Shows
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#155 The CA Labor Challenges w/ Dan and RyanAfter successfully avoiding talking about the biggest challenge facing the California sheep ranchers, Ryan and Dan dive into AB1066 and the challenges the interpretation of that law has created. Lots of generalizations for an extremely complex issue, we hope it gets some good conversations going2025-03-121h 02Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#154 Centralized Food, Fragile SystemsRyan and Rosie recorded 12/13/24 about emerging diseases, outbreaks, investigations, and responses (appropriate or otherwise). Since this recording new developments may have come to light. Seek guidance from your local sources.
Other notes:
1. During this episode we use the aviation industry and its black box mindset as an example of an industry that is able to use data and field reports to inform changes to minimize accidents. Accidents still happen. For anyone affected by the recent flight incidents we give you our most sincere condolences.
2. It wasn't made super clear in this dialogue as...2025-02-0355 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#153 - Dan and Ryan talk sheep stuffRyan and Dan recorded 11-15-242025-01-2351 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#150 good chatRyan and Dan talk sheep stuff2024-07-1050 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#148 Fast Fatty FactsDr. Rosie Busch and Dan Macon have there minds blown by this fun conversation with Dr. Payam Vahmani. Did you ever wonder how what our livestock eat changes the flavor or health of the meat or milk they produce? Then this is your episode...2024-05-1651 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#147 Wool Shirts = Sunshine + Water (just add sheep)Dan Macon talks with special guest, Danielle Duni, from the Climate Beneficial Fiber Partnership about the benefits of sheep on our incredibly diverse landscapes. After listening if you’d like to learn more about how you can enjoy a premium for your wool for land stewardship practices you are doing go to https://fiberpartnership.ncat.org2024-04-1751 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#145 Sheepherd Forensic FilesDid you ever watch Bones and think, “I could do that!” Dan and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about the importance of an investigation of what type of predator may be impacting your flock and how those impacts may be measured.2024-03-2052 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#141 Lamenting over an Epic Lambing SeasonRyan Mahoney and Dr. Rosie Busch catch up after a busy lambing season. How is success measured? Any noticeable difference? [Dr. Busch mentions at one point that she thinks of thiamine deficiency with animals that have a rumen since the thiamine is produced by rumen microbes. While that is true, pre-ruminants (young calves, lambs, and kids) need thiamine from their milk diet. If lambs aren’t eating enough they can absolutely show signs of thiamine deficiency!] Always learning something…2023-11-1544 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#140 2023 Lambing Barn LiveRosie makes a visit to Ryan’s lambing camp and record a podcast. We cover how lambing’s going and Dr Busch has some advice for helping sick young lambs2023-11-0158 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#138 banter at its bestRyan and Dan banter about covering all the time that’s past since we last recorded! Great to be back2023-10-0935 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#133: Community in its Truest FormDidn’t Ryan say his grandpa always said to “plan for the unexpected”? Dan Macon and Dr. Rosie Busch catch up about life and how communities respond and step up when the unexpected happens.2023-03-2249 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#130: Lambing BarnsIf you have a structure for lambing all ewes, just ewes and lambs that need some TLC, or you’re in the dreaming/planning stage, this is a great episode for you. Ryan Mahoney and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about their favorite features of lambing facilities.2023-02-1558 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#129: Pastures and People With Joe FischerRyan catches up with Angus Underground podcast star and SSESK friend Joe Fischer. Joe quiz’s Ryan about weaning and where is seasonal grasses are and Ryan learns how to read and graze in trees. The conversation then jumps into an excellently inspiring bit about working with people and building relationships. Enjoy 2023-02-101h 19Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#128: Difficult DialoguesIt’s still raining in California! Wow! This is amazing. Dan and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about how it impacts our animals and the difficult conversations we may need to have with our peers.2023-01-2551 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#127: It’s Season 4! 😱The first episode of 2023. It’s amazing. It’s raining in California! Ryan Mahoney and Dr. Rosie Busch talk all things weather and water especially. 