In this episode Liv & Rachel interview guest Amy Rapphun at Linden Lane Farm. Amy discusses her sheep operation, what she does with her flocks fleeces & how she milks her dairy sheep + what she does with her milk. Amy is also the person who handled the importing of purebred East Friesian semen to the USA for NADSA.

Linden Lane Farm --> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064779124049

North America Dairy Sheep Association (NADSA) --> www.northamericadairysheep.org

#dairysheep #dairy #gotmilk #nadsa #northamericadairysheepassociation #whoopsydaisyfarm #craftyfoxacres

This episode covers the comparison between hand milking and machine milking, addressing concerns related to cleaning, contamination, and equipment considerations. It also explores the benefits of milking machines, their role in cheese making, microbial control, and cost considerations.

Additionally, it discusses the use of milking machines in specific farming situations, farm management, and the impact on milk production and animal behavior.

Simple Pulse --> https://simplepulse.com/

Takeaways

• Hand milking vs. machine milking
• Considerations for milking equipment Hand milking vs. machine milking
• Controlling milk quality and contamination
• The role of milking machines in dairy farming

Chapters

• 00:00 Transition to Machine Milking
• 19:07 Machine Milking Process
• 24:13 Benefits of Machine Milking
• 37:00 Researching Milking Equipment
• 01:06:27 Conclusion and Farming Investments

In this episode, Liv and Rachel catch up on what is going on in their flocks. Rachel discusses a treatment for parasites that involves alkalyzing sheep feed with lye and a coccidiea treatment. The primary discussion then shifts to explaining why Liv prefers polled sheep (no horns) and Rachel does like horned sheep.

Links from discussion:

The Shepherdess Grace's Coccidea treatment:

https://www.shepherdess.com/product/the-most-effective-coccidia-treatment-for-my-lambs-toltrazuril-2/

Poopah's Farm Lye treatment videos: https://youtu.be/3l44mpJRBt4?si=u5OpUyq2YN3lpakY

https://youtu.be/u5U0n4k1eWE?si=drkIdHaVlGrROvMD

Research on Lye treatment:

https://youtu.be/Q4dAW9COF50?si=_fkEzMpSNFegrtdi

https://youtu.be/1Z0WzHR-W4c?si=86cp5-ZaCCBFOv3e

Shepherdess' Grace Research on Lye treatment:

https://youtu.be/UyENV3C2Nu4?si=AovlodIElK18X875

Pinch of Patience's take on lye treatment:

https://youtu.be/oK0dWrw4K_M?si=DTHlA5LUIEivdfs3

#sheep #dairysheep #parasitetreatment #animalhusbandry #homesteading #homedairy #sheepcheese #sheepmilkcheese

In this episode Liv & Rachel dive into what makes a dairy sheep a dairy sheep and where to find them using the North America Dairy Sheep Association. Plus, a brief overview of other uses for sheep (meat, milk & wool).

Rachel chats with Liv Fox, the current North America Dairy Sheep Association (NADSA) about association accomplishments in 2025; PLUS exciting news about the future of The Wooly Whey in 2026!

Guest Tiffany Hartung shares her personal experiences making cheeses with cow milk and sheep milk.

Curious about curing meats as a form of preservation? Our guest Cora explains how!

Elaine a shepherd in Michigan shares how she manages her flock of dairy sheep on small acreage.