As always lambing has its ups and downs. Here is what the 2023 lambing season has offered us so far! Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

As always lambing has its ups and downs. Here is what the 2023 lambing season has offered us so far! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Lambing diaries 2023 and what I will change for 2024

Subscriber-only episodeIs showing ruining the commercial  sheep industry and vice versa. What really goes on behind the scenes with some producers who show sheep and how sustainable are these practices for those of us who are also running commercial enterprises.  In this premium episode we explore the challenges and woes! Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

<a href="https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscriber-only episode</a>Is showing ruining the commercial  sheep industry and vice versa. What really goes on behind the scenes with some producers who show sheep and how sustainable are these practices for those of us who are also running commercial enterprises.  In this premium episode we explore the challenges and woes! Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

🔒 Sustainable sheep systems - show v commercial

What do you need to have in your birthing kit and lamb survival kits and what is new in my kit for 2023 - check it all out in this episode!Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

What do you need to have in your birthing kit and lamb survival kits and what is new in my kit for 2023 - check it all out in this episode!<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

The kits you need for lambing and what is new in my kit!

Not ideal of course but if we are aiming for maximum lamb survival bottle feeding lambs is a part of shepherding. So what are the pros and cons. Why would we do it, how to know you need to intervene and how do we actually do it and for how long do we do it. All you bottle feeding questions are answered in this timely episode! Thanks Robyn for the idea for this episode!Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

Not ideal of course but if we are aiming for maximum lamb survival bottle feeding lambs is a part of shepherding. So what are the pros and cons. Why would we do it, how to know you need to intervene and how do we actually do it and for how long do we do it. All you bottle feeding questions are answered in this timely episode! Thanks Robyn for the idea for this episode!<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Bottle feeding lambs - why, what and how to do it

Subscriber-only episodeWe've all been there, sheep go down and we are hoping and praying they will get up again. In this subscriber only episode we explore some strategies on how to save a sheep - what I have tried recently, what I used and the results! Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

<a href="https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscriber-only episode</a>We've all been there, sheep go down and we are hoping and praying they will get up again. In this subscriber only episode we explore some strategies on how to save a sheep - what I have tried recently, what I used and the results! Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

🔒 Saving sheep strategies

The Ovine mammary gland is an intricate structure composed of secretory tissue (Parenchyma) and supporting ligaments, venous, lymphatic, adipose and nervous tissue (Stroma). There are two mammary glands divided by a suspensory ligament contained within the udder as shown in the Ovine udder anatomy diagram. Mammary Gland DevelopmentThe development of the mammary gland (mamogenesis) commences in the embryo and continues through to lactation.  Ewe lambs are born with cistern, teats and some large ducts.  Alveoli and interlobular ducts develop several months after birth along with fat and connective tissue.  During pregnancy and in response to estrogen and progesterone, the concentration of blood vessels and secretory cells increases, with new alveoli and duct formation continuing for several weeks post lambing.  LactationIn the last trimester of pregnancy, changes in the concentration of circulating hormones and growth factors induces lactogenesis, enabling milk production.  Nutrients, white blood cells and antibodies are transported to the secretory alveoli by surrounding blood vessels and lymphatic tissue. The secretory epithelial cells produce milk particles from the nutrients absorbed from stromal tissue. Milk globules, composed of milk particles and cytoplasmic fluid, are moved to the inner lumen by pinch off part of the cell wall in a process known as apocrine secretion.  In response to external stimuli, nerves innervating the udder signal the release of oxytocin from the brain, which acts on the myoepithelial layer causing the alveolus to contract and forcibly expel milk from the lumen into the network of ducts and down to the gland cistern.  Suckling or manual milking causes milk to pass through the annular ring into the teat cistern where it is ejected from the teat through the streak canal.  Shortly after milking, the teat sphincter closes preventing milk leakage and infection. In sheep and goats approximately 50-70% of the milk is stored in the glands cistern unlike 20% in cattle.  Sheep with larger gland cistern can store more milk and cope with less frequent milking, which is beneficial for dairy sheep.  Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