😁 Thanks for being a listener. Let us know what you want to hear.2023-01-1850 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#126: Listener Q&ADr Busch, Dan, and Ryan sit down and answer your questions2022-12-281h 05Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#124: Sheep Ranch Code of ConductRyan and Dan get caught up and talk about the unspoken rules of ranches2022-12-1458 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#123: Feast for the EarsDan and Dr. Busch reminisce over various feasts they’ve prepared. Discussing different cooking methods and favorite cuts of lamb. Then they talk briefly about difficult but very real impacts of predators on flock behavior and performance. New research idea? I think so!!2022-12-0756 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#122: What Remains Constant?Don’t they say the one thing that is constant is that everything is always changing? Today Ryan and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about how this year looks different from last year. How does that impact our ability to measure environmental impacts on a large scale?2022-11-3055 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#121: The Cloven Truth - FootrotAll you would ever want to know about foot rot and foot health in your sheep. Dr Busch helps Ryan understand footrot through this episode. We hope it helps you too.2022-11-161h 10Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#120: Just a TraceDan Macon and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about how important and challenging it can be to balance such a small part of a ruminant diet… trace minerals.2022-11-0957 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#119: Unconventional ConversationsRyan Mahoney and Dr. Rosie Busch have a casual conversation about conspiracy theories, cultural norms, and lots of random stuff. Rosie has had way too much time traveling alone and has been thinking a lot about the incredible unique qualities of the places and people she gets to work with. What did you take away from this conversation?2022-11-021h 06Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#118: 5000 lambs laterRyan and Dan talk about flushing ewes and what affects it has on a lamb crop. Then they discuss what we’re the causes of Ryan’s early lamp crop and when/if he should make changes to the breeding program.2022-10-261h 04Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#117: Lambing Barn LiveDr Busch and Ryan sit down in the lambing barn and discuss a variety of things Ryan has seen over his lambing season. We were planning on posting this next week but due to popular demand(Mr Blakeman) here you go!2022-10-2055 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#116: Lambing Reflections - I wish I knew now what I didn’t know thenDan and Ryan get caught up about all sorts of ranch and farm things. Even some important sheep things ewe should know. Ryan’s starting lambing so he talks about it a lot. And Dan makes obscure rock-n-roll references…2022-09-3055 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#115: The SOPs of Western Range Sheep Production?In todays world less than 2% of the population are involved with agriculture. So just imagine the fraction of a percent involved with raising sheep lamb or wool. Many large commodities connect with the consumer and tell their story with the help of marketing programs. Ryan and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about the benefits of these program and ways to ease the burden on small producers considering certification of their flock.2022-09-2155 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#114: Down the Rabbit Hole: VaccinesDan Macon (much like Alice) daringly and inquisitively follows Dr. Busch (like the white rabbit always running late) down the chaotic rabbit hole of vaccine technology, immune responses, and availability in the US. It’s quite a tale.2022-09-151h 04Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#110: Sheep to ShirtRyan and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about what Ryan learned at the wool mill in North Carolina! Then we go down a major rabbit hole of the value of American wool to the infrastructure and the hard working people that make it happen. Enjoy2022-08-1057 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#108: The Ultimate Learning OpportunityDr. Rosie Busch and Dan Macon talk about ways to learn from your experiences, both successes and failures, and build a full story for what may have happened. Feild necropsies, the ultimate diagnostic test, may be a useful tool to add to your strategies for capturing information.2022-07-2755 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#107: Ryan and Dan together in person talking about stuffRyan and Dan talk goals, goal setting, and how to not overachieve. Enjoy2022-07-201h 15Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#106: The Multispecies Grazingverse of RadnessDan and Ryan discuss multi species grazing and get a little detailed on how and why it works in Ryan’s ranch. Could it work for Dan? Listen and find out.2022-07-131h 01
