The Sheep Show Podcast with Jill & Andrew Noble

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They say we only have about 30 good lambings if you are coming to farming as an adult in us but what if you did it twice a year! This is what Andrew and I have done in 2024 and 2025. So what did we learn, what is our plan and what are new going to change or improve for 2026. Join in the sibling sheep reflections on 2025 and planning for 2026 lambing. 

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So now that you know the pod is back and that you get a double dose with both of us you might be wondering how did we get here? 

What journey we both took to get into farming and sheep and how did we decide to do the pod together. We explore with some sibling banter and reminiscing along the way. Enjoy this first official episode of the relaunched podcast! 

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Merry Christmas and SURPRISE!! Yes the pod is returning after a (too long) break, and this time I'm not alone! I've got a co-host with me - yes Andrew, my brother, and I will now be co-hosting the pod! Want to get a double dose of sheep content this is your spot! Two flocks, two hemispheres, lambing twice a year with two Nobles - we can't wait to bring you a double helping of sheep chats in 2026! Join us on the journey, message us and get in...

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Samantha Wan was raised in Sydney's west but now farm's Merino wool sheep in Victoria's west. By day she is a wool broker for Elders and is also developing her own brand of wool clothing - a definite wool champion!

In this episode we explore Samantha's:

Wool Growing Process

Wool Quality & Marketing strategies 

Sustainability & Challenges with producing wool 

Innovation & The Future of wool 

Find her here:

h...

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You ask 10 people for their advice on a sheep matter and you get 100 different answers! Hey it's sheep math! But why are there so many conflicting suggestions advice and ideas when it comes to sheeping? In this episode we explore some of the reasons for this as well as offer some tools to help you analyse the advice you get so that it can be useful and helpful for you and your sheep!

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If you are new to sheep breeding you might tempted to breed rams from day 1. In this episode we explore all the things you need to know, do and get organised before you breed rams on your farm. Otherwise just put a ring on it!

#sheep

#sheepeducation

#wiltshirehornsheep

#farmingsheep

#rams

#thesheepshowpodcast

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What do you were for farming/sheeping and what do you wear for lambing? Here are my picks! Happy sheep clothing shopping!

https://www.hardyakka.com/au

https://rbsellars.com.au/collections/womens-workshirts

https://rbsellars.com.au/collections/workshirts

https://www.workwearhub.com.au/products/blundstone-womens-rotoflex-8860-high-zip-side-safety-boot-wheat?variant=40023461101707&country=AU¤cy=AUD&tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=392075308&msclkid=7ed05ed48788168dd3ba393b52dd2674&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=B%20%7C%20Blundstone%20%7C%20Shopping&u...

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Is your farming partner as obsessed with sheep as you are? Probably not! So what causes these divides to occur in relationships, how does it impact us and our farming partner/life partner/husband/wife and what can we do about these differences. 

In this episode we explore the reality of sheeping and farming where the levels of sheep passion differ. It's raw but hopeful! 

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Imagine sheepbreeding reimagined? That's what Jake Wolki, a farmer and producer from Albury NSW is doing? He never wanted sheep on his farm and now they are his favourite and most valuable source of revenue in his business. 

Jake never takes his rams out, wants to breed all year round and doesn't cull for some of the other traits most of might cull for. 

This episode will flip your thinking on traditional sheep breeding and farming and Jake is refreshing and innovative in hi...

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We know how amazing sheep vision is and how well adapted their eyes are but what about colour? Can they see colour and if so what ones? All is revealed in this rather colourful episode!

Links:

https://sheepcaretaker.com/sheep-vision/

https://open.spotify.com/show/6aL2KSW3eOhDeN1MexfnAK?si=V1jZaMumTBis_jmJ-r9Upw&nd=1&dlsi=9236278dd33e455b

https://www.instagram.com/roundwoodcheviotfarm/

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What if my neighbour doesn't manage their sheep like I do, are my sheep at risk of worms or disease? In this episode we explore the risks and realities and if we can do anything as preventative measures to reduce biosecurity risk that neighbouring sheep present. 

