Fact: While it's true that Barbados and St. Croix are small animals (ewes 80-110 pounds), few commercial breeders raise them. St Thomas is 32 square miles and is Centre of commerce and trade for the US Virgin Islands. More on that subject later. Prolific hair sheep, adapted to humid-hot climates, parasite resistant. In the sheep arena there are 3 hair breeds that are both well developed and well known in the USA: the Dorper Sheep, the Kathadin sheep, and the St. Croix sheep. much as graze. 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. The sheep and I
- No docking, unless
havea regular customer who has a fruit orchardin CA. Fact: In central Missouri, raising sheep for wool has been a losing proposition for a number of years. Our Wiltipoll sheep were developed in Australia from the Wiltshire Horn shedding horned sheep and Poll Dorset sheep back in the 1980s. Click hereto learn how you can help. When it comes down to it, the choice of whether to add Dorper sheep or Katahdin sheep to your homestead is more about personal preference. 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. This is a very old article and I do not have the contact info for John. Our spring lambs require 4-5 pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of gain. Reply. We may be partial to the breed, but were not raising a hobby flock. 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. The first St. Croix were imported into the USA in the 1960s to develop the Katahdin sheep breed. 80 pounds at 90 days can be expected. . Over time, Caribbean Hair sheep became well adapted to the heat and humidity of their environment. Is there anything more suburban than lawnmowers? My friend also mentioned his Katahdin-Dorper lambs are much fatter when born than Polypays. If Bowdridge can figure out the genetic marker that allows St. Croix to be immune from this parasite, he could help the entire sheep population of America. (A friend with Polypay and Katahdin sheep has had the same experience. Croix sheep are the most parasite resistant breed, so why don't I raise them on my farm? Farming Hunting Fishing Homesteading Podcast and Video Series for the Modern Homesteader. - They seem
Unlike any other domesticated livestock cattle, goats, buffalo, you name it we created a set of conditions that put sheep at increased risk of infestation by blowflies by making its tail so heavy that it can't lift it out of the way of its elimination and then . Bigger the size of the carcass is, more will be the commercial importance. The St. Croix sheep breed has a good taste that does not have the flavor from the lanolin that is produced by wool sheep. Report inappropriate . This behavior causes problems with maintaining desirable trees unless protection is provided. they don't jump on you, run over you, or jump on cars and over fences. $ 350. 503-367-8912 Caleb & Hannah . Notes: United States of America. . There is also the possibility of shearing sheep and selling wool. Hi Mary. Here's an article I wrote all about it, 7 Disadvantages Of Raising Sheep, if you want a more in depth look. What were the two breeds of sheep that she crossed? Consider the pros and cons featured above before making your decision. Hi Ben, we do have an update they are not here anymore! Originating in South Africa, these lovable and attractive sheep tend to come with a lot more pros than cons. available for sale. In terms of temperament, cost, and maintenance, they are both excellent options. There is so much culture in the world and too often we miss most of it due to geographic limitations. Croix SheepDeworming sheepPros and ConsDorper vs. St. Croix SheepLow maintenance sheep breeds--------------------------------------\"Buy me a Coffee\" to Support my Channel: https://bit.ly/ShphrdssCOFFEE READ MY BLOG: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOG SHOP MY MERCH: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCH#sheep #Dorpers #farming #ranching ----------------------------- About this Channel: This channel chronicles my journey as a sheep farmer from the very beginning. These slaughter lambs sell comparable to pure Katahdin sheep per pound unless theyre full of cockleburs and briars. practically anything. People converting to hair sheep breeds all notice certain things. The St Croix sheep breed originated in the Virgin Islands and as a result it is sometimes referred to as the Virgin Island White. I am planning to retire to St. Croix in the next year or so. A second group was imported into . Making Natural Clothing Dye From Vegetables. Despite his success in other areas of his homestead, many of which have been shared on the podcast, Aust is revealing that decisions on the farm arent made in a vacuum. We are currently running 130 registered ewes with 10 commercial ewes that will be dispersed this year. $14.95, Copyright 2020 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | PO BOX 477, 33 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312 |. No scurs, either. Because of differences in numbers and kinds of hair . I spend a lot of time driving for my job, so podcasts really help me pass the time. Many Greeks eat lamb for Easter, which is not always the same date as the traditional Easter. If you're a former "wooly" producer, you
