Our Journey into Sheep Farming: Lessons from Our Sheep Keeping Course

Getting Ready for Crofting

As we embark on our exciting adventure of becoming croft owners and sheep farmers, we recently completed a sheep keeping course that was both eye-opening and hands-on. This workshop was packed with practical information that will serve us well as we transition into the world of sheep farming. From understanding pasture management to ensuring sheep health, we covered a lot of ground—and we can’t wait to share our experiences!

Essential Skills for Sheep Keeping

One of the highlights of the course was learning about the importance of pasture. Properly managed, pasture is vital for the health and productivity of our future sheep flock. We learned how to assess pasture quality and make sure it meets the needs of our sheep as they graze. The trainer emphasized rotational grazing, which not only helps maintain pasture health but also limits the spread of parasites.

Fencing was another crucial topic. Good fencing can prevent sheep from wandering off and getting into trouble. We learned about the types of materials best suited for keeping our sheep safe and secure. Plus, we got some tips on how to repair and maintain fencing, ensuring that our sheep will always have a safe environment.

Hands-On Experience and Fun Moments

No sheep keeping course would be complete without some hands-on practice! We had the opportunity to work with actual sheep, which was both thrilling and enlightening. Learning how to pen sheep was an unexpected challenge. It required patience and proper technique, but we soon got the hang of it. We even practiced turning the sheep and guiding them into a yoke gate, which felt like a small victory.

One of the most memorable experiences was getting the sheep to eat out of our hands! The feeling of their gentle nibbling was both heartwarming and a little magical. These interactions helped us connect with the animals and understand their behavior better. It also reassured us that, with enough time and care, we could build trust with our future flock.

Overall, this sheep keeping course was an essential part of our preparation for life as croft owners. We gained invaluable knowledge and skills, and the experience deepened our enthusiasm for sheep farming. With the right foundation in place, we’re even more excited to start this new chapter and look forward to sharing more of our journey with you!