The Ovine mammary gland is an intricate structure composed of secretory tissue (Parenchyma) and supporting ligaments, venous, lymphatic, adipose and nervous tissue (Stroma). There are two mammary glands divided by a suspensory ligament contained within the udder as shown in the Ovine udder anatomy diagram. Mammary Gland DevelopmentThe development of the mammary gland (mamogenesis) commences in the embryo and continues through to lactation.  Ewe lambs are born with cistern, teats and some large ducts.  Alveoli and interlobular ducts develop several months after birth along with fat and connective tissue.  During pregnancy and in response to estrogen and progesterone, the concentration of blood vessels and secretory cells increases, with new alveoli and duct formation continuing for several weeks post lambing.  LactationIn the last trimester of pregnancy, changes in the concentration of circulating hormones and growth factors induces lactogenesis, enabling milk production.  Nutrients, white blood cells and antibodies are transported to the secretory alveoli by surrounding blood vessels and lymphatic tissue. The secretory epithelial cells produce milk particles from the nutrients absorbed from stromal tissue. Milk globules, composed of milk particles and cytoplasmic fluid, are moved to the inner lumen by pinch off part of the cell wall in a process known as apocrine secretion.  In response to external stimuli, nerves innervating the udder signal the release of oxytocin from the brain, which acts on the myoepithelial layer causing the alveolus to contract and forcibly expel milk from the lumen into the network of ducts and down to the gland cistern.  Suckling or manual milking causes milk to pass through the annular ring into the teat cistern where it is ejected from the teat through the streak canal.  Shortly after milking, the teat sphincter closes preventing milk leakage and infection. In sheep and goats approximately 50-70% of the milk is stored in the glands cistern unlike 20% in cattle.  Sheep with larger gland cistern can store more milk and cope with less frequent milking, which is beneficial for dairy sheep.  <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Have ewe got cleavage! Tips on sheep udders and teats.

OJD – an iceberg disease  Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD) is endemic across NSW after its detection on the Northern Tablelands in May 2023. While the infection was traditionally considered a southern disease, a number of cases across the Northern Tablelands have been diagnosed over the past 12 months. OJD is said to be an iceberg disease. For ever one animal showing signs of OJD another 25 most likely are sub clinically infected and show no signs. So that visibly impacted animal is the tip of the iceberg. Ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) is an incurable, infectious wasting disease of sheep. OJD is caused by the sheep strain of the bacterium Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, which leads to the intestinal wall slowly thickening, causing reduced absorption of nutrients from the intestine. This eventually leads to severe loss of condition – infected sheep can waste away and die.The bacteria are passed in the manure of infected animals, contaminating pasture and water supplies and spreading infection to other susceptible sheep. Once a flock is endemically infected with OJD, it is difficult to eradicate.OJD is often not diagnosed in a flock until a significant proportion of the flock is already infected and deaths are occurring. There is often no sign for the first few years – that is why it is often referred to as a ‘silent but costly disease’.  Infected sheep can be shedding the bacteria in their manure for a considerable period (sometimes years) even though the flock still looks healthy, but they are contaminating the pasture and infecting other sheep.http://www.ojd.com.au/http://www.ojd.com.au/publications/OJD and Crohnshttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr933VrTJBkDE4ApAk36At.;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1687207147/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.foodstandards.gov.au%2fpublications%2fdocuments%2fedit_Report_JD%2520and%2520CD-%2520Final%2520Dec%25202004...Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

