The Curious Sheep

James and his family manage the Gooramma Poll Dorset Stud in Southeastern Australia. This progressive operation focuses on production and terminal traits to produce quality meat lambs for commercial producers. We cover all thingd Aussie sheep and lamb from how our seasons are opposite and capturing those all important 1% gains to improve the flock. Follow James on social media through "Gooramma Poll Dorset Stud" and check out their website www.gooramma.com.au.

Ursina and Andrew manage a flock of 200 Katahdin sheep in Shawville, Quebec. When not busy farming Ursina is an accountant and has a knack for business planning and seeing big picture ideas. She's channeled her number sense into a great website and resource to help farmers start and grow this business. Website - https://farmingfrontiers.ca/; Facebook - The Farming Frontiers; Ontario Sheep Farmers Economic Workbook - https://www.ontariosheep.org/business-management; OMAFRA Farm Business Decision Tool - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/downtown.htm; OMAFRA Business Plan Tools - http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/newentrant/sec4.htm

Jim and his son Josh manage a large flock of commercial sheep. We chat about their transition from dairy farmers to sheep wrestlers. Farming with family and employees is also a topic we should all pay attention too. Catch Jim on twitter at @JimBen71220505 to see the farm and his sheep updates.

Drew is a farmer who pushes limits and ideas. Prolific ewes, pushing weight gains and milk production. We also chat about the Beef Farmers of Ontario BUILD program that he participated in, industry insights and #cookingwithdrew. Follow Drew on Twitter @DrewTyler_.

Laurie Maus is a guru of all things sheep, science and poo. Laurie and her husband Bob have been sheep farmers for a number or years and have always used science to help improve the farm; through genetic evaluations to improve stock or biology to improve health. Laurie has been doing a great job helping other producers learn about sheep parasites and how to manage them better. Her No Sheep Sherlock Parasite Management training covers all kinds of aspects of looking at sheep poo and flock health. The No Sheep Sherlock: http://www.hawkhillfarm.ca/services.htm

OVC Parasite Managment Handbook: https://www.ontariosheep.org/uploads/userfiles/files/Parasite%20Handbook_April_2019%20updated_reduced.pdf

Parasite Management: https://www.wormx.info/

FAMACHA Scoring: https://web.uri.edu/sheepngoat/famacha/

Sara and her family operate a ranch in Montana. From dressing up her goats and lambs and marketing their products to consumers Sara has a great story and insight to the sheep industry. Check out the ranch at www.hollenbeckranch.com. The ranch sells theirs meats in mixed boxes from www.highfivemeats.com and through a local producer cooperative. The Yellowstone Valley Food Hub at www.yvfoodhub.com is a unique idea of working together to get more local products to consumers. Also find Sara in Instagram at @sarasheeplady for what happens day to day on the ranch and with the kids (human and animal) and lambs.

I catch up with our shearer Charlie as he's on his way to a shearing job. Shearing, the essential task sheep need to stay healthy and clean. The goal is always to make it easy on the sheep. We chat about his farm and the important work he does shearing sheep for others. Follow Charlie on twitter @CharlieCunnin81. The YouTube link for the shearing video https://youtu.be/0HQoTEM_Aqs

Jennifer is general manager of Ontario Sheep Farmers. The board of directors (elected in each district) she works with works give direction and supoort to the industry. They represent producers to develop good government policy and support, education, extension, and so many other items and issues that affect producers. She gives us an overview of who Ontario sheep farmers are and we discuss some of the opportunities and challenges we have. "Sheep will save the world!". Check www.ontariosheep.org for resources and links available to producers.

Listen in and get all the sheep reproduction tips and information you need from our farm vet Dr. Amanda Topp. We cover basic sheep anatomy and systems for making babies and some tools you can use to manage breeding on the farm. Make sure you consult you vet as well to make the best plan for your specific farm.

I chat with Mike about his unique grazing style rotating sheep and cattle on pasture. He's got a completely different management system than us here Circle R and I always find it fascinating. Listen in as we discuss sheep and all they ways we do things different but how finding what works best for you and your farm is key.