Customer Reviews

Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep: Breeds, Care, Facilities

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is most excellent and indepth. BUT, be sure to get the new expanded update by Paula Simmons AND Carol Ekarius. The updated book has a lot more info. I originally read this book in the older form at the local library and then bought a copy of the updated version through Amazon.com to have on hand as we got sheep. The updated book is so good that I read the entire thing again cover to cover. Carol Ekarius has added a lot of valuable info, updates and personal stories from shepards to the book.

Speaking frankly, I used to smirk at the series of books titled "Raising _______ The Modern Way."

Too few of them were useful. Belanger's Dairy Goats and Simmons's Raising Sheep were the only two exceptions. Of course, that was then, a time when books for folks returning to nature just weren't common. Now, as more books are available, it seems Storey's has decided to improve their entire line.

The result is that Storey's Guides are now really excellent and provide a great deal of useful information. This is especially true with Raising Sheep.

Among the numerous books for prospective sheep ranchers I choose this as the best, most complete useful book for the small farmer.

Carol Ekarius didnt reinvent the wheel on her latest book, she updated and added to Paula Simmons, reference book, Storeys Guide to raising Sheep. The chapter on breeds is quite extensive. I was unaware of the heritage and rare sheep breeds. The Jacob sheep, which was once an endangered species, is making a comeback. (665 counted in the last census). These breeds have some desirable characteristics, particularly when used on a diversified farm or ranch. The chapter devoted to the use of guardian animals is a wonderful addition. It certainly leaves one with loads to think about. Carol presented a convincing case using science and technology to declare sheep as top-notch weed controllers. Weeds are a major hurdle facing the agriculture industry, including small acreage owners. Weeds are negatively impacting the over health of our environment. Sheep seem to be a viable solution worthy of further investigation. They control weeds, fertilize and give the owner a product that is highly marketable. True to Ekarius form there is a chapter on marketing your product. Take a look; she has some great ideas that can easily be adapted to any region. The final chapter is on showing sheep. 4-H and FFA leaders now have an updated informative book that is not cost prohibitive. I recommend this book to parents of children taking one of these projects. It is worth it.

I just received this book from my order through Amazon...i have to say:

THE Detailed coverage on the Sheep/Lamb/Wool Industry is AWESOME. it not only teaches you how to raise and take care of sheep, but goes into detail with the BUSINESS side of sheep raising for those small and large time farmers!!

Recommended reading by me for sure.

This book covers everything you need to know about getting started with sheep. I am going to become a 4-H sheep leader and this book has provided loads of valuable information! This book is a "must have".

My daughter is in an Agriculture class and is also in Future Farmer's of America. We have tried to understand the text book my daughter brought home from school. It was way to difficult to read.

Thank goodness she found this book in her school library. It is easy to read and much more detailed. We will be rasing a lamb for this class and this will be our bible.

Though this is not an exhaustive reference, it is full of the necessary knowledge to get you started in raising sheep. Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep should be the first book in your library on the subject.

I can't say enough about this book! Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep covers everything from making your first purchase, care and feeding, illness, predators, lambing, flock care, marketing and more. For those interested in breeding sheep, chapter 2 contains 54 pages discussing various breeds, including the history of each breed as well as black and white photographs. A GREAT source of information for the beginner as well as the experienced shepherd.

My fifteen year old raised her first sheep for the fair this year and I bought her this book. She did fabulously and it has a lot to do with the indepth guide this book gives...very impressive!

For a none technical book this has a lot of information I am still delving into the book. I think this would be a very good book for someone thinking of getting sheep. It does point out the problems one may face with this type of livestock. I have enjoyed being educated by this book.