OJD – an iceberg disease  Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD) is endemic across NSW after its detection on the Northern Tablelands in May 2023. While the infection was traditionally considered a southern disease, a number of cases across the Northern Tablelands have been diagnosed over the past 12 months. OJD is said to be an iceberg disease. For ever one animal showing signs of OJD another 25 most likely are sub clinically infected and show no signs. So that visibly impacted animal is the tip of the iceberg. Ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) is an incurable, infectious wasting disease of sheep. OJD is caused by the sheep strain of the bacterium Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, which leads to the intestinal wall slowly thickening, causing reduced absorption of nutrients from the intestine. This eventually leads to severe loss of condition – infected sheep can waste away and die.The bacteria are passed in the manure of infected animals, contaminating pasture and water supplies and spreading infection to other susceptible sheep. Once a flock is endemically infected with OJD, it is difficult to eradicate.OJD is often not diagnosed in a flock until a significant proportion of the flock is already infected and deaths are occurring. There is often no sign for the first few years – that is why it is often referred to as a ‘silent but costly disease’.  Infected sheep can be shedding the bacteria in their manure for a considerable period (sometimes years) even though the flock still looks healthy, but they are contaminating the pasture and infecting other sheep. <a href="http://www.ojd.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ojd.com.au/</a> <a href="http://www.ojd.com.au/publications/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ojd.com.au/publications/</a> OJD and Crohns <a href="https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr933VrTJBkDE4ApAk36At.;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1687207147/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.foodstandards.gov.au%2fpublications%2fdocuments%2fedit_Report_JD%2520and%2520CD-%2520Final%2520Dec%25202004.pdf/RK=2/RS=NnhmukaeZ5y5g06X7280P2l6eXs-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr933VrTJBkDE4ApAk36At.;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1687207147/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.foodstandards.gov.au%2fpublications%2fdocuments%2fedit_Report_JD%2520and%2520CD-%2520Final%2520Dec%25202004...</a><a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Ovine Johne's Disease - what you need to know

Colostrum is the first milk a newborn lamb will receive from its mother.  A concentrated mix of vitamins, minerals, fats, protein, carbohydrates, antimicrobials, growth and immune factors.  It acts as a laxative, aids ewe and lamb bonding, provides energy for thermoregulation and acts as a vital source of immunoglobulins required for passive immunity against intestinal and respiratory pathogens.  Lamb morbidity and mortality has a significant impact on sheep production systems with the majority of pre-weaning losses occurring within the first two weeks of life.  Poor quality and quantity of colostrum in the first 24 hours plays a significant role in lamb death, disease, future growth and reproductive performance. Immediately postpartum, the lamb experiences an environmental and microbial assault.  Lambs have a small surface area to weight ratio, once exposed to the environment, they lose heat quickly and require a boost of rapidly usable energy to aid essential thermoregulation.  Cold, wet and windy conditions accelerate heat loss and add extra stressors.    Colostrum is vital to stave off hypoglycaemia and hypothermia as it is energy dense with fats, lactose and non-immune proteins necessary to generate heat. Approximately 150-290ml/kg of colostrum is required in the first 24 hours depending on weather conditions, ideally with 50ml/kg received immediately after birth (Banchero, 2015). Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

Colostrum is the first milk a newborn lamb will receive from its mother.  A concentrated mix of vitamins, minerals, fats, protein, carbohydrates, antimicrobials, growth and immune factors.  It acts as a laxative, aids ewe and lamb bonding, provides energy for thermoregulation and acts as a vital source of immunoglobulins required for passive immunity against intestinal and respiratory pathogens.  Lamb morbidity and mortality has a significant impact on sheep production systems with the majority of pre-weaning losses occurring within the first two weeks of life.  Poor quality and quantity of colostrum in the first 24 hours plays a significant role in lamb death, disease, future growth and reproductive performance. Immediately postpartum, the lamb experiences an environmental and microbial assault.  Lambs have a small surface area to weight ratio, once exposed to the environment, they lose heat quickly and require a boost of rapidly usable energy to aid essential thermoregulation.  Cold, wet and windy conditions accelerate heat loss and add extra stressors.    Colostrum is vital to stave off hypoglycaemia and hypothermia as it is energy dense with fats, lactose and non-immune proteins necessary to generate heat. Approximately 150-290ml/kg of colostrum is required in the first 24 hours depending on weather conditions, ideally with 50ml/kg received immediately after birth (Banchero, 2015). <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Critical colostrum - how important is it?

How do you know a ewe needs your help? What can we do if we see a ewe in labour? How long to wait before we glove up!? and What actually causes difficult lambing issues anyway- all is revealed in this episode! Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

How do you know a ewe needs your help? What can we do if we see a ewe in labour? How long to wait before we glove up!? and What actually causes difficult lambing issues anyway- all is revealed in this episode! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Dealing with dystocia in lambing

Explore the 7 things to look for when you are buying a farm to run sheep on or if you are wanting to upgrade your farm or develop a plan for your farm for the future. Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

Explore the 7 things to look for when you are buying a farm to run sheep on or if you are wanting to upgrade your farm or develop a plan for your farm for the future. <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Farm audit - buying or upgrading a farm for sheep - what to look for