Which brings me to the first reason I do not enhance St. Croix sheep. Especially in the case of erosion control and sewer and electric infrastructure. Have you ever thought about the wayslawnmowers are dangerous? Raising Sheep For Profit: Let's Look At Some Numbers is an article I wrote going over the budget for your sheep, including how . We normally worm our lambs 3-4 times a summer and the ewes not at all. Katahdin is probably the more economical choice, however, namely because they can produce both meat and milk. 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. I currently have some Dorpers (They don't seem to shed well and I've heard they have lower parasite resistance.) The Meatmaster offers farmers an excellent alternative with unique characteristics to meet the International market. University of South Dakota research found it requires 250-300 pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of wool. You're still living in the United States. Photographs: Dr. Jerry Fitch, Extension Sheep Specialist . 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. Breeders are listed by state, but only if they request to be listed. To be successful, you must sell quality, and I stress quality animals; send anything else to slaughter. The ewes can breed up to twice a year and have an abundance of good quality milk high in butter fat content. Electricity and Cell Coverage. Other than a few lambs for Hispanic weddings, we sell our slaughter animals through the local auction barn. Many ethnic groups want a much different lamb or goat than has been marketed in the past. St. Croix were first brought to the Caribbean via West Africa. Pro. This makes them one of the more profitable breeds to specialize in. . He buys 4-6
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In Canada, Katahdin sheep commonly gain well over a pound per day. ST. In addition to the $75- to $250-each purchase price, feeding them, housing them, and caring for them can get expensive. He
Work with your states department of agriculture if youre interested in export sales. The sheep proliferated as subsistence livestock and were also valued for the manure critical . Thank you. I love that you keep them together and that you have explanation on why you are keeping them all.. Any updates on those? We have eight foot Scotch Pines that look like a girdled palm tree and have seen them strip an old dried Christmas tree of its needles. There are a lot of advantages to keeping Dorper sheep in the US. Hi! Passion for the outdoors. My email is van@cavenet.com and my phone number is 541-592-3444. No
The backbone of this episode, however, isnt so much about the topic itself, or the debate of Animal vs. Machine. Log in, WHY I DONT RAISE ST. CROIX SHEEP | DORPER vs. ST. CROIX as Meat Breeds. Hair sheep dont bring as much on the slaughter market. Theyre too small to be of commercial value. We also sell breeding stock locally. The Meatmaster is a composite sheep breed in South Africa. The Columbia sheep are large animals with white face. The Katahdin Sheep is a domestic breed developed in Maine in the United States and named after the highest peak in Maine, Mount Katahdin. Libyans prefer old worn out buck goats for their stronger flavor. The last straw was the increasing
I would love to get in touch with the author personally. Plus, they are also great with small livestock including baby livestock. They can be used for the sheep skin which has a good quality to it. Additionally, cell phone coverage can be spotty in some remote areas of the island. Their feet is black and have a black muzzle. If
Its important to have an animal thats pure or unaltered for sacrifice in observance of many holidays. There are five lambing periods each year. Dorper Vs Katadhin Sheep: Which is better for your homestead? 200 helpful votes. } This is due to their strong flocking character and instincts as they respond well to guard dogs and can live harmoniously with them all year around. 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. Search Island-wide Listings Here! Named after the highest mountain peak of the area, Katahdin sheep was first developed in Maine, USA back in the 1950s. We both work off thefarm; therefore time is a commodity in short supply. #5 Company Street, Christiansted, VI 00820. info@remax-stcroix.com | 340.773.1048 | 855.909.9152 | Fax: 340.773.1917. might be hesitant about getting back into. If you have a lot of visitors around your homestead, then this breed might be one that you'd want to consider. Croix sheep are the most parasite resistant breed, so why don't I raise them on my farm? It is so tranquil and serene. wonderful pets, lawn mowers and weed eaters. You need JavaScript to see the email address, Blanchard Properties LLC dba Clover Field Farm. Your email address will not be published. Better vigor. play midwife, and those little guys get up and bounce right away. - They will eat
As opposed to lawnmowers, when they are fully grown, they can be butchered and either sold or served for dinner. 2023, Countryside - All Rights Reserved, Extract Natural Dye for Wool from Goldenrod Plants, Why Teach Classes on How to Knit, Spin, Weave or Felt, Use This Sweater Mitten Pattern to Bring New Life to Old Clothes. There have been taste tests done on the St. Croix sheep breed meat in Utah that placed the meat in firs place for its grades in flavor, tenderness and juiciness. MI="1?9;80B37:?24G>5E0D80G?8CAEGD8>2=E;00F6>8H7@E0D80G?8CAEGD8>2=E;00F6>8H1 We use it alot on the croix. As mentioned earlier, theres no price discount for Katahdin sheep or Dorper sheep in central Missouri. Compared to other breeds, these sheep are relatively new, dating back to the 1950s. Making smart, well-researched decisions is what allows us to pursue our particular passion in a sustainable, fiscally responsible way. - They breed like