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#102: Plan A, B, & C!Dan and Dr. Rosie Busch discuss preparing for various disasters, the importance of early communication, and having not just a plan, but contingencies, too!2022-06-1549 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should Know#101: Sheep Systems: Just a fractionRyan and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about the different sheep operations they’ve seen and what makes them so unique. It’s very clear more sheep vacations are needed for Dr. Busch.2022-06-0858 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowAccelerated Lambing with Dr Richard EhrhardtDr Busch and Ryan sit down with Dr Ehrhardt from Michigan State University to discuss the basics of accelerated lambing. We dive into the basics of how and why it can work. Even if you’re not utilizing accelerated lambing, many of the principles discussed work in any production system. To learn more about Dr Ehrhardt and his work check out his site at https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/richard_ehrhardt2022-05-261h 11Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowFeedlotsRyan and Dr Busch talk about feeding lambs and feedlots and how they fit into the larger lamb production system2022-05-1156 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowShear BrillianceWhere do sheep get their wool cut? At the baa-baa! 😂 Ok, but in all seriousness. Dan Macon and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about one of the most important events in the sheep production year… shearing! Shearing is an art, a science, and a sport. It can be noisy in a shearing shed and feel a bit chaotic, but settle in and watch the incredible craftsmanship of harvesting wool and caring for the animal. It is truly mesmerizing. We hope this episode inspires thought and appreciation.2022-05-0452 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowSheep and Goat Dairy ChatDr. Busch shared her knowledge on some of the basics about goat or sheep dairies. Ryan proves that he literally knows nothing about goats and less about dairy. Make sure to message him on Instagram @californiasheeprancher plenty of questions on this topic. He learned a lot and hopefully you will too. Enjoy!2022-04-1358 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowBovine, Ovine & Caprine Banter from the BarnDr Busch and Dan make the drive down to Emigh Livestock’s shearing and pull up a couple wool bales and shoot the breeze. A lot time is spent on animal handling and the differences between cows sheep and goats.2022-04-0655 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowIntegrated ConversationsDan Macon and Dr. Rosie Busch catch up on recent events, which always leads to great conversations about sheep! From schools, to shearing, to external parasites, and dogs…2022-03-3046 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowA tale of tailsRyan Mahoney and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about the important considerations that are made when it comes to preventing disease and protecting flock health. Tail docking is an important topic, and today we hope to add to that conversation.2022-03-1653 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowDry Pastures to Lambs! In a roundabout way…Dan Macon and Dr. Rosie Busch had a great time catching up on lambing events at Flying Mule Sheep, pondering why their breed up was so great this year, talking bits of nutrition and metabolic disease, and sharing “what not to do” stories from their past.2022-03-0937 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowThe Ram-bling Gambling ManLoads of banter. Then, Dr. Rosie Busch and Ryan talk about the mental preparation or mindset that comes with being in agriculture. The rollercoaster, the amazing opportunity, and the constant learning.2022-02-2343 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowVal-ewe of a VeterinarianIntegrity, compassion, dedication. The values that veterinarians uphold. Empathy, resilience, local economies. The values that your local veterinarian brings to your community. Ryan Mahoney and Dr. Rosie Busch discuss the antibiotic rule changes that will sweep the nation in 2023 and really get into the value that your veterinarian-client-patient relationship can bring to your operation. Connect with us on Instagram @californiasheeprancher @ucce.sheepngoat @flyingmule2022-02-021h 04Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowVideo Markets with Brad PeekRyan and Dr Busch are joined by Brad Peek from Western Video Market and discuss the recent changes to the ways and options of marketing your lambs. Price discovery is the subject of years of study and its pretty much solved in today's episode. Apologies for the below the highest quality standard we normally have, Ryan set up the mics wrong and deserves all the blame. please send complaints to @californiasheeprancher on IG2022-01-2625 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowSearching for KeysNot trucks keys… this time! ;) Dan and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about how they approach the world of research and finding the keys to make forward motion in of sheep ranching, environmental stewardship, and veterinary medicine.2021-12-091h 01Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowGrazing AlfalfaDr Busch and Ryan talk about grazing alfalfa and why it’s so important to the California Sheep production system. The benefits and some of the challenges it brings and how grazing alfalfa is not the same in every area2021-11-2444 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowThrough The StormComing through a recent record setting rainstorm Dr Busch and Ryan talk about dealing with losses, treatment of livestock during a weather event, and how to