All things ovine, sheep farming and learning more about sheep and shepherding. Learn about breeding animals and being a sheep farmer. Want more content to help you sheep well? Subscribe now for subscriber only content! https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/subscribe

Subscriber-only episodeWhat was our pregnancy scanning results for 2023, what do we use the information for and what can your scanner tell you about the future - prepare to be amazed!!Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

<a href="https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscriber-only episode</a>What was our pregnancy scanning results for 2023, what do we use the information for and what can your scanner tell you about the future - prepare to be amazed!!Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

🔒 What pregnancy scanning can tell you!?

What do we need to know about sheep's conformation and style? What exactly do we mean when we say that a sheep has style? In this episode we explore what you need to know!Conformation is the anatomy and skeletal function of a sheep. It impacts the sheep’s health, adaptability, longevity, and productivity. Conformation or structural correctness is made up of the following three aspects:  ·       The ‘Five Ts’ assessment methodology to visually and mentally summarise an animal or compare groups at a distance before even touching them·       Soundness, structure, balance plus breed traits·       Visual confirmation scoring the animal from 1-5. 1=best  5=worstThe Five TsThe ‘Five Ts’ assessment methodology to visually and mentally summarise an animal or compare groups at a distance before even touching them.o   Toes -  pasterns, fetlock, knees, hocks and leg profileo   Teeth - at lip / mouth profile, jawlineo   Testicles - two well balance, noticeable, full and in a firm scrotum.o   Teats - two, well placed with a slight outward tendency attached to a symmetrical udder not always seen in wool sheep but should be noticeable in short wool eweso   Type - the breed of animal. Knowledge of the unique breed standard features is also required SoundnessA sheep should be able to move and subsist painlessly, efficiently, and productively throughout its life. The sheep should:·       Be in good condition and healthy (environmental consideration needs to be given here too)  ·       Have sound feet·       Stand squarely·       Have all body parts in correct position, number, and condition especially the Five Ts as aboveStructureStructure is the way a sheep’s body parts are put together or arranged to form the whole animal.Structural correctness is important for movement, fertility and longevity. For rams it is crucial for them to be able to mount and impregnate ewes plus potentially passing on genetic traits that maintain or enhance physical structure. For a ewe being structurally correct allows her to get pregnant, carry lambs full term, birth lambs and feed and wean them. Again, with the expectation is that her lambs will maintain or enhance genetic traits like femininity, udder development and teat placement.Structural correctness includes:  ·       Growth potential·       Volume/capacity or depth of body·       Condition of the sheep (this is more environmental)·       Legs·       Back·       Neck·       Shoulder·       Eye socketBalance and StyleBalance in sheep deals with having appropriate portions of:  Body widthBody depth Body length Sheep should be wide and deep at the rump and tight and trim through the forequarter with the largest volume of weight in the leg and loin.Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

What do we need to know about sheep's conformation and style? What exactly do we mean when we say that a sheep has style? In this episode we explore what you need to know!Conformation is the anatomy and skeletal function of a sheep. It impacts the sheep’s health, adaptability, longevity, and productivity. Conformation or structural correctness is made up of the following three aspects:  ·       The ‘Five Ts’ assessment methodology to visually and mentally summarise an animal or compare groups at a distance before even touching them·       Soundness, structure, balance plus breed traits·       Visual confirmation scoring the animal from 1-5. 1=best  5=worstThe Five TsThe ‘Five Ts’ assessment methodology to visually and mentally summarise an animal or compare groups at a distance before even touching them.o   Toes -  pasterns, fetlock, knees, hocks and leg profileo   Teeth - at lip / mouth profile, jawlineo   Testicles - two well balance, noticeable, full and in a firm scrotum.o   Teats - two, well placed with a slight outward tendency attached to a symmetrical udder not always seen in wool sheep but should be noticeable in short wool eweso   Type - the breed of animal. Knowledge of the unique breed standard features is also required SoundnessA sheep should be able to move and subsist painlessly, efficiently, and productively throughout its life. The sheep should:·       Be in good condition and healthy (environmental consideration needs to be given here too)  ·       Have sound feet·       Stand squarely·       Have all body parts in correct position, number, and condition especially the Five Ts as aboveStructureStructure is the way a sheep’s body parts are put together or arranged to form the whole animal.Structural correctness is important for movement, fertility and longevity. For rams it is crucial for them to be able to mount and impregnate ewes plus potentially passing on genetic traits that maintain or enhance physical structure. For a ewe being structurally correct allows her to get pregnant, carry lambs full term, birth lambs and feed and wean them. Again, with the expectation is that her lambs will maintain or enhance genetic traits like femininity, udder development and teat placement.Structural correctness includes:  ·       Growth potential·       Volume/capacity or depth of body·       Condition of the sheep (this is more environmental)·       Legs·       Back·       Neck·       Shoulder·       Eye socketBalance and StyleBalance in sheep deals with having appropriate portions of:  <ol><li>Body width</li><li>Body depth </li><li>Body length </li></ol>Sheep should be wide and deep at the rump and tight and trim through the forequarter with the largest volume of weight in the leg and loin.<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Style, structure and sheep - what you need to know

