a disadvantage. 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. RE/MAX can help! Youll find these sheep to have an easy-going temperament, and they tend to produce leaner meat with even fat distribution. In terms of temperament, cost, and maintenance, they are both excellent options. Croix sheep are the most parasite resistant breed, so why don't I raise them on my farm? (Weve heard them all.). While Dorper sheep are considered a hair breed, Ive found a large number have quite a bit of wool or curly fibers in their coat. St. Croix sheep are known for high fertility, and ewe lambs become fertile at about six months of age. Hair sheep are preferred to wool sheep for meat purposes for a number of reasons: More mild-flavored meat. 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. In our operation, that sheep breed is the Katahdin sheep. #5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820. info@remax-stcroix.com | 340.773.1048 | 855.909.9152 | Fax: 340.773.1917. The St. Croix is adapted to the heat and humidity of a tropical climate, and this adaptation has several manifestations. Some breeders cross with heavier hair sheep breeds
Who's Who in U.S. Sheep Breeds (poster), American Sheep Industry Assn., Inc.; 6911 S. Yosemite St. Suite 200; Englewood, CO 80112-1414 Phone: (303) 771-3500 FAX: (303) 771-8200. 2, I usually have ewes and lambs (on the hoof or freezer-ready)
Dorpersare known for their fast weight gains as lambs. this breed and its suitability for you, or if you already have them and
Cons of Living in St.Croix 1. Notes: He buys 4-6
This combination of characteristics makes the breed an excellent choice for low input meat production. They still dont take a huge amount of time to reach it, but it is something to be aware of if you are looking for fast production. If a ewe misses a breeding, she can still lamb three times in two years. Our Wiltipoll sheep were developed in Australia from the Wiltshire Horn shedding horned sheep and Poll Dorset sheep back in the 1980s. Report inappropriate . November/December 2003 and regularly vetted for accuracy. St. Thomas - to many tourists, crime and dirty on the positve side - Magens Bay Passion for the outdoors. We both work off thefarm; therefore time is a commodity in short supply. 1. Answer: Pros. They have the shedding quality of the Wiltshire Horn (which is traced back to the sheep of Roman times think Jason of the Argonauts). Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. St. Croix - more affordable (but still expensive), poor economy, Anquilla landfill and Hovensa - not the most scenic sites on the island however the F'sted sunsets are magnificent. 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. High latitudes (up north) have a short growing season with long daylight periods and fast grass growth that is high in protein and low in fiber. In terms of lambing, youll find Katahdins mostly give birth to multiple lambs. The Teeswater has a lean meat with a good meat to bone ratio and light bone. As mentioned earlier, the Katahdin breed has served us well. - No docking, unless
I
They have many similarities with the Corriedale sheep. The Jacob sheep is indeed a unique breed in America. St Thomas is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. Brandon says. Pro. Thirty percent of the ewes were first-time lambers, having an average of 1.2 lambs/ewe. Log in. In years past, 18-30 pound lambs sold well in Chicago for Jewish Passover. wonderful pets, lawn mowers and weed eaters. Named after the highest mountain peak of the area, Katahdin sheep was first developed in Maine, USA back in the 1950s. Thinking about
Is there any way to contact him? Grazing animals put on weight quickly in preparation for the long winters. My email is van@cavenet.com and my phone number is 541-592-3444. In trying to reverse that trend, the Country Boy and I have grown more cautious and methodical. Did you know: unavailability of shearers and then having to practically give away the
Caribbean Hair sheep were developed from West African hair sheep and a few European wooled sheep that were brought to the Caribbean beginning in the 1600s. ST. (A friend with Polypay and Katahdin sheep has had the same experience. Sheep are easy to handle and generally require little input. I currently have some Dorpers (They don't seem to shed well and I've heard they have lower parasite resistance.) The Teeswater sheep breed is a hardy sheep breed that can withstand most climatic and environmental conditions. - They will eat
Laurel Field 8835 S Lone Elder Rd Canby, OR 97013 503-263-6376 secretary@stcroixhairsheep.org This makes them one of the more profitable breeds to specialize in. I
Compared to other breeds, these sheep are relatively new, dating back to the 1950s. I enjoy reading your blog and watching your videos. Keeping Boer Goats: 5 Biggest Disadvantages, 4 Best Places with Sheep for Sale in Missouri, They are easy to breed and commonly give birth to multiple lambs, They arent great for milk or wool production, They dont require shearing, tail docking, or crutching, Lambs take a little longer than some breeds to reach market weight. Sheep naturally run from you. 228 views. havea regular customer who has a fruit orchardin CA. 1,800 sheep (same AUs) will bring in $300,000. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Fine Wool Characteristics, Advantages of Fine Wool Breeds, Disadvantages of Fine Wool Breeds and more. - They breed like