Link:

https://www.lls.nsw.gov.au/regions/south-east/latest-news-and-newsletters/newsletters/newsletter-issues/2019/october/good-fences-make-good-neighbours

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It was a snake bite! A common explanation for sudden death in sheep in Australia. What else causes sudden death in sheep and what can we do to prevent sudden death in our flocks.  

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One of my most passionate topics, there are so many benefits to breeding and keeping your ewe lambs. In this episode we explore all the benefits that you can get and the reasons to explore a self replacing flock with extreme benefits! 

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Thermal and environmental stress impacts every sheep farmer and breeder. But does it have a silver lining? 

In this subscriber only episode we explore the challenges of having no rain for four months and what benefits it has provided. We also chat about how to prepare for the worst case environmental situation when sheeping. Enjoy and keep positive! 

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ht...

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Why do sheep have horns and some don't? What is the function of the horn and might it have an impact when we poll sheep? 

Let's talk all things sheep horns!!

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Do you see snot in your sheep? Nasal discharge can be worrying for us shepherds and there are a few reasons for nasal discharge. 

In this episode we explore what it is and what might cause it.

Some links

https://www.farmhealthonline.com/disease-management/sheep-diseases/cobalt-deficiency-in-sheep/

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Foxes prey on animals and kill lambs, they seem to enjoy the head and organs! In this episode we explore strategies and tools and I introduce a new member of the farm who I hope will help with the fight against the fox!

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I've been exploring some new opportunities for selling lamb meat recently and what do you know - we need to educate customers and think differently ourselves to make it work!

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Sheep framing is always a balancing act and getting ready for joining is no different. What do you need to balance and get right with your rams and ewes before joining - in this episode we explore this along with the other challenges we need to balance with sheep farming and breeding. 

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A new year brings new opportunities but also new challenges. In this subscriber only episode we explore  why we do what we do and what helps us when the going gets tough. Enjoy!

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Back to the mother country (Ireland) and what do you do but farm! Here is what I picked up on my travels! Enjoy listening. 

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Head here to purchase Deb's book:  Website: www.debholmquist.com  or to Amazon 


Debut Author DEBBY JO HOLMQUIST Launches Captivating, Jaw Dropping Memoir, “A SHEPHERDESS BEATEN BUT NEVER BROKEN: A True Story of Resilience, Triumph, and Overcoming Adversity with Grace”

Paris, IL—On January 16th, 2025, first-time author Debby Jo Holmquist will release her debut memoir, “A SHEPHERDESS BEATEN BUT NEVER BROKEN: A True Story of Resilience, Triumph, and Overcoming Adversity with Grace.” 

This touching memoir chronicles her difficult ch...

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Homosexual behavior in sheep has been well documented and studied. The domestic sheep (Ovis aries) is the only species of mammal except for humans which exhibits exclusive homosexual behaviour.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn3008-homosexuality-is-biological-suggests-gay-sheep-study/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexual_behavior_in_sheep#cite_note-Bagemihl-21

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What are my sheep telling me through their body? What parts of the body communicate the most when it comes to sheep/

Links:
https://amazinganimalminds.com/how-can-you-tell-your-sheep-is-happy/
https://www.msdvetmanual.com/behavior/normal-social-behavior-and-behavioral-problems-of-domestic-animals/social-behavior-of-sheep

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Do you have regrets when you look back on the year? I know I do! This is a trip down 2024 lessons and what I will not be repeating next year or hopefully ever! 

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Whether you are a novice or a pro with tagging sheep you always are thinking about a better way to do it. How can I make the tags easier to read? How can I reduce stress and pain on my animal? 

The basics

For sheep the only tag necessary is an NLIS tag. This is usually the smaller tag and contains your pic number, animal farm identification number (which you choose) and details of any accreditations your farm has - for e...