So you have jobs you need doing on your farm and you need to recruit an army with youth on their side. This episode will help you find, attract, select and keep young blood to your farm and sheep enterprise. Of course there are lots of other benefits  when we attract youth, especially for those young people who don't have a farm in their family or don't attend a school with a agriculture program.  Let's spread the sheep love to all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds I say!In this episode you will meet Brooklyn Collocott from Young Farmers Australia on Instagram. Brooklyn has been working here at HVF for four years now. She is a year 10 student who is also studying Agriculture at Mary MacKillop College in Leongatha. And Tash Pollard is back! You might remember her from the Happy Hampies podcast. Tash is an Animal Science student from Federation University in Churchill, Victoria, Australia. She runs Blackpond Hampshire Down Stud based in Langwarrin Victoria and has completed her 12 day placement here with us on here farm. This was a very organic chat with the girls on how farmers and sheep breeders in particular can tap into the resource and energy that is youth. By doing so we give back as well as pave a positive future for sheep and agriculture in our communities. Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

So you have jobs you need doing on your farm and you need to recruit an army with youth on their side. This episode will help you find, attract, select and keep young blood to your farm and sheep enterprise. Of course there are lots of other benefits  when we attract youth, especially for those young people who don't have a farm in their family or don't attend a school with a agriculture program.  Let's spread the sheep love to all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds I say! In this episode you will meet Brooklyn Collocott from Young Farmers Australia on Instagram. Brooklyn has been working here at HVF for four years now. She is a year 10 student who is also studying Agriculture at Mary MacKillop College in Leongatha.  And Tash Pollard is back! You might remember her from the Happy Hampies podcast. Tash is an Animal Science student from Federation University in Churchill, Victoria, Australia. She runs Blackpond Hampshire Down Stud based in Langwarrin Victoria and has completed her 12 day placement here with us on here farm.  This was a very organic chat with the girls on how farmers and sheep breeders in particular can tap into the resource and energy that is youth. By doing so we give back as well as pave a positive future for sheep and agriculture in our communities. <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Let people in - How you can attract youth to your farm with Brooklyn Collocott and Tash Pollard

Meet Tash Pollard from Blackpond Hampshire Down Stud as we explore the happiest sheep around!https://www.facebook.com/blackpondhampshiredowns The Hampshire Down or Hampshire is a British breed of sheep. It originated in about 1829 from cross-breeding of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed, the Wiltshire Horn and the Berkshire Nott, all horned, white-faced sheep — these were native to the open, untilled, hilly stretch of land known as the Hampshire Downs. Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

Meet Tash Pollard from Blackpond Hampshire Down Stud as we explore the happiest sheep around! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blackpondhampshiredowns" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/blackpondhampshiredowns</a>  The Hampshire Down or Hampshire is a British breed of sheep. It originated in about 1829 from cross-breeding of Southdowns with the Old Hampshire breed, the Wiltshire Horn and the Berkshire Nott, all horned, white-faced sheep — these were native to the open, untilled, hilly stretch of land known as the Hampshire Downs.  <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Happy Hampies - Hampshire Down sheep with Tash Pollard from Blackpond Stud

