Sucklers V Sheep

jfh

there's a similiar thread on the BFF, except it's Dairying V Sucklers which i think is a bit of a mismatch.
what is the opinion on return for investment(time, money,stock,buildings).
if you have to start over in the morning which would you go with?

blue5000

I wouldn't go near a sheep, far simpler have cattle only. But there are benefits with having both cattle and sheep on a farm.

snowman707

Sheep all the way,
Presently running 315 ewes and 78 dairy cows

jfh

thought they're would be more work with sheep than sucklers

max12

to be honest there is work with both. it's more of a personal thing e.g. ford versus massey tractor - not a lot of difference at the end fo the day.

i run both and find plenty of work with each.

yessam

its easier absorb the losses with sheep but i prefer working with cattle

snowman707

we put up simple inexpensive handling facilities with a roll over cage and drafting pens, we have portable penning for far away field or rented grass

over the years I have retained ewe lambs from only the easiest care mothers, no prolapse , bad feet, dirty behinds and low milkers,

we usually spend maybe 5 or 6 hours every 4 to 5 weeks either dosing dagging or foot care, rest of the time the sheep work for for us , .. topping after the cows etc.

and oh yes we have also spend a lot of money on sheep fencing

John-Holmes

snowman707 wrote: »

we put up simple inexpensive handling facilities with a roll over cage and drafting pens, we have portable penning for far away field or rented grass

over the years I have retained ewe lambs from only the easiest care mothers, no prolapse , bad feet, dirty behinds and low milkers,

we usually spend maybe 5 or 6 hours every 4 to 5 weeks either dosing dagging or foot care, rest of the time the sheep work for for us , .. topping after the cows etc.

and oh yes we have also spend a lot of money on sheep fencing

Oh the joys of prolapse.