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Ever wondered what sheep are saying to each other or to you?? Let's talk sheep!!

Research links:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159121000514

https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2022.703514

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Ever heard of One Health? You might not have, but, you do know about Q fever! In this piece Jessi Hekmati an international specialist on the topic explains how they connect. 

What is One Health?

One Health is the collaborative approach that recognizes the interconnectedness we share with other humans, animals and our shared environment. More specifically, the health of animals directly impacts the health of human beings and vice versa. As farmers and individuals who work with sheep and animals, it is i...

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Every had mismatched twins? Want to know what causes it and how to prevent it - have a listen in and enjoy!

https://farmnews.co.nz/2012/12/02/more-than-one-cause-of-mismatched-lambs/

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All animals have their own limit/load to how much heat they can tolerate. This is important for normal body functions in sheep as their internal temperature to be maintained within a narrow range.  In this episode we explore what is heat stress, how to identify it and hot to treat, manage and prevent heat stress in your sheep.

Useful links:

https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/livestock-health-and-welfare/caring-for-animals-during-extreme-heat

·        https://www.mla.com.au/extension-training-and-tools/resource-hubs/transport-hub/sheep-transport-guidelines/

·        https://www.agric.w...

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The principles of ‘fit to load’ are to be used at any time the animal is being transported by road or rail. 

For more information, please visit https://www.mla.com.au/fittoload where the full guide by MLA can be downloaded/printed for future use.  This article has been adapted from the MLA ‘Fit to Load’ Guideline book (2019)

US links https://animal-welfare.extension.org/transport-and-care-of-sheep-and-goats/

Canadian links https://inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/imports/import-policies/live-animals/2011-4

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Do you ever find yourself questioning your life choices with sheep and farming? I know I have. In this episode we question life choices and explore how you know if sheeping is right for you now and when or if that might change how you might know. 
An existential episode of sorts to ponder and reflect on the choices we make and the challenges that come with those choices. 
Remember it's ok to question!

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Ever get the feeling that you should read the instructions!?? In this episode we explore what could and did go wrong when i didn't stop and read the label. Good advice for us all!

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It's about time that I focused on my own sheep!~ So to celebrate 175 episodes of The Sheep Show Podcast here is a special episode on Wiltshire Horn sheep - enjoy!

https://www.wiltshirehorn.org.uk/breed/
https://wiltshirehornaustralia.com.au/

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I used the heatwave milk warmer this year to feed my bottle babies. It is distributed in Australia through Shearwell and is a Pyon product from the UK. Here is what I thought!

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What is it like to judge over 100 sheep and 6 breeds of sheep in one day! It was amazing! In this episode I explain my methodology and approach to judging sheep and what I focused on during my judging at Sheepvention 2024.

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What cool opportunity to explore shearing with none other than the famous Chloe!

Want to know when to shear, what you need to shear sheep and what breeds are easier to shear - check this episode out!

In this episode we explore:

How did Chloe become a shearer?

How many sheep does she shear each season?

Do you need a qualification to shear? Is that the same everywhere in the world?

Who is her typical...

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Rachel is a power house of knowledge and energy! Not only has she and her husband Kyle set up a sheep milking operation she has written a book about it! 

Enjoy this episode whether you want to milk your sheep or not!


Check out what Rachel is up to on her insta handle
@whoopsydaisyfarm

And her book @
https://sawdustpublishing.com/product/the-guide-to-homestead-dairy-sheep/

www.sawdustpublishing.com

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Patience is a virtue and in this episode we explore how patient we might need to be when breeding maiden ewes - lots of lessons here for me!

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More tales and tails of lambing on the farm, including challenges and surprises with lambing maidens. Enjoy!

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I had the honor recently to judge sheep at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show and in this episode I share with you what I learned about sheep and judging sheep from that amazing experience!

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The highs and lows, lessons and experiments from this year's lambing so far! Get ready for some very gory insights! 