How old is old when it comes to a sheep? Are they similar to other animals when it comes to aging them in human years? Is there a formula for calculating sheep years in human years? For the answer to these questions and more have a listen here! Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

How old is old when it comes to a sheep? Are they similar to other animals when it comes to aging them in human years? Is there a formula for calculating sheep years in human years? For the answer to these questions and more have a listen here! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Life expectancy of sheep and what impacts this

Subscriber-only episodeAll farms will have both capital and operational costs, obviously every farm is going to be different but the item will be similar if not exactly the same. So what costs do we have and what amount are they for us this tax year.Another intimate expose of behind the scenes of our farm packaged up for all my sheep besties XWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

<a href="https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscriber-only episode</a>All farms will have both capital and operational costs, obviously every farm is going to be different but the item will be similar if not exactly the same. So what costs do we have and what amount are they for us this tax year. Another intimate expose of behind the scenes of our farm packaged up for all my sheep besties XWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

🔒 What costs do we have on our farm and how much are they in the 22/23 tax year?

Selenium is essential for life.  Selenium is needed for thyroid function and the removal of toxins from the body.  Even humans with low selenium struggle with joint problems – most often arthritis in the knees.  In livestock selenium also presents problems with movement.  Your sheep are going to have lambing issues and your babies are going to struggle if you don’t have enough of it in your animal feed and your soil.  Selenium affects the oxygen supply to the muscles.  Oxygen-deprived muscles are weaker and less elastic.  Lambs with severe selenium deficiency are diagnosed with “white muscle disease” – revealing that the muscle tissue lacks a strong oxygenated blood supply when selenium is an issue.  Selenium works in tandem with vitamin E – the sex vitamin.  Vitamin E is essential in all phases of reproduction, so you can see why Selenium and vitamin E deficiency will show up at lambing time. Learn all about these two amazing essential elements of your sheep's diet in this pod!Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

Selenium is essential for life.  Selenium is needed for thyroid function and the removal of toxins from the body.  Even humans with low selenium struggle with joint problems – most often arthritis in the knees.  In livestock selenium also presents problems with movement.  Your sheep are going to have lambing issues and your babies are going to struggle if you don’t have enough of it in your animal feed and your soil.   Selenium affects the oxygen supply to the muscles.  Oxygen-deprived muscles are weaker and less elastic.  Lambs with severe selenium deficiency are diagnosed with “white muscle disease” – revealing that the muscle tissue lacks a strong oxygenated blood supply when selenium is an issue.   Selenium works in tandem with vitamin E – the sex vitamin.  Vitamin E is essential in all phases of reproduction, so you can see why Selenium and vitamin E deficiency will show up at lambing time.  Learn all about these two amazing essential elements of your sheep's diet in this pod!<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Selenium, Vitamin E and Sheep Success

Non, je ne regrette rien! No, I do not regret anything! Ok that is a bit of a stretch to say there are not things we regret doing but there are six things we definitely do not  regret doing. on our farm and with our sheep. In this episode I share six key things that we don't regret doing since we bought our farm in 2015.  What are the things that you don't regret doing on your farm? Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

Non, je ne regrette rien! No, I do not regret anything! Ok that is a bit of a stretch to say there are not things we regret doing but there are six things we definitely do not  regret doing. on our farm and with our sheep.  In this episode I share six key things that we don't regret doing since we bought our farm in 2015.   What are the things that you don't regret doing on your farm? <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Six things we don't regret doing on our farm