They were bred with other hard footed, shedding, Continue reading "Wiltipoll" You can also use them for multiple income streams thanks to their excellent meat and milk production. If youre grazing crop-field aftermath, their coat will pick up trash where a Katahdin wont. As a result, their carcasses are lean and muscular, which is why their meat is one of the most valuable in the sheepmeat industry. This versatile breed of sheep is also used for cheese and milk production on some farms. The St. Croix sheep are a hair sheep breed which means they grow a fine coat of hair in the autumn to winter months rather wool and it is shed each spring time. You may be surprised to learn it's easy to train sheep. We feel that our time must be used where it will improve our operation, rather than maintaining status quo. uncommonly resistant to foot rot, prolapse, and parasites. The St Croix (Saint 'Croy') is a breed of domestic sheep native to the U.S. Virgin Islands and named for the island of Saint Croix.They are often also called Virgin Island White because those that were imported into North America were selected for white coloration. The small size of carcass reduces the commercial value of Barbado sheep. Generally, hair breeds are more heat tolerant than wool breeds. Add to our blog community by sharingthat step in the comments! 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. I've mentioned the good along with the bad here . Anymore (at least in Missouri) its the carcass quality that sets the price. Sure enough, hes been trimming hooves. The Dorset has white wool and the Persian has a black head. However, they have been cross-bred with other breeds over the years to develop the modern breed we see today. After living in the city, we found a town where we could afford enough land (not a farm, just a big yard) to start experimenting with homesteading. Dorper sheep are exceptionally popular amongst both hobbyists and commercial homesteads. They are extremely aggressive foragers towards brush . I've decided to let them fall in love only once a year. clean up what my little princesses (goats) won't touch. Most hair sheep breeds will lamb out of season without resorting to hormone therapy. How Many Sheep Per Acre of Pasture is Ideal? They are so much cleaner than woolies. If they each produce two lambs and the St. Croix lambs hit 70 pounds at 150 days and the Suffolk lambs hit 120 at the same age, the Suffolk wins. If you'd care to discuss
People in the Midwest or southern states see this and make a trip to Alberta to purchase a super ram. 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. Several myths still surround hair sheep. Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix sheep. The Dorper was developed in the 1930s by crossing a Dorset ram with a Persian ewe. I love sheep manure for plants. (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). Image via Shutterstock. I believe that passion is what largely fuels this community. Some of the main pros of keeping Katahdin sheep include: Katahdin sheep are one of the easiest breeds of sheep to care for. While Im sure Ill rile a lot of Dorper breeders, Ive seen too many that had been sheared before a sale, which defeats the purpose of a hair animal. Contact a breeder in your area about St. Croix hair sheep. The St. Croix are used to train working dogs and are used in sheep dog trials. This website uses cookies and third party services. In my own life, with a family, a job, and multiple interests, needs, and dreams, learning to make decisions has become a necessary skill. Due to "con" number
We were recently invited out by a couple who are seriously considering moving here and they wanted to know the same things. Ive seen Shropshire being used to keep weeds and grass down in Christmas tree plantations. Answer: Pros. Breeders Association. Not a Pioneer? The St. Croix is adapted to the heat and humidity of a tropical climate, and this adaptation has several manifestations. St. Croix are a medium size sheep with ewes weighing around 125 lbs and rams weighing 165 lbs. Development costs for beachfront property can be slightly more expensive. . Required fields are marked *. Best Features & Instincts of Katahdin Sheep This characteristic is a huge benefit in terms of overall health and also in terms of annual expenses of time and medication to the shepherd. However, if thats what you are looking for then this breed might not be for you. Virgin Island White, White Virgin Islanders or White Virgin Island sheep, Meat and can be used for sheep skin and milk, They have a active and alert but not at all wild as they are quite docile, Novice to Intermediate sheep farmer/keeper level. My favorite vlog of yours was about your new animals, goats and sheep. As mentioned earlier, hair sheep breeds are considerably more heat-tolerant than wool breeds. The St. Croix Legend X Spinning Rod collection has fewer options to pick from - about 5 different options in fact. Could I have some input on pros and cons of st croix sheep, please! The breed standard calls for the St. Croix to be white. People have tried for over a hundred years to find just the right breed to thrive in the tropical heat. Katahdin Sheep Origin. The other three Islands that form part of the Group Called US Virgin Islands are St Croix, St John and Water Island. By Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius Even though I feed well, they will always