The sheep magazine in digital copy: 
https://assba.com.au/Main.asp?_=Muster&D=/edit/Muster/&W=F&X=R 

To subscribe to the sheep magazine follow the link below: 

https://assba.com.au/products/display.asp?ID=1&Title=The%20MUSTER%20MAGAZINE%20annual%20subscription

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Where do hair sheep come from? Are they are fad? What are their features and advantages and what breeds are there? Enjoy this journey into the amazing world of hair sheep breeds!

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What are dual purpose sheep breeds? How many are in this category and how do they vary country by country. Learn all about dual purpose sheep breeds in this episode! 

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I love wool! Who knew there were so many breeds that offer us such a brilliant resource. Enjoy learning about the variety of wool sheep breeds that we have, where they come from and what qualities of wool they have.

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Talking our fight zone episode to the next level for you, my lovely subscriber! What are the tricks to make managing, moving and handling sheep easy. In this episode we talk about having a sixth sense with your sheep so working with them becomes easy! These tips will help reduce stress on you and your sheep every time you interact. 

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In this episode we explore sheep that are primarily raised and valued for their meat production.

These individual types of meat sheep are selected and bred for their ability to gain weight rapidly. Each lamb produces a lean, muscular high-yield carcass which is desirable for the cook, the chef or the consumer!

We specifically explore :
What are meat sheep 

Breeds of meat sheep of the world 

Why breed meat sheep 

Where you might find meat sheep

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Disclaimer - history was not my best subject at school! Nevertheless here is my attempt at a short history of sheep! 
https://www.britannica.com/animal/mouflon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheep

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Following on from the episode on terminal sheep systems in this episode we explore the pros and cons of the maternal production system when breeding sheep. 

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A terminal sire is typically used in a commercial breeding program. This is a breeding program where the offspring of the sire will generally be slaughtered for meat. As a rule, a terminal sire’s primary use is to produce good quality market animals.

Terminal sires are used but they are rarely, if ever, used to produce replacements or breeding animals. In a terminal sire breeding system, breeding and replacements animals are often bought in.

In this episode we explore the terminal approach in...

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It is a reality for us all in these challenging tight times with high interest rates that we might need to reduce costs in any business and on any farm. In this episode we explore what we are doing to reduce costs without negatively impacting animal welfare or productivity on the farm. 
Enjoy this reality check of an episode!

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Ever dreamed of an easy, hassle free place to market and sell your sheep - well such a place now exists in Australia now but soon to come to a country near you!

Youchoose's mission is to create a simple and easy-to-use directory with practical features. A transparent and collaborative network of breeders and animal lovers.

They have created a directory for all animals, whether you are a sheep breeder, dog owner or breeder budgies! YouChoose Pets...

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Sheep are prey animals and prey animals have a flight zone. The flight zone of an animal is the area surrounding an animal that if encroached upon by a potential predator or threat, including humans, will cause alarm and escape behavior. 

We can use this to manage, move or muster sheep in a safe way in a paddock or in yards.

https://www.grandin.com/behaviour/principles/flight.zone.html

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All the behind the scenes info on pregnancy scanning and muscle scanning - how I found out my sheep have IMF (intra muscular fat!) and how I have increased my ewe to lamb percentage by nearly 50%!!! 

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What is sheep scanning, why do it and what do I use the data for? I've been scanning sheep two ways this week - here is why i do it!

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What are the differences and similarities with farming sheep in Australia and Ireland?  In this episode we chat again with Andrew, my brother about his time in Australia and what he has noticed while being on several sheep enterprises while here. 

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A bittersweet time for me in Ireland over the last 5 weeks. Here are all the tips and unusual strategies we used while lambing in Ireland with my brother. 

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Focus on Forelimbs 

Forelimbs, front legs or shoulders in a sheep actually hold up to 60 per cent of the weight of a sheep! I chatted with Matt Hill from Aurora Park Hampshire Downs and Border Leicester stud recently to explore all things fore in sheep! 

