Five years ago Evelyn and Al Terhune researched sheep breeds with an interest in raising meat sheep on 35 acres of pasture on their 70 acres of land near Gilbert, Ark. Mowing grass and weeds, they felt, was a waste of time and money, where grazing sheep would be a positive contribution to pasture management, without having to spray weed killers.
“We had too much grass where we lived, sometimes it was a fire hazard,” Evelyn said. “So, I decided we’d better find something that eats a lot of grass. We didn’t want an exotic breed, or animals that could tear down fences or jump over fences, so we investigated the breeds of meat sheep.”
They learned that Katahdins are low maintenance, easy keepers and known for their parasite resistance. They are a hardy breed that adapts well to various pasture conditions and will feed on nuisance plants. The breed does not require shearing because they have hair instead of wool. Their coats grow thicker in the winter and start to shed at the first break in cold weather, or at the on-set of lambing in ewes. The animals have strong, thick legs, long loin, good depth and overall size and are proportionally balanced. As an animal for meat production the Katahdin is an ideal breed, for turning grass, broad-leaf weeds, shrubs, hay and grain into nutritious and great-tasting lamb.
“The meat is mild flavored, with little or no variation in the taste past the lamb stage,” Evelyn said. “It’s very healthy, can be substituted in most beef or pork recipes and as good as ground meat.”
The couple started their flock with eight ewes and a ram and have expanded the flock to 79 head. The couple’s sheep have won at livestock shows and fairs and are sold to many 4-H students.
“Katahdin sheep are small and easy to handle, but the dressed carcass is heavily muscled and lean,” Al said. “Set-up costs were relatively low, with cross-fencing and pastures are rotated every week. We don’t worry about them breaking out, just about other animals getting in, such as coyotes or bobcats.”
Al cuts and bales around 2,000 square hay bales each year, storing enough for winter feeding and selling some to other farmers. The sheep also eat whole corn, lamb pellets and copper-free sheep minerals.
Al and Evelyn have even discovered a great way to fertilize their garden through their sheep venture. “Our sheep also like to eat raw vegetable scraps and fruit peelings,” Al said. “Once we’ve gathered the vegetables, I turn the sheep in to clean-up the garden to prepare for the next year.”
An exchange student, Suchathinan, from Thailand, lives with the couple. Evelyn said, “We chose her because she wants to become a veterinarian.”
“I love this lifestyle and animals,” Suchathinan said. “I’ll be living here for a year and going to school, which will benefit me when I return home. My English is improving, and helping with the sheep gives me hands-on experience.”
