Small-Scale Shepherdess Chronicles: Navigating the Pastures

Hey fellow farming enthusiasts! 🌾 I'm Sara, your guide into the world of small-scale shepherding here at Notalotta Acres near Cincinnati, Ohio. So, you've just brought home a handful of fluffy joy in the form of sheep or goats, and the excitement is real. But, let's be honest, it's overwhelming too.

In this blog, we'll delve into the unique challenges of caring for a cozy flock on a smaller scale. Buckle up as I share my journey of turning 5 acres into a haven for happy, healthy critters. 🐑❤️

I get it – the sea of information out there caters to the big players, leaving us small-scale farmers feeling a bit lost in the pasture. From the struggle to find local vets to the quest for nutritional advice for our grass-fed buddies, it's a wild ride.

But fear not, my fellow backyard farmers, because together, we're going to unravel the mystery of keeping our pint-sized herds in prime condition. Join me as we discuss the ins and outs of minerals, pasture rotation, and worming protocols tailored to our modest setups.

Some topics I'll be covering over the few couple weeks:

1. Parasites found in ruminants

2. FAMACHA scoring intro

3. Why we do FEC (fecal egg counts)

4. Intro to the supplies needed to do your own FEC

5. How to prepare and read a FEC using the modified McMaster method

6. Wormer options and issues with resistance

7. Worm lifecycle and pasture management

On this journey, I've learned to be a jack of all trades, and I'm here to share the nitty-gritty details. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle into the farmhouse vibes, and let's cultivate a space where small-scale farming thrives. Your little flock is in for a treat, and so are you! 🚜✨ #SmallScaleShepherdess #BackyardFarmingMagic