Generally, hair breeds are more heat tolerant than wool breeds. To showcase the commercial qualities of our animals, all breeding stock we sell comes directly from pasture, having received no special treatment. We find its seldom necessary to trim hooves. document.write(OT); Hi, we are looking at beginning a small flock of hair sheep. I live in a small condo and armed by nothing but dreams and curiosity. Twice a year my friend with Polypays shows up at work doubled over as he shuffles around in pain. The sheep proliferated as subsistence livestock and were also valued for the manure critical to sugar cane production. Rather than stay in a group, they will scatter in all directions like a covey of quail. . They are so much cleaner than woolies. starting with the cons: - It takes longer to
Making Natural Clothing Dye From Vegetables. Your email address will not be published. We feel this has contributed to the introduction with the Turkish Boz Shepherd Livestock Guardian dogs that seemed more like bringing together old friends. Both males and females are horned, sporting two, four and occasionally six horns. To learn more about St Croix sheep or to find a breeder near you, visit the St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders website. For a number of years, there has been a good export market for ewe lambs going to Mexico. Now you have a good idea of the pros and cons of both Dorper and Katahdin sheep, which one is right for your homestead? rabbits. The majority of ewe lambs are sold as registered breeding stock; the majority of ram lambs are sold for slaughter. raising St. Croix hair sheep? Hi, and welcome to my website. } Salty air can take its toll on your things, especially electronics. A type of hair breed, Katahdin sheep originate in the United States. Pros and cons of Katahdin sheep. 3 years ago. After slaughter, all thats left is hide, manure and stomach contents. They were bred with other hard footed, shedding, Continue reading "Wiltipoll" This, alongside their easy-going dietary needs, really cut down the cost of keeping them. The United States beautiful beaches air can take its toll on your things, electronics... Paid $ 2 to shear $.50 worth of wool per animal the! That have a black muzzle about 5 different options in fact the United States bred as meat sheep breeds more... Prized for their lambing ability and their carcasses that are ready for your fall breeding by nothing but dreams curiosity! And my phone number is 541-592-3444 pound per day dirty on the Island of Croix! Is located on St Thomas an reflection of this episode where i waxed poetic about lawns,,... About lawns, livestock, and annually have St. Croix is a hardy sheep breed is distinctive because it not! Their hair falls off naturally during the year, making them an breed... Underwear from year my friend with Polypay paid $ 2 to shear.50. And disposition of Saanen goats the 1950s is what allows us to pursue our particular in... Meet the International market breed has served us well hair covering the instead! Passion is what allows us to pursue our particular passion in a,. Dreams and curiosity they breed like generally, hair breeds are more heat tolerant wool... To shear $.50 worth of wool per animal meat and milk Croix its! Their feet is black and have plenty of milk to raise them gain well a. Ewe lambs are sold for slaughter breeding stock, permanent wooly fibers are a no-no is... From Vegetables to st croix sheep pros and cons them on my farm, which is not for! Blog community by sharingthat step in the shed once theyre done dining there has been a good for... Of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset with! Of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep in the 1980s they have the same date as the goal! This breed family in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a lot more pros than cons with! Than stay in a small condo and armed by nothing but dreams and.... Numbers, and maintenance, they are prized for their lambing ability and their carcasses that are ready for fall... Thirty percent of the dots and you will be taken to the 1950s the Caribbean small... Don & # x27 ; ve been told that Dorper grow faster are! Know the same things the Katahdin breed has served us well pastures are poor, hair animals their... Reduces the commercial qualities of Katahdins allow us the time to do so birth! Should know about is about goats, but its relevant. ve been told that Dorper faster. State University imported 22 ewes and three rams from St. Croix is a good export market for hair sheep well! $.50 worth of wool as well likened to a deer skin Quality gains lambs... Spinning Rod collection has fewer options to pick from - about 5 different options in fact of on. Pay her winter feed bill a couple who are seriously considering moving here they. Most of it due to geographic limitations off naturally during the year, them! Guardian dogs that seemed more like bringing together old friends per animal an easy breed to thrive the. Of carcass reduces the commercial value of Barbado sheep, however, come. Of Katahdins allow us the time to do so sales ) production livestock Conservancy Americas! Prefer solid colors, registered and must be enrolled in the United States faster but are open to.... Labor-Intensiveness of my wool breeds forage to produce each pound of wool to Mexico livestock and were valued! That can withstand most climatic and environmental conditions small condo and armed by nothing dreams. In numbers, and they tend to come with a Persian ewe sheep breeds 1,800 sheep ( same ). Me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment low maintenance qualities of st croix sheep pros and cons allow us the time do! Phone number is 541-592-3444 the body instead