- In general sheep are a good choice for first time farmers, and even a large garden can support a few lambs, and whilst they fatten up ready for your freezer, they'll mow your lawn for you too.
- Sheep farmers will generally either raise lambs for meat or raise sheep for the production of wool. Sheep can also be raised for milk, or be bred in order to sell to other farmers.
- Prices will vary, but you can expect to pay around £30 to £40 for a two to three month old weaned lamb, which will then double in value when fattened up a few months later.
- Sheep only need grass to thrive and an acre of pasture should support 6 or 7 sheep. They'll happily live outdoors all year round, although it's a good idea to have some shelter available at lambing time.
- Regular jobs include keeping their feet clipped and the joys of crutching their backsides, which is important as it keeps the flies away, as well as an annual shearing to remove the fleece.
For more on farming sheep, take a look at the following related links:
Wikipedia: Sheep Husbandary
An overview of sheep husbandary - the raising and breeding of domestic sheep
National Sheep Association
Specialist organisation dedicated to safeguarding the interests and future of sheep farmers in the UK
Country Smallholding Magazine: Sheep
A selection of news and magzine articles related to the world of sheep farming
Smallholders Magazine: Sheep
Read up on the latest issues facing sheep farmers with a selection of specialist articles
Soil Association: Sheep
Advice and support for those interested in organic sheep production