How important are shoulders?

Matt remarks that there is more pressure on the front legs as they hold up more of the animal overall. Shoulders are important for three crucial functions. These ar...

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We will all have to deal with the death of a sheep maybe from natural causes like old age or you may even need to euthanise an animal.  What are the options so you treat the animal in a moral and ethical way at the end of their life. What do you do with their body. In this episode we explore some options for you to think about. 
Do know that there may be legal requirements that you need to follow for this in your location or...

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So what is the natural grazing behaviour of sheep and how does it compare to a goat or cow. When should my sheep be feeding/eating and for how long? No doubt there are all thoughts you have had while ruminating on your sheep! Well in this episode I explore my own observations and research on the topic of sheep grazing behaviour.
 Enjoy ruminating on this one!

Here are the big words I mentioned:
Crepuscular pattern - grazing at twilight and dusk
Duration: 00:22:29

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Can a single born ram produce twins? Who makes that biggest difference the ewe or the ram? In the episode we explore who is more important in the twinning game! 

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 Did you know that 95% of parasites are on pasture and only about 5% are within the sheep. This means parasite larvae numbers present in the pasture are an important factor to consider for worm management. So how do you manage worms on your farm and in your fields, we explore several approaches in this episode  for you. 

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Want to know what drench to use and when to drench, this episode will help you explore the different types of drenches and understand more about when to use drenches on your sheep. 

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We talk a lot about the final trimester and how important it is when we are breeding sheep but the second trimester is also a very crucial trimester to understand. In this subscriber only episode we explore what happens in this trimester and what to do to support your ewes during the second trimester. 

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https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new Duration: 00:15:40

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The biggest threat to sheep and lambs - parasites! The biggest issue we have with parasites comes from Barber's Pole Worm or Haemonchus Contortus. 

In this episode we explore the worm, what it does, how it is different and how to win in the fight against it. We also explore some new learnings I've had this season about our foe Barber's Pole Worm. I hope this helps you sheep well for the season to come! 

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What is flushing, how to do it and why do it - in this episode we explore all of these questions to help you prepare for joining 2024 no matter when your joining/mating season happens!

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We know sheeping and farming can be stressful so here are some things I plan to help me reduce the mental load so I can sheep well throughout the year!

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A common question and something to think about is what is the difference between grass and grain fed lamb both for us as producers and also for us as consumers.

Scientists who compared grass fed lamb meat with grain fed lamb meat in a feedlot found that: Lambs grazing in pasture had 14% less fat and about 8 % more protein compared to grain-fed lamb. Grass fed lamb meat is also an excellent source of vitamin B-12, niacin, zinc, and a good source of iron. 
Duration: 00:13:19

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sSo no doubt you are in wind down mode for the year and it is a good time to reflect on all things sheep! What did you do well or what went well in 2023 and what are the takeaways from the year and area to improve for 2024. 

In this episode I share with you my five lessons from sheeping in 2023. Enjoy! 

See you in 2024!

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I've been lucky enough to have two experts on feeding sheep come to my farm and give me some advice. Here is what we talked about and what actions I have taken and what results I have had so far! Get ready to be amazed!!

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So what do you buy that sheep person who has everything.... something sheep related of course!! 
With sales in the air, birthdays, holiday and festive shopping to think about, here are some ideas on sheep presents that could just hit the sheep spot for you or for that sheep crazy person in your life. 
I've also included some DIY sheep related gifts that you can make yourself and give to people as presents!
So happy sheep shopping!

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So a huge question I get asked is should I go stud with my sheep? The question really relates to your WHY, why are you doing this!? Go beyond making money and breeding great sheep - what are you really wanting to achieve with your sheep, what do you really want to focus on with your sheep. There are so many reasons why we do what we do and yours will be yours so spend time working that out and that will help you make YOUR choice!<...

