I read about half of the posts on this thread and got so excited -- thank you all for your thoughts. I have 10 acres of really lovely pasture that is currently unoccupied. Interested in raising fiber sheep (specifically I'm really thinking about Blue Face Leicesters) for wool and spinning their wool into yarn + seeing if I could make lanolin with the rougher bits that I don't spin or if there's a way to do both with the same fleece? (We don't use herbicide or pesticide, but won't be certified organic either.) I already make herbal salves, so that would be a great fit.
I have so many questions, though, as someone who hasn't raised any livestock bigger than a chicken.
With lower water needs, since I have a creek running through the pasture can they use that for water? Or is that a problem because it may get spoiled with their poop?
Are there any good plans for sheep barns out there that I could build myself? I have basic construction skills. I know lambing pens are a big need in the barn... anything else to specifically consider?
I have 10 acres of pasture, but only want a small herd. I was thinking 5 the first year just to get the hang of it... then expanding eventually to 20 at most. If they are being rotated to different areas of pasture weekly, I think I would still have more pasture than I need. I have a small tractor, but no haying equipment. Curious what the least expensive option for making one's own hay is? (I mean, probably not a scythe but also not huge expensive machines either... is there a middle road for small farmers?) If I could make my own hay for winter, that would be awesome.
I have basic fencing already that was previously used for cattle - it breaks the 10 acres into two sections. I imagine I'll need to set up additional electric fencing in smaller sections.
With needing a barn and improved fencing I'm thinking I might be looking at one year to prepare before getting the animals a full year from this spring. (Although in crazy moments I wonder if I couldn't make it happen this spring!)
Thanks all for any light you can shed on any part of the above. I'm very excited and terrified.