Cud spilling or broken cud is a colloquial term for an abnormality in sheep. We typically notice dark staining around the bottom lip and jaw when the sheep is eating or chewing their cud. Affected sheep are usually culled and definitely not breed with as they usually do not grow or thrive well. But what causes cud spilling and how come it is such a mystery?What causes the staining?The staining around the mouth is due to the animal dribbling saliva and ingesta during rumination. This is most likely from an inability to control the cud efficiently. Although the nature of cud spilling is generally not understood very well in either farming or research circles there is one piece of research on the topic in the archives which we can look at to shed some light on the mystery.WIB Beveridge researched cud spilling. His research was reported in The Australian Veterinary Journal in 1936, eight out of the 13 cases examined were due to partial or complete absence of the free end of the tongue. Of the five remaining cases that Beveridge looked at, two showed no obvious structural abnormality, one had deformed cheek teeth and one had a cyst in the pharynx and one had an old fracture of the mandible (jaw bone). Beveridge concluded that the staining was most commonly caused by the partial or complete absence of the free end of the tongue. He noted that the amount of staining varied as did the degree of deformity of the tongue. The cause of the deformity of the tongue is not known. Interestingly in Beveridge’s paper he suggested that the tongue issues may have been caused by foxes who are partial to lamb’s tongue it seems. Other causes or theories on cud spillingDysphagia is difficulty swallowing — taking more time and effort to move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia can be painful for the animal. The technical word for cud spilling is that the sheep or lamb is dysphagic and drops it cud, this can arise for a number of reasons. It can be an indication of diseases of the teeth, gums, or conditions that would cause a sore mouth. Less commonly it has been seen in sheep with high stomach acidity or on poor feed. This arises because the acidic cud has a sharp pH, bad taste, or because of pain.If you have a sheep who is dropping cud, then the first step would be for you/your vet to perform an oral examination. The teeth, soft tissues, and bone should be examined and palpated, as you need to check for dental disease but also inflammation or abscessation of the gums, ulcerations/lacerations/vesicles of the mucosa, changes to the tongue (for example, wooden tongue) and swellings of the bone (like lumpy jaw). The lymph nodes under the jaw should be checked as these can enlarge with infectious and inflammatory causes of oral disease. The most common cause of throat injury is from improper use of a drench gun. Where anthelmintics have trace elements added, especially copper, the damaged throat lining can become ulcerated. Poor bolus administration can cause the same problem. Many with this injury do not improve.Some suggest that lambs with cud spilling will grow out of it once their mouth and teeth have developed fully. Most stud breeders have zero tolerance and simply don’t risk it and cull from the first sight of cud spilling regardless. So the jury is still out on what we and the researchers think causes cud spilling. What ideas do you have? If you are interested you can find the full Beveridge article online at Wiley Online library which is a paid online library service.Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

Cud spilling or broken cud is a colloquial term for an abnormality in sheep. We typically notice dark staining around the bottom lip and jaw when the sheep is eating or chewing their cud. Affected sheep are usually culled and definitely not breed with as they usually do not grow or thrive well. But what causes cud spilling and how come it is such a mystery?What causes the staining?The staining around the mouth is due to the animal dribbling saliva and ingesta during rumination. This is most likely from an inability to control the cud efficiently. Although the nature of cud spilling is generally not understood very well in either farming or research circles there is one piece of research on the topic in the archives which we can look at to shed some light on the mystery.WIB Beveridge researched cud spilling. His research was reported in The Australian Veterinary Journal in 1936, eight out of the 13 cases examined were due to partial or complete absence of the free end of the tongue. Of the five remaining cases that Beveridge looked at, two showed no obvious structural abnormality, one had deformed cheek teeth and one had a cyst in the pharynx and one had an old fracture of the mandible (jaw bone). Beveridge concluded that the staining was most commonly caused by the partial or complete absence of the free end of the tongue. He noted that the amount of staining varied as did the degree of deformity of the tongue. The cause of the deformity of the tongue is not known. Interestingly in Beveridge’s paper he suggested that the tongue issues may have been caused by foxes who are partial to lamb’s tongue it seems. Other causes or theories on cud spillingDysphagia is difficulty swallowing — taking more time and effort to move food or liquid from the mouth to the stomach. Dysphagia can be painful for the animal. The technical word for cud spilling is that the sheep or lamb is dysphagic and drops it cud, this can arise for a number of reasons. It can be an indication of diseases of the teeth, gums, or conditions that would cause a sore mouth. Less commonly it has been seen in sheep with high stomach acidity or on poor feed. This arises because the acidic cud has a sharp pH, bad taste, or because of pain.If you have a sheep who is dropping cud, then the first step would be for you/your vet to perform an oral examination. The teeth, soft tissues, and bone should be examined and palpated, as you need to check for dental disease but also inflammation or abscessation of the gums, ulcerations/lacerations/vesicles of the mucosa, changes to the tongue (for example, wooden tongue) and swellings of the bone (like lumpy jaw). The lymph nodes under the jaw should be checked as these can enlarge with infectious and inflammatory causes of oral disease. The most common cause of throat injury is from improper use of a drench gun. Where anthelmintics have trace elements added, especially copper, the damaged throat lining can become ulcerated. Poor bolus administration can cause the same problem. Many with this injury do not improve.Some suggest that lambs with cud spilling will grow out of it once their mouth and teeth have developed fully. Most stud breeders have zero tolerance and simply don’t risk it and cull from the first sight of cud spilling regardless. So the jury is still out on what we and the researchers think causes cud spilling. What ideas do you have? If you are interested you can find the full Beveridge article online at Wiley Online library which is a paid online library service.<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Cud spilling in sheep