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Prevention is always better than cure! So what can you do to reduce hoof issues, lameness and any productivity issues in your sheep? In this episode we explore the key things that you can do to avoid most sheep foot problems in the first place!

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Yes we all make them and you know what, they are good to reflect on without fear of judgement. 
I found this such a good exercise to do and I am so thrilled to be able to open up and share these mistakes with you, my sheep besties! I truly hope this episode helps you learn from the mistakes I feel we have made over the last 8 years. I hope it helps you to reflect on any mistakes you have made to h...

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So you love your sheep and want to grow and expand! Firstly - great decision!! But how do you do it? What steps do you take? How do you move forward in the right direction and do the most important thing first? 
In this episode we explore exactly that all the steps you need to take to grow from 3 to 30 sheep or from 10 to 100 sheep or whatever number is right for you and your land. I do hope this episode helps you grow with confidence and c...

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Ahh the age old question - what drench do I get for me  sheep? Well... it depends! This question has more follow up questions that answers. The main question to ask yourself is what worms am I trying to actually drench/kill. Once you know that or get close to knowing that you can then target the little suckers. 

In this episode we explore pour on drenches, injectable drenches and drenches that go down the sheep's throat. We look at the active ingredients in the dr...

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So what are my go to natural approaches for sheep issues and health concerns and what have I used them all for. In this episode we explore five best natural therapies some of which you can get really cheaply or you might even have them in your kitchen cupboard! 

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Lamb prices are rock bottom right now in Australia and maybe globally too. So what do we do? How do we take more control and what are the opportunities for us when times are tough in farming and primary production? In this episode we explore the hope and support that is there and how to move forward despite the challenging times. 

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No doubt you have come across new sheep breeds which are very popular and you might be tempted to give them a go and experiment. Are these new breeds hype and fad or is there substance there and fact? How can you make the best decision about  jumping on breed hype? 

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The most important paddock to manage first is the paddock between the ears” 

Charlie Arnott, Regenerative Farmer and Educator

In this episode we explore what is regenerative agriculture, why do it and how to it including a list of things to do aligning with the 6 core principles of regen ag.

Happy Farming! 

Resources and further education: 

Charles Massey Call of the Reed Warbler 
Charlie Arnott 
Declan McDonald and www.wpcln.org,au  Duration: 00:31:10

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I love my customers! They are amazing and I've got to meet new ones and visit existing ones over the last few weeks and I feel so blessed. So how can you attract amazing customers to your sheep business? In this episode we explore the strategies to help you avoid the rock bottom prices and the tyre kickers on social media and build a sustainable sheep enterprise which you love. 

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Not the most positive of thoughts but it is a fact of life when farming that drought occurs. So what can you do now to help prepare both you and your sheep so you both bounce back as best you can. 

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Salt is vitally important to ruminants, playing an essential role in growth, efficiency and reproduction.  With careful consideration of flock salt requirements, shepherds can take simple steps to ensure demands are met thus maximising health and productivity.

The information above was only a brief overview.  The decision to supplement should be based on flock need and production goals.  If you are unsure, it is best to seek expert advice.  Further interesting information regarding salt in animal physiology and pasture systems can be found online.  

Sal...

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Not vet bashing but helping us understand more about why vets say the things they say, how we can work with our vet better and how we can see the bigger picture but they may not. 

Dr Ken Berry's book I refer to is called Lies my Doctor told me, it's an intriguing read! 

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What sort of sheep equipment is right for me? This is a question I get asked all the time. There is no one size fits all, it's all about what do you do with your sheep.

In this episode we explore how to make the best decision to help you, and explore the different sort of sheep handlers and equipment that is on the market. Happy shopping!

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As always lambing has its ups and downs. Here is what the 2023 lambing season has offered us so far! 

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Is showing ruining the commercial  sheep industry and vice versa. What really goes on behind the scenes with some producers who show sheep and how sustainable are these practices for those of us who are also running commercial enterprises.  In this premium episode we explore the challenges and woes! 

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What do you need to have in your birthing kit and lamb survival kits and what is new in my kit for 2023 - check it all out in this episode!

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Not ideal of course but if we are aiming for maximum lamb survival bottle feeding lambs is a part of shepherding. So what are the pros and cons. Why would we do it, how to know you need to intervene and how do we actually do it and for how long do we do it. All you bottle feeding questions are answered in this timely episode! Thanks Robyn for the idea for this episode!

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The Ovine mammary gland is an intricate structure composed of secretory tissue (Parenchyma) and supporting ligaments, venous, lymphatic, adipose and nervous tissue (Stroma). There are two mammary glands divided by a suspensory ligament contained within the udder as shown in the Ovine udder anatomy diagram. 

Mammary Gland Development

The development of the mammary gland (mamogenesis) commences in the embryo and continues through to lactation.  Ewe lambs are born with cistern, teats and some large ducts.  Alveoli and interlobular ducts develop several mon...

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We've all been there, sheep go down and we are hoping and praying they will get up again. In this subscriber only episode we explore some strategies on how to save a sheep - what I have tried recently, what I used and the results! 

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OJD – an iceberg disease  

Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD) is endemic across NSW after its detection on the Northern Tablelands in May 2023. While the infection was traditionally considered a southern disease, a number of cases across the Northern Tablelands have been diagnosed over the past 12 months. OJD is said to be an iceberg disease. For ever one animal showing signs of OJD another 25 most likely are sub clinically infected and show no signs. So that visibly impacted animal is the tip of the iceberg. 

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Colostrum is the first milk a newborn lamb will receive from its mother.  A concentrated mix of vitamins, minerals, fats, protein, carbohydrates, antimicrobials, growth and immune factors.  It acts as a laxative, aids ewe and lamb bonding, provides energy for thermoregulation and acts as a vital source of immunoglobulins required for passive immunity against intestinal and respiratory pathogens.  Lamb morbidity and mortality has a significant impact on sheep production systems with the majority of pre-weaning losses occurring within the first two weeks of life.  Poor...

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How do you know a ewe needs your help? What can we do if we see a ewe in labour? How long to wait before we glove up!? and What actually causes difficult lambing issues anyway- all is revealed in this episode! 

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Explore the 7 things to look for when you are buying a farm to run sheep on or if you are wanting to upgrade your farm or develop a plan for your farm for the future. 

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What was our pregnancy scanning results for 2023, what do we use the information for and what can your scanner tell you about the future - prepare to be amazed!!

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What do we need to know about sheep's conformation and style? What exactly do we mean when we say that a sheep has style? In this episode we explore what you need to know!

Conformation is the anatomy and skeletal function of a sheep. It impacts the sheep’s health, adaptability, longevity, and productivity. Conformation or structural correctness is made up of the following three aspects:  

·       The ‘Five Ts’ assessment methodology to visually and mentally summarise an animal or compare groups at a distanc...

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So you have jobs you need doing on your farm and you need to recruit an army with youth on their side. This episode will help you find, attract, select and keep young blood to your farm and sheep enterprise. Of course there are lots of other benefits  when we attract youth, especially for those young people who don't have a farm in their family or don't attend a school with a agriculture program.  Let's spread the sheep love to all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds I say! Duration: 00:25:48

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Meet Tash Pollard from Blackpond Hampshire Down Stud as we explore the happiest sheep around!

https://www.facebook.com/blackpondhampshiredowns

 The Hampshire Down or Hampshire is a British breed of sheep. It originated in about 1829 from cross-breeding of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed, the Wiltshire Horn and the Berkshire Nott, all horned, white-faced sheep — these were native to the open, untilled, hilly stretch of land known as the Hampshire Downs. 

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How old is old when it comes to a sheep? Are they similar to other animals when it comes to aging them in human years? Is there a formula for calculating sheep years in human years? For the answer to these questions and more have a listen here! 

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