Sheep and Lambs

We raise sheep for schooling purposes -- that is, to train our dogs and our student's dogs how to herd.  We also raise locker lambs for some of the best tasting meat around.

 

 

The Life of a Ewe

We run a small flock of crossbred ewes that are used both for producing our great tasting lamb and as dog-training sheep.  Most of our ewes are North Country Cheviot crosses. 

Our ewes spend most of their time outdoors. This way they can exercise and spend as much time as they want in the fresh air and sunshine. They do have access to a barn, of course, and during lambing time they are locked up at night, both for their safety and to make it easier on the shepherdess during the middle-of-the-night "barn checks."

Our lambs are typically born in mid March and are raised on locally grown hay and grain until turned out on pasture. We use a modified rotational grazing system to maximize pasture utilization and insure healthy sheep and lambs. Our pasture is rarely sprayed with any chemicals, but we spot spray against thistles when required. The lambs are allowed to grow at a natural pace, we don't try to push their growth by artificial means, as we believe that produces the highest quality, best tasting meat. Besides, it's much better for the animals.

Our lambs are raised naturally in that we use no hormones or antibiotics. They ARE vaccinated against the most common ailments that affect sheep to ensure their health and they are given anthelmintics (de-worming meds). Any lamb that has to be medicated beyond that for any reason is not sold as a locker lamb.

School Sheep

 

The sheep we use to train herding dogs range from the really heavy, "knee-knocker" kind to the really light and flighty kind.  This way we can put together groups of sheep that are suitable for whatever we are trying to teach the dog during the lesson.

We occasionally have school sheep for sale or "rent."  You may want to consider renting a few sheep before you leap into full-fledged ownership.  This way you will also have the option of switching the sheep so that you are not always training on the same three or five.

Contact us for availability.

 

Locker Lambs

 

If you are interested in a locker lamb, don't wait until fall to contact us as even though the lambs won't be ready until November or December, it's best to get on our list early to make sure you get one.  

We used Odenthal's Meats for our processing which is located between New Prague and Montgomery.  We do sell lambs "on the hoof" as well if you prefer to do your on slaughtering and processing.

The price remains unchanged at $2.50 per pound hanging weight for the first lamb. You will also pay the processing fee, which varies slightly depending on your cutting instructions.  If you'd like, you can also buy a whole lamb if you prefer to do your own cutting.  The price is the same, but you will obviously save money on the processing.

If you refer a new customer to us that buys a lamb, we will reduce the price of your lamb by $10 per lamb sold.

If a whole lamb is too much meat for your needs, there is almost always someone wanting to split a lamb so it's possible for you to purchase a half.

If you have any questions and/or want to place an order, you can contact us by phone, e-mail or "snail-mail" (U.S. Post Office).

We look forward to hearing from you.

Susane & Chuck Hoffman
19086 Vergus Avenue

For some tasty lamb recipes and information, check out Lamb Chef

Jordan, MN 55352
952-492-3072  (land line)
612-710-3281 (mobile)
Lambs@sheepycorner.com
 

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