Shepherding | BahBahBlacktailFarm

HOMESTEADERS

SOLAR SHEEP

The way we see it, 1 acre equals 43,650 square feet of solar collector. As good farmers, we try to use every ray of solar energy wisely. Grass and forbs grow well on our pastures on the side of Little Blacktail Mountain. Our sheep are extremely efficient users of solar energy and by grazing they happily transform the cellulose from the plants they eat into high quality animal protein.

OUR SHEEP LIVE THE GOOD LIFE

They graze naturally on fresh pasture each day. We tend to their needs for safety, shelter, good water and minerals, and the freedom to socialize with their buddies. As Spring Lambs (so cute, little and bouncy) they stay with their mothers enjoying mother’s milk for 2-3 months and nibbles of grass with their mothers. At 4-5 months they are adolescents and at 5-6 months they are young adults (think twenty-something) eager to start offspring of their own. By the end of the grazing season, as we approach autumn’s harvest, they have grown from 7-8 lbs. to 90-120 lbs. (not so cute or little). It is truly impressive what these sheep can do with a little sunlight and good pasture.

ROTATIONAL GRAZING

One of the most important practices we do at Bah Bah Blacktail Farm is rotational grazing. We divide our big pastures into multiple small grazing paddocks using portable electro-net fencing. Each 1-2 days our sheep joyfully run out to entirely clean fresh pasture. It’s like having a little Glee Club, jumping with ears flapping, “Oh Boy, Oh Boy…we’re going to the pasture…” Not only are the sheep much happier, they also stay healthier because this pattern disrupts the life cycle of nematodes that could otherwise require dewormer medications. After the grass has “rested” and regrown 28 days or more it can be grazed again.

BETTER NUTRITION

This intensive shepherding also has significant benefits for animal nutrition. We see each acre as a big solar collector on which we can produce nutrient-dense foods. Grass is very good at photosynthesis but the result is too fibrous for humans to enjoy. Ruminants thrive on it and sheep are the most efficient at turning grass into high quality animal protein. As grass grows, the first products of photosythesis are wisely sent to grow roots. The next 5-6 inches of blade are the extremely nutritious part which our sheep harvest. Tall blades become more fibrous and less nutrient dense because the plant is preparing to seed. Our rotational grazing system lets the animals capture the grass at its most nutrient rich stage. When research studies describe the benefits of grass-fed meats, this is why it is so.

WHOLESOME FOOD

Rest assured that you are getting safe, wholesome meat when you purchase a lamb from Bah Bah Blacktail Farm. We raise top quality sheep of breeds such as Katahdin which demonstrate high natural resistance to parasites. Combined with our commitment to good pasture management by rotating them through clean pastures, we basically eliminate the need for pesticides/dewormers.

We never use growth hormones or growth stimulants. Our sheep are not fed antibiotics or other unnatural feed additives. Medications are only administered when absolutely essential for the health and wellbeing of the animal. Detailed records are kept on all treatments and withdrawal times are strictly followed. Though products are considered safe by the USDA and FDA, if you prefer a lamb that has never been treated with antibiotics, because of our recordkeeping, we can confidently offer you this assurance.

SUSTAINABILITY

We are committed to raising our sheep as sustainably as possible, meaning we want our sheep to be good for the environment. Though they have excellent manure and mineral spreading abilities, not every area should be treated the same. Throughout the farm we maintain wildlife habitat by preserving habitat zones, including arranging our fencing to allow wildlife access to water, sheltering timber and wildlife corridors. As much as is practical we promote native plant species.

Our sheep do the weed control – no need to apply herbicides to our pastures. We use organic farming methods to replenish the soil. We try to give more back to the land than we take from it.

GRAZERS

Got Grass? Turn it into food!

At Bah Bah Blacktail Farm, in Careywood, Idaho, we offer a limited number of “feeder lambs” each year. These are lambs born in March/April that are weaned and ready to go in June to graze in your secure pasture. You raise them on your grass during summer and then you arrange to harvest them in the fall (October/November). These are lambs that have been raised without antibiotics, growth hormones or pesticides. These are the cleanest and happiest lambs you will find. Remember, our farm’s motto is “Happiness you can taste”.

Realistic Expectations – What weight should you expect these lambs to attain in 5-6 months?

On our pastures, from May to October an average gain is 60 lbs. Thus, a weanling lamb of 50 lbs. grows to an animal of 110. Results on your pastures may differ depending on the amount and quality of your grass and on how safe the lambs feel there. We sell healthy lambs with potential to gain 50+ lbs. over summer just by eating your grass. Katahdins might not have the largest size gain of the sheep breeds, but they don’t require shearing and they excel on grass-fed farms. They are the “gain without grain” sheep. Plus, we think their flavor is the best!

Deposits and Delivery?

We take deposits ($100) on feeder lambs beginning February 14th and continue until all our available feeder candidates are reserved. our supply depends on the results of the March lambing season. Prices range from $200-350. The balance is due by pickup day and cash or PayPal are accepted. You will pick up your lambs at our farm in Careywood. Delivery may sometimes be arranged for an additional mileage fee.

What about eventually getting them into the freezer?

You will need to arrange for your sheep’s humane harvest, generally done in October/November. There are several options:

A professional mobile butcher comes to your farm by appointment
You do the work yourself
You take your animal to a commercial USDA approved meat processing center

Often buyers will share the fruits of their labor and the care of their lambs with a neighbor or friend. Everyone wins. We offer educational workshops about home butchering at our farm, usually in September, so that you can get an idea of whether this option suits your situation. More questions? Please ask! We enjoy explaining and are happy to help.

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.

Get The Book

SheepWhispering 101

This book will help you choose the right sheep for your farm, learn about grass and hay to feed your sheep and make the best use of your land.

You will learn tips for easier handling, ways to protect your sheep from predators and parasites and relevant recordkeeping.

It also covers many of the basics you need to know about breeding sheep, bottle babies and sheep’s milk. It also discusses humane harvests.

The story told in the beginning of the book is a lighthearted, family friendly way to familiarize you with homestead style shepherding. Read this book to build your understanding and your confidence.

Buy the Book