Sheep Production

All Sheep Production Content
Left: Graduate research technician fitting a sheep with a NoFence® virtual fencing collar in a sheep alley way. Right: sheep being released from a stock trailer into the native rangeland in western South Dakota, to be grazed under a rotational grazing management strategy.

Beyond the Fence: Harnessing virtual fencing technology to improve sheep grazing and health management

Virtual fencing is not a new concept, but advancements in technology have expanded its usability in livestock production. A team of researchers at the West River Research and Extension Center partnered with SARE and a local sheep producer to learn more about the grazing management and herd health using virtual fencing and drone technology.

small group of sheep standing in a pasture

Sheep & Goats

South Dakota ranks sixth nationally in sheep and wool production. And the industry is growing.

Flock of sheep sorted into holding pens inside a barn.

Measuring Flock Performance

Ready to start measuring your flock’s performance and setting KPI? Use this worksheet to track year-to-year metrics and prioritize next year’s input investment.

Producer feeding a flock of sheep

Elevate Ewe

Elevate Ewe is designed for beginning sheep producers who want to develop or improve a full or part-time sheep operation.

Sheep producer moving a flock at pasture.

Will Your Summer Pastures Meet Your Flock’s Needs?

Sheep can readily thrive on pasture in the summer. However, monitoring forage quality and meeting mineral requirements on range is important to optimize production.

A young lamb standing in a barn stall.

Lamb Cut Pricing Calculator

Calculator to help estimate the cost to feed a lamb to harvest weight and breakeven required by selling lamb cuts.

Merino sheep eating from a small feeding trough.

Mineral Considerations for Sheep

Minerals play an integral role in many reactions throughout a sheep's body, and they are critical for animal health, performance, and the profitability of an operation.

Two sheep producers observing sheep in a corral.

Direct Marketing Lamb: Estimating Finish Weights

Determining when lambs should be harvested is critical for optimal quality and consumer satisfaction.

Flock of young lambs grazing fall pasture.

Breeding Ewe Lambs

Breeding ewe lambs can lead to an increase in the long-term flock productivity and profitability. Learn some expert tips to help determine whether breeding ewes is the right fit for your operation.

Close-up of a sheep’s nose, mouth, and teeth.

Mouthing Sheep for Age and the Value of Dental Condition

Dental problems in sheep can lead to long-term loss of production and decreased lifespan. Mouthing is a valuable tool for making culling decisions or identifying age when purchasing sheep.