move forward after a loss2021-11-0455 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowPlanting PasturesDan and Ryan talk through the process of planting an irrigated pasture for their sheep ranches. Lots of great nuggets of information from Dan in this one.2021-10-2058 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWho Influenced EweDr Busch and Ryan reflect on people who have helped inspired them and what/how they did. Also how sometimes they don’t even know they influenced ewe……2021-10-1338 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowDefining LocalSome buzz in CA is buzzing about the need for more small processing facilities to support local farm to fork movement. Dr Busch, Dan, and Ryan sit down to talk about the issue and end up going on a plethora of tangents. Please enjoy2021-09-291h 15Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowThe Long HaulRyan and Dr. Busch talk about the value of longevity. With a smattering of economics, disease control, goal setting… Let us know your thoughts. @sheepstuffeweshouldknow2021-09-2248 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowHealthy Ewe, Healthy RanchYes. That was a pun. During this episode, Dan Macon and Dr. Rosie Busch talk about how we deal with stress and the importance of taking care of your mental health. Dan and Rosie are not psychiatrists, but they mention some good resources by authors who are! Reach out. Let us know what you think.2021-09-1558 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowLambing 201Dr Busch gets into the details of herd health during lambing. From understand basics of what is needed for a clear diagnosis of diseases and how to start a conversation with your veterinarian. Handling milk problems and how to assist in lamb deliveries are all discussed. Hopefully today’s conversation helps you have a successful lambing this year2021-08-1853 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowRam RecoveryDr Busch and Ryan discuss what Emigh Livestock does with their rams in the off season and how important recovery is after a season of working.2021-08-1146 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowBezoars & BooksRyan Mahoney and Dr. Rosie Busch discuss sheep terminology, including Rosies list of words that sometimes feel undefined for many. They also talk about sheep and husbandry related books. 2021-07-071h 04Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowMore Money, More ProblemsDan and Ryan explore the financial impact of drought combined with high markets and how to manage increased cash flow. Missteps in a good market, plus an unfortunate market swing could leave your ranch in trouble. Hopefully their discussion sparks some quality questions ewe can ask your account.
2021-06-3054 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowHold on! There be animals in the parking lotDr Busch and Ryan talk about animal handling. Especially when things go wrong. Also discussed is how different animals react differently even breed to breed or ranch to ranch.2021-06-1653 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowBuilding Bridges with BarnsDan and Ryan talk about many great things. Among them are common questions Dan receives as an adviser plus they explore what is often overlooked or misunderstood when someone jumps into sheep ranching.2021-06-091h 03Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowI-80: City Girl to Woman in AgDan asks Dr. Busch about her road to becoming a livestock veterinarian from that initial spark to the people that keep the motor running everyday.2021-06-0246 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowDeep Tracks - Covid and Drought ReflectionsWhat a difference a year makes! Dan and Ryan reflect on the changes the past year has brought and the on going drought. End of the episode has a bit on favorite shepherding literature as well!2021-05-2648 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowScanned in Two Shakes of a Lambs TailRyan and Dr Busch invite a special guest, Dr Jason Bravos, to tell tails (tales) of preg scanning sheep in the Montezuma hills.2021-05-191h 01Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowPick your Poison....PlantsDan and Dr Busch talk about things that sheep eat2021-05-1248 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowMarket EruptionsDan and Ryan banter about the drought....again. And then get into the current market conditions and what’s shaking and making lamb prices move.2021-05-0548 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowDrought RuminationsIn this episode, Ryan and Dr. Busch ruminate on a buffet of topics. From making the most of feed in a dry year, to challenges you might see with diet changes, and a little bit on what makes ruminants so cool... the rumen!2021-04-2848 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWhat’s the Scoop on Sheep PoopDan talks with Dr. Busch about one of the most common causes of diarrhea in weaned lambs. Coccidia. Join us as we navigate questions, talk about different solutions, and come up with even more questions! If you have a question after this episode, let us know! @californiasheeprancher @flyingmule @ucce.sheepngoat2021-04-2148 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWhy WoolDan and Ryan dig deep into the importance of paying attention to wool. Sheep are a