How can we encourage the sort of sheep behaviour that is good for us and makes our life easier and the sort of behaviour that is nature and easy for our sheep too? In this episode we explore sheep behavioural traits, how sheep react, how sheep see and hear and how sheep move. This episode will get you thinking like a sheep!! Specific Behaviour TraitsSheep are created with specific behaviour traits. Knowing what these traits are can make handling them much easier. Sheep are social animals, so try and prevent seclusion. Sheep by nature are followers; let them follow - you or each other  Sheep are docile animals by nature. Sheep have good memories; these memories need to be positive ones as much as possible.Sight and HearingSheep and other farm animals have a well developed sense of hearing. They capture a wider frequency of sound than is audible to our ears.  So talk to them in a calm, reassuring voice. When they sense that you mean no harm, they will turn to their usual business of eating, drinking and feeding their young.Humans have binocular vision, focusing both eyes simultaneously to achieve good depth perception and clarity for objects directly in front of them. However humans peripheral vision is very limited. Sheep see the world through a different set of eyes than ours. Sheep have their eyes set on the side of the head. They have a narrow field of binocular vision in front of their head and wide peripheral fields of monocular vision.The area in the back of the sheep's head is a blind spot when their head is raised. If a sheep is approached from the rear, a handler can remain undetected visually and have a better chance at catching the animal. With its head down in a grazing position the sheep can see in all directions; a good defensive adaptation whereby the sheep can see predators' from all sides while grazing.Support the showWant more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab !https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new

How can we encourage the sort of sheep behaviour that is good for us and makes our life easier and the sort of behaviour that is nature and easy for our sheep too? In this episode we explore sheep behavioural traits, how sheep react, how sheep see and hear and how sheep move.  This episode will get you thinking like a sheep!!  Specific Behaviour Traits Sheep are created with specific behaviour traits. Knowing  what these traits are can make handling them much easier.  Sheep are social animals, so try and prevent seclusion.  Sheep by nature are followers; let them follow - you or each other  Sheep are docile animals by nature.  Sheep have good memories; these memories need to be  positive ones as much as possible. Sight and Hearing Sheep and other farm animals have a well developed sense  of hearing. They capture a wider frequency of sound than is  audible to our ears.  So talk to them in a calm,  reassuring voice. When they sense that you mean no harm,  they will turn to their usual business of eating, drinking and  feeding their young. Humans have binocular vision, focusing both eyes  simultaneously to achieve good depth perception and  clarity for objects directly in front of them. However humans  peripheral vision is very limited. Sheep see the world through  a different set of eyes than ours. Sheep have their eyes set  on the side of the head. They have a narrow field of  binocular vision in front of their head and wide peripheral  fields of monocular vision. The area in the back of the sheep's head is a blind spot  when their head is raised. If a sheep is approached from the  rear, a handler can remain undetected visually and have a  better chance at catching the animal. With its head down in  a grazing position the sheep can see in all directions; a good  defensive adaptation whereby the sheep can see predators'  from all sides while grazing.<a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/support" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>Want more! Want to show us some sheep love? Sign up for extra content via our sheep supporters tab ! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/supporters/new</a>

Think like a sheep - How to encourage positive sheep behaviour

All things ovine, sheep farming and learning more about sheep and shepherding. Learn about breeding animals and being a sheep farmer. Want more content to help you sheep well? Subscribe now for subscriber only content! <a href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/subscribe" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.buzzsprout.com/954910/subscribe</a>

The Sheep Show podcast

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