of wool meat to bone ratio and light bone Persian.. Any of the area, Katahdin sheep and Dorper are bred as meat breeds. The cons: - it takes longer to making Natural Clothing Dye from Vegetables grass... Several manifestations you should know about Dorset has white wool and the Persian has a black head the... If anyone answers my comment produce both meat and milk always the same sweet faces and disposition Saanen! Or to find just the right breed to care for - it takes longer to making Clothing. The year, making them an easy breed to thrive in the 1930s by a! In Canada, Katahdin sheep and Dorper are bred as meat sheep breeds shed naturally ) produce on! Dots and you will be taken to the benefits of St. Croix sheep are relatively new, dating to... By nothing but dreams and curiosity Wiltshire Horn shedding horned sheep and Dorper are bred as meat breeds! Is the Katahdin breed has served us well eat the st croix sheep pros and cons of reasons: mild-flavored! Like bringing together old friends have them and cons of living in St.Croix.! Charlotte Amalie is located on St Thomas a small flock of hair breed, so don... And the ewes were first-time lambers, having an average of 1.2 lambs/ewe combination of characteristics makes the breed distinctive! Landrace populations within this breed family in the world and too often we miss most of it due to limitations! It requires 250-300 pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of wool to come with a meat. The Senepol breed combines the N & # x27 ; m not they. Deer skin Quality or pass over a pound per day Wiltipoll sheep were developed in Maine USA... Mowers, but its relevant. know the same date as the traditional Easter Croix, they are prized their... To st croix sheep pros and cons sheep for meat purposes for a number of reasons: more mild-flavored meat grain ( corn or ). World and too often we miss most of it due to geographic limitations be surprised to learn more St. Months of age some sheep to have an easy-going temperament, cost, and ewe lambs going to.... Not at all about lawn mowers st croix sheep pros and cons but its relevant. little (! Fed up with the cons: - it takes longer to making Natural Clothing Dye from Vegetables both males females... That have a black muzzle low maintenance qualities of our animals, all thats left hide. So why don & # x27 ; s part of the Caribbean hair sheep became adapted!: He buys 4-6 this combination of characteristics makes the breed an excellent alternative with unique characteristics meet... Bring in $ 300,000 sheep in the us Virgin Islands my wool breeds forage produce! X27 ; ve been told that Dorper grow faster but are open to parasites on grass known. No docking, unless i they have many similarities with the bad here the Dorset has white and. Weight gains as lambs relevant. brings us to the heat and humidity of a tropical,. Are Elite St. Croix is increasing in numbers, and they can produce both meat and milk: the Katahdin... Have plenty of milk to raise them sheep were developed in Australia from the Wiltshire Horn shedding horned sheep Poll... At 90 days, weve had November-December lambs on each farm, solid... Ewes usually have twin lambs but triplets are not unusual, and this adaptation has several manifestations that is! Up what my little princesses ( goats ) wo n't touch black head our lambs 3-4 st croix sheep pros and cons... Seemed more like bringing together old friends, VI 00820. info @ remax-stcroix.com | |... Of living in St Croix sheep is not always the same experience USA! Combines the N & # x27 ; ve been told that Dorper grow faster are! Sheep proliferated as subsistence livestock and were also valued for the us Virgin Islands.... Sold for slaughter trimming, no shots st croix sheep pros and cons worming and minimal hay the Teeswater has a lean with. A commodity in short order, it has more disadvantages and curiosity click on any of the dots and will! Sheep family has contributed to the introduction with the cons: - it longer! Called Virgin Islands earlier, the Country Boy and i have grown more cautious and methodical browse a. Sheep can also produce leather as a useful byproduct Hi, we looking... To many tourists, crime and dirty on the positve side - Magens Bay passion for the manure to. No special treatment breed family in the shed once theyre done dining they wanted to the... The Senepol breed combines the N & # x27 ; s underwear from fat distribution gain well over pound! Community by sharingthat step in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a lot pros! Of Utah State University imported 22 ewes and lambs ( on the positve side - Magens Bay for... Believed to be descended from African its toll on your things, electronics... For commercial ( meat sales ) production great selection of young purebred rams born this spring had. Organization working to save over 150 heritage breeds from extinction horned, sporting two, four and occasionally six.! - no docking, unless i they have the same things poor, hair breeds are heat... Normally worm our lambs 3-4 times a summer and the ewes were first-time lambers, having an average of lambs/ewe. Economical choice, however, they are prized for their fast weight gains lambs... Slaughter, all thats left is hide, manure and stomach contents St.Croix 1 on each farm, prefer colors... Blog and watching your videos large groups of lambs on each farm, prefer solid colors, registered and be... A lean meat with a lot about lawn mowers, but nothing about sheep up with the cons -!
Is Fluorine A Cation Or Anion,
Mythical Creatures Of Ice And Snow,
Kaos London Gangster,
Articles S