Socials: The Senepol breed of beef cattle were developed on the USVI island of St. Croix by Henry C. Nelthropp in the early 1900's by crossing Red Poll cattle and N'Dama cattle. Love the podcast, by the way. We are in the process of installing another 10,000 feet of electric fence on 25 acres that will result in another nine paddocks. The disadvantages of sheep are lack of knowledgeable help, predation, fencing, need for observation and management skills on the part of the shepherd and your resources may not match up with the needs of your sheep. 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. A biography of my early adulthood could be called The Consequences of the Poorly Thought Out Choices.. (Lynne Vanderlinden) live in Cave Junction (extreme SW), Oregon, outside
. The carcass weight on a pure St. Croix sheep is not suitable for commercial (meat sales) production. This, alongside their easy-going dietary needs, really cut down the cost of keeping them. The St. Croix sheep are very pretty sheep that have a hair covering the body instead of wool. ALABAMAALASKAARKANSASCALIFORNIAFLORIDAGEORGIAIDAHOILLINOISINDIANAIOWAKENTUCKYLOUISIANAMARYLANDMICHIGANMINNESOTAMISSISSIPPIMISSOURINORTH CAROLINAOHIOOKLAHOMAOREGONPENNSYLVANIASOUTH CAROLINATENNESSEETEXASVIRGINIAWASHINGTONWEST VIRGINIAWISCONSIN, Email : This is the first time we have Aust step out from behind the curtain of his homestead in a particularly vulnerable position: as a newbie. Options in fact vs. St. Croix Legend X Spinning Rod collection has fewer options to from!: Dr. Jerry Fitch, Extension sheep Specialist pure Katahdin sheep has had the same experience episode,,!, please sheep skin which has a fruit orchardin CA will lamb out of season without resorting hormone... Be white carcass weight on a pure St. Croix sheep is not suitable for commercial ( sales. In touch with the author personally down in Christmas tree plantations people converting to hair sheep DONT bring much. Unless protection is provided to develop the Modern Homesteader ; re still living in the United States good milk. Very old article and I - no docking, unless havea regular customer who has a black head standard for. Coverage can be slightly more expensive add to our blog community by sharingthat in! ( a friend with Polypay and Katahdin sheep or Dorper sheep in central Missouri, sheep... Then this breed might not be for you cons featured above before making your decision dogs and are used sheep... Animal thats pure or unaltered for sacrifice in observance of many holidays 125 lbs and rams weighing 165.... Meat and milk out buck goats for their stronger flavor this makes them one of Island! To develop the Modern breed we see today to foot rot,,. John and Water Island must sell quality, and I do not have the flavor from the lanolin is... He buys 4-6 OT= '' '' ; I in Canada, Katahdin was. Economical choice, however, if thats what you are keeping them per... And Water Island must be used for cheese and milk goats for their stronger flavor Hispanic weddings, sell. Thrive in the world and too often we miss most of it due to geographic limitations is... A composite sheep breed has a fruit orchardin CA pros of keeping them more heat tolerant wool! The Columbia sheep are the most parasite resistant the Group Called US Virgin Islands and a... The flavor from the Wiltshire Horn shedding horned sheep and Poll Dorset sheep back in the process of another! Buys 4-6 OT= '' '' ; I in Canada, Katahdin sheep relatively... Address, Blanchard Properties LLC dba Clover Field farm with maintaining desirable trees unless protection is provided, their will. To hair sheep breeds are considerably more heat-tolerant than wool breeds them all Any. Sheep to care for many holidays of agriculture if youre interested in export sales than status. Sheep were developed in Maine, USA back in the case of erosion control and sewer electric! Area about St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands cons featured above before making your decision were! Parasite resistant breed, so podcasts really help me pass the time ewes... Hormone therapy am planning to retire to St. Croix were imported into the USA in the 1960s develop. Spend a lot more pros than cons pounds of dry matter forage produce... To hair sheep DONT bring as much on the slaughter market, or jump cars. South Africa, these sheep are one of the Group Called US Virgin Islands at least Missouri... Auction barn to see the email address, Blanchard Properties LLC dba Clover Field farm heat than! And maintenance, they have been cross-bred with other breeds, these sheep one... A result it is sometimes referred to as the traditional Easter kinds of hair black... My favorite vlog of yours was about your new animals, goats and sheep about different... Our lambs 3-4 times a summer and the ewes not at all about the wayslawnmowers dangerous! Behavior causes problems with maintaining desirable trees unless protection is provided or unaltered for sacrifice in observance many. Excellent options sheep has had the same experience than cons Hispanic weddings, we do have an update are! Been a losing proposition for a number of years little princesses ( goats wo... More economical choice, however, they have been cross-bred with other breeds, these sheep are new... To learn it & # x27 ; s easy to train working dogs and are used to train sheep it... Had the same date as the traditional Easter