The Graves Family is Committed to Raising Quality Sheep
EL DORADO SPRINGS, MO. – In the late 1980s, Andy Graves started and grew his Hampshire sheep flock while showing at the state level. Throughout the years, his commitment to raising sheep varied due to other priorities such as college and marriage, but today, Graves and his family operate the successful Outlaw Sheep Company.
“We are now raising Registered Shropshire and Registered Slick Sheared Dorset Sheep,” Wyatt, Graves’ son, said. “We enjoy showing at the state and national level and are always trying to improve our genetics and production of our herd.”
In addition to Graves, now 49, and Wyatt, 24, the operation is run by Jodi, Graves’ wife, 48; Breanna, Wyatt’s wife, 25, with whom he is expecting a baby boy; and Trey and Olivia Graves, 21 and 18, respectively.
Outlaw Sheep Company currently has 35 brood ewes on 172 acres of pasture and hay ground.
Wyatt said that Shropshire sheep were the ideal breed for their company thanks to their low cost and dual use for meat and wool. They have recently started raising the Dorset breed – known for its prolific breeding – as well.
Outlaw Sheep Company possesses a solid base of ewes raised on the farm.
“The majority of our ewe base has been purchases made from Ebert Sheep Farm in Kansas,” Wyatt said. “This helped our breeding program out exponentially.”
The Graves utilize natural breeding practices but are currency exploring artificial insemination (AI); Wyatt said the downside to AI is the expense and the lower success rates.
“However, we do believe that AI could improve the genetics of our flock, and we hope to start this in 2025.”
Outlaw Sheep Company selects lambs early to determine their purpose (show, butcher, sale). The criteria for show lamb selection are based on show appeal, potential registered sales, and production purposes.
“We do have some 4-H and FFA kids that we work with to allow them to show at our local county fairs,” Wyatt said.
“We have recently started to sell meat, and we sell whole lambs or individual cuts,” he said, adding that the farm currently sells to Sunnyside Market (south of El Dorado Springs). This has increased the farm’s profit margins and provided opportunities to grow the herd.
“We have found a balance in the profitability,” Wyatt said. “Selling the lamb meat has allowed us to get a premium price for the product that we raise.”
The sheep eat well and are ensured a healthy lifestyle. Show sheep are fed Purina feed and supplements from Circle S. Feeds in El Dorado Springs.
“We also feed a custom show ration that Appleton City Feeds mixes for us,” Wyatt said, “and we currently feed a mixed-grass hay and some Timothy Mix as well.”
In addition to feed, the sheep’s health and medical needs are attended to. Outlaw Sheep Company avoids using excessive medication for the sheep, opting only to provide deworming and CDT boosters annually. Sick animals are treated as needed, but additional vaccinations are not provided. Hoof care is not on a strict regimen but is provided when necessary.
In terms of marketing, Wyatt said the operation relies heavily on Facebook and has sold sheep at The Ohio Showcase and the Midwest Stud Ram Sale. They also show at multiple state and national shows, including the Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska State Fairs.
“We have had many winners at the state level and have been able to go to other states and have success there as well,” Wyatt said. The Graves are members of the State and National Shropshire Sheep Associations and the State Dorset Association.
The Graves family stays current with show-ring advancements by attending state and national shows and “sales to help advance our genetics,” Wyatt said. They mingle with fellow sheep breeders to understand what others are putting into their operations.
Managing an operation of this nature is no easy task, so keeping track of everything requires diligent bookkeeping. Outlaw Sheep Company maintains paper and Excel records to keep track of every lamb born and notes on maternal abilities.
When asked for advice on starting sheep farming, Wyatt said finding the right breed is paramount.
“When you find what breed works best for you, then I would try to get the best genetics that you can get,” he said. “Start slow and build up at a good pace that works for yourself.”
In the future, Outlaw Sheep Company plans to exhibit steady growth through improvements in its breeding and feeding programs and meat sales.
“We would like to build a new barn for show lambs, hay, and equipment storage,” Wyatt said. Selling registered sheep can be challenging, but maintaining a sense of community is essential for continued success.
“We have good friends in the sheep industry to help us out with our goals.”
For more information on Outlaw Sheep Company, visit their Facebook page, Outlaw Sheep Company–OSC, call (417) 296-5909, or visit their location, 3010 East 1370 Road, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744
