Ovinology
The Story of Sheep Shaping the World
Steitzhof Merinos
Meet John Steitz, civil engineer turned full time shepherd. He and his wife Carol raise champion natural colored Merinos in the Flathead Valley of Montana, surrounded by bears and wolves. How do they stay safe? How do you pick a llama off Craigslist? And how did Tulip, a thrifty ewe with little to recommend her, produce one of the best fleece carriers Montana has ever seen? All this and more on this week's episode.
http://www.blacksheepgathering.org/
Steitzhof Merinos
Meet John Steitz, civil engineer turned full time shepherd. He and his wife Carol raise champion natural colored Merinos in the Flathead Valley of Montana, surrounded by bears and wolves. How do they stay safe? How do you pick a llama off Craigslist? And how did Tulip, a thrifty ewe with little to recommend her, produce one of the best fleece carriers Montana has ever seen? All this and more on this week's episode.
http://www.blacksheepgathering.org/
Mulesing
PLEASE click this link and leave comments AGAINST the proposed ban of over-the-counter antibiotic sales!
This video does not show anything ghastly; it's an educational video showing how to crutch a non-mulesed Merino. Note how stretchy and wrinkly the lamb is, as well as how much wool is left on the rear end AFTER shearing! Can you imagine if that poor thing was left out all summer? Flies galore! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mogTuP9qjvY
I also want to highlight producers that have made the switch of their own accord: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-parasites/managing-non-mulesed-sheep?page=0%2C3
https://www.historic-newspapers.co.uk/blog/1929-timeline/
https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-is-flystrike-and-what-is-the-rspcas-view-on-mulesing-and-flystrike-prevention-in-sheep/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-udsIV4Hmc
https://onpasture.com/2017/05/29/the-importance-of-tail-docking-lambs/
http://www.sheep101.info/201/dockcastrate.html
https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/are-there-animal-welfare-issues-with-the-use-of-steining-as-an-alternative-to-mulesing-to-reduce-flystrike-risk-in-sheep/
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2017-08-09/italian-buyers-frustrated-by-ongoing-mulesed-wool-problem/8744944
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/livestock-parasites/managing-non-mulesed-sheep?page=0%2C2
Merino
I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. Today we're going to delve into the history of the breed that shaped (and continues to shape) the economy of several world powers. This will be the first in a long Merino-related series, which I plan to break up now and then with other breeds and topics. The breed is so influential it's going to take awhile to explore - but that's what you and I love to do!
Song is Click Go the Shears, an Australian folk song that was very much a part of my childhood. Listen to the end for a great rendition by Wollongong Harmony, a ladies' a capella group.
https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/sheep
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merino
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8qfit-31bo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliza_Forlonge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5cW-sE6hhI
Ta-ta, Tunis
Goats. Farm visits. Show sheep. And yes, Tunis. This is the final episode with Charis Bennett Walker of Tarheelbilly Farm. Also, can we just take a moment to celebrate that (while she certainly has a strong handsome supportive husband) we went THREE EPISODES without talking about men in agriculture?! HOORAY!
Facebook: Tarheelbilly Farm
Instagram: @tarheelbillyfarmer
Website: tarheelbillyfarm.com
Talkin' Tunis Part Two
Welcome back to Part 2 of our chat! In this episode, Charis talks about the history of the Tunis breed, her views on shepherding and the future of farming. Best strap yourself to the tractor - we get real.
WARNING: VARIABLE AUDIO Some of this was recorded outside, because 7 hours is too long to not need to move around. Plus, a continuation of the quirks from last year. What does this mean for you? Well, I've done my best but I suggest listening on your laptop, tablet, or in the car, NOT directly in your earballs.
Connect with Tarheelbilly Farm at
Website: https://tarheelbillyfarm.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tarheelbilly-Farm-129962503741335/
Instagram: @tarheelbillyfarmer
Talkin' Tunis with Tarheelbilly
Charis Walker, shepherdess of Tarheelbilly Farm, spent an entire wonderful day with me talking about her sheep, her views on farming, and a whole lot more! I am so excited to share her wisdom with the world in this first half of a two-part discussion.
For substantial companion bonus content, subscribe to the Ovinology Patreon at patreon.com/ovinology
BONUS EPISODE: Profile of a President as Producer
Hey Ovinologists, this bonus episode got a little out of hand...like Jefferson's plans with sheep! It's relevant to our discussion of Tunis, so listen up and prepare for the amazing Charis Walker!
Suggested Reading: https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/sheep
https://husheduphistory.com/post/165513923899/death-in-sheeps-clothing-thomas-jefferson-and