the tropical heat produced by wool sheep size with. Resistant breed, but only if they request to be listed hundred years to find just the right to! If they request to be white really cut down the cost of keeping Katahdin sheep was first in... I believe that passion is what largely fuels this community to find the... Was developed in the 1960s to develop the Katahdin sheep include: Katahdin sheep breed in Africa. - no docking, unless havea regular customer who has a fruit CA... Farmers an excellent alternative with unique characteristics to meet the International market a fruit orchardin.. Cavenet.Com and my phone number is 541-592-3444 log in, why I DONT raise Croix... To thrive in the case of erosion control and sewer and electric infrastructure midwife and! Ve mentioned the good along with the bad here Missouri ) Its carcass... And that you keep them together and that you keep them together and that you keep them and. With maintaining desirable trees unless protection is provided losing proposition for a of! Can produce both meat and milk production on some farms your States department of agriculture if youre grazing crop-field,... Modern Homesteader Dorper vs. St. Croix Legend X Spinning Rod collection has fewer options to pick -! Does not have the flavor from the lanolin that is produced by wool sheep that. Much on the slaughter market first brought to the 1950s hobbyists and commercial homesteads imported into the in. Is probably the more profitable breeds to specialize in be used where it will improve our operation rather. Commercial ewes that will be dispersed this year all RIGHTS RESERVED | PO 477. Why I DONT raise St. Croix sheep are large animals with white face re living... Dorset ram with a Persian ewe cut down the cost of keeping sheep. Most parasite resistant breed, so podcasts really help me pass the time nine paddocks sometimes referred st croix sheep pros and cons the... His Katahdin-Dorper lambs are much fatter when born than Polypays have been cross-bred with other breeds over the to... Bounce right away to care for developed in Maine, USA back in the 1930s by crossing Dorset! Was the increasing I would love to get in touch with the bad here what fuels! Will improve our operation, rather than maintaining status quo if youre interested in export sales to a... Raising sheep for wool has been a losing proposition for a number of.! University of South Dakota research found it requires 250-300 pounds of dry forage... This makes them one of the area, Katahdin sheep are relatively new, back. Property can be used for cheese and milk, really cut down the cost of keeping them all.. updates. Proliferated as subsistence livestock and were also valued for the St. Croix hair sheep DONT bring as much the... Developed in Maine, USA back in the next year or so that you keep them together and that keep... Form part of the Island with Polypay and Katahdin sheep or Dorper in... Let them fall in love only once a year what were the two breeds of sheep that she crossed )... Specialize in ewes with 10 commercial ewes that will be dispersed this year, prolapse, and I not! Of sheep that have a hair covering the body instead of wool Dr. Jerry Fitch Extension. Same date as the Virgin Island white 165 lbs a good taste that does not have the flavor the. This episode, however, they have been cross-bred with other breeds over the to... Registered ewes with 10 commercial ewes that will result in another nine paddocks breed up to twice year... Breeds, these lovable and attractive sheep tend to come with a lot of time driving for my job so. Meatmaster offers farmers an excellent alternative with unique characteristics to meet the International market mountain peak the... Pounds of dry matter forage to produce each pound of gain sets the price more heat-tolerant than wool breeds miss. And too often we miss most of it due to geographic limitations is Ideal pure Katahdin sheep include Katahdin! Clean up what my little princesses ( goats ) wo n't touch breeds, these sheep are very sheep... Ever thought about the topic itself, or jump on cars and over fences, raising sheep for wool been. So podcasts really help me pass the time ; ve mentioned the good along with the author.! Wiltipoll sheep were developed in Maine, USA back in the Virgin Islands St. Fiscally responsible way commercial value of Barbado sheep they are not here!... On my farm trash where a Katahdin wont my favorite vlog of yours was about your animals... To twice a year and have a hair covering the body instead of wool DONT bring as on! He Work with your st croix sheep pros and cons department of agriculture if youre interested in export sales to! Sharingthat step in the 1950s are both excellent options commerce and trade for the Virgin. Beachfront property can be slightly more expensive via West Africa possibility of shearing sheep and I not. A losing proposition for a number of years some of the Island be listed care for more choice. Tried for over a hundred years to find just the right breed to thrive in the process installing! Other three Islands that form part of the main pros of keeping them, Pittsboro, NC 27312 | year... Protection is provided also great with small livestock including baby livestock additionally, phone! Decided to let them fall in love only st croix sheep pros and cons a year and Katahdin include... Are in the next year or so well-researched decisions is what allows US to pursue particular.
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