Sheep Grazing Spring/Early Summer

[Jed Thomas]

During late July, then August, Sept, Oct, I buy store lambs to fatten. I have plenty of grass at this time of the year on my ten acres.

I have a problem between April and July as there’s no stock on the land when tje grass is pushing through. I can’t think of what sheep I could buy at that time of year.

This year, I bought ewe & lamb couples which did keep the grass down, but I seemed to buy in problems. I don’t want to do it again.

The only thing I can think of is to buy ewe lambs in autumn and keep them to sell as yearlings.

Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Woolless]

There are still some store sheep for sale at that time of year, although I'm sure the quality will be rather mixed. If you bought some stores then and sold them again before big numbers of cast ewes came on the market, then you might do alright.

 

[Anymulewilldo]

There are still some store sheep for sale at that time of year, although I'm sure the quality will be rather mixed. If you bought some stores then and sold them again before big numbers of cast ewes came on the market, then you might do alright.

Very dangerous game though. Hoggs drop to ewe price and don’t weigh enough to add up

 

[Skintagain]

Make some hay

 

[Woolless]

Very dangerous game though. Hoggs drop to ewe price and don’t weigh enough to add up

You would need to buy carefully. I was thinking a few rare breed types run through the early summer might be OK?

 

[Anymulewilldo]

You would need to buy carefully. I was thinking a few rare breed types run through the early summer might be OK?

But they’re worth nowt at the best of times I’d have thought bales might be the least dangerous option myself if the OP isn’t keen on trying sheep and lambs again

 

[Woolless]

But they’re worth nowt at the best of times I’d have thought bales might be the least dangerous option myself if the OP isn’t keen on trying sheep and lambs again

Agreed but if he wants some stock and doesn't want ewes and lambs...

 

[Hill Ground]

You could try fattening some grazing ewes.

There's a bit of skill in buying the ewes that will improve easily though, not just stay lean/die on you.

 

[Estate fencing.]

If they think buying ewes and lambs is a problem then buying the hoggs that someone else can’t finish in spring will be even worse.

 

[Bignor Farmer]

Find a nice even group of mule ewe lambs in the summer/autumn and run on to Shearlings.

 

[Anymulewilldo]

You could try fattening some grazing ewes.

There's a bit of skill in buying the ewes that will improve easily though, not just stay lean/die on you.

Spring is festival time though. You’d be buying ewes at the dearest time of the year.

 

[Anymulewilldo]

If they think buying ewes and lambs is a problem then buying the hoggs that someone else can’t finish in spring will be even worse.

Yeah…. Some of them are still here

 

[Skintagain]

Hoggs and lambs if you can buy em. Good following for sucked shearlings feed em though a bit

 

[Jed Thomas]

Thanks for all replies - much appreciated!

I have questions about growing hay/silage and selling it as a standing crop. Should I start a new theead or continue here?

 

[Moors Lad]

Is your land level enough to cut grass for haylage ? Is there a contractor that could do it all for you? Sell by the bale or use it yourself?? Buying mule gimmer lambs to sell as shearlings can leave a profit - MOST (?) years....