Harvesters

LOCAL

As responsible members of local community, we feed locally grown hay in the winter months. We purchase our sheep handling equipment, gates, etc. from a local craftsman. And, of course, local merchants who sell fencing and other farm supplies know us well.

We are pleased to be able to sell our sheep directly to local buyers.

Besides raising sheep for meat and fiber, we also sell breeding stock. New homesteaders who are considering raising sheep should start with proven ewes (those who have been able to give birth successfully and mother their lambs properly). Your first season is not the time to experiment. We are happy to help you chose appropriate homestead animals and get set up. Most of our customers come to us from word of mouth.

HUMANELY RAISED

We love our sheep and know that stress decreases their pleasure and our production. Our sheep are always handled gently and calmly to minimize stress. Our ewes and their lambs are generally friendly. All sheep have free access to fresh water, salt, outdoors and a shelter at all times. Safe pens are large enough to allow free exercise even in winter when the sheep are not out grazing on pasture.

RESPECTFULLY HARVESTED

In contrast to lambs sold through modern commercial channels, that are often shipped long distances to a feedlot, then later shipped to the slaughter plant, our lambs stay in the same familiar environment from birth to harvest.

We are happy to allow for Halal/Kosher butchering - which give special respect to the animal - right on our farm.

CONVENIENCE FOR YOU

Purchasing a butcher lamb from Bah Bah Blacktail Farm is easy.

When your lamb is ready to be harvested, you can decide to process it yourself, or, for your convenience, we can arrange with a local butcher to have the lamb slaughtered, cut and wrapped for you. All you have to do is pick up your packaged frozen meat a week later, cut just how you wanted it. If you’re not sure about your options for butcher, we can help. We provide charts and cooking instructions/suggestions and a free booklet of foolproof recipes with the purchase of your lamb.

Not sure you want a whole lamb? No problem. We can usually arrange with another buyer to split the purchase of a whole lamb with you.

HOW TO ENJOY TASTY, “FOOLPROOF” AND NUTRITIONALLY SUPERIOR LAMB DISHES

Start with quality lamb meat raised at Bah Bah Blacktail Farm.

Our pastures are located on the sunny slopes of Little Blacktail Mountain in Careywood, Idaho. We use organic farming techniques to enhance our soil naturally. We have a commitment to preserve the wild beauty of our land which includes maintaining wildlife corridors and nesting areas for wildlife in the farm’s pond areas.

A FEW WORDS ABOUT FLAVOR

The sheep breed we have chosen to raise are Kadahdin. They are naturally more parasite resistant, good foragers and excellent mothers. This breed is known for excellent meat and for their coat of hair rather than wool. Their more primitive style coat sheds off naturally in the spring. We think this is one reason their meat tastes milder and less greasy than lamb meat you might have eaten in the past.

HOW DOES THE SHEEP GET FROM OUR FARM TO YOUR TABLE?

We can provide customers with the name and phone number of a local USDA inspected facility. We can also assist you in arranging for on farm harvest and custom butchering by the local meat processor of your choice.

The Law says: The Federal Meat Inspection Act stipulates that all meat that is to be sold or traded for human consumption must be slaughtered in an approved facility under the supervision of a state or USDA meat inspector. A person can slaughter his animals outside such a facility only for use by himself, members of his household, his non-paying guests and employees. He is not allowed to sell any portion of the carcass. For more details about these regulations see website at www.fsis.usda.gov.

We also conduct seasonal workshops in Homesteading Skills with a focus on harvesting your own animals for meat and hides. Contact us for more details.

TIMING YOUR PURCHASE

Here are some facts about farm rhythm you might find helpful.

In autumn, after a summer of grazing on rich pastures, our breeding ewes are in peak condition. This is when they get to spend a month’s holiday with the Ram King. Five months later we are having spring lambing season. Spring is a great time to visit the farm to watch the antics. But hurry. Baby lambs grow up fast. From 8-10 lbs. at birth, they will grow to about 90-100 lbs. or more by autumn.

The usual farm rhythm is that sheep born in springtime will be full grown enough by autumn to join the herd as breeding ewes or distinguish themselves as a potential Ram King, or become available for sale, so they can be famous on your table.

We describe this seasonal rhythm so that customers will understand when market lambs are usually available. Think of stocking your freezer at autumn harvest time, like in the days of long ago, but reserve your lamb early.

RESERVATIONS AND DEPOSITS BEGIN IN FEB/MARCH

Occasionally we have ewes whose timing with the ram results in lambs being born at different times in the year. It is best to tell us when you order that you have an interest in serving lamb for a particular occasion or holiday.

And speaking of holidays, we are happy to provide lambs for Halal/Kosher custom butchering. None of our lambs have docked tails or other procedures. All are clean and whole and healthy.

RECIPE BOOK

COMING SOON.

A downloadable recipe book for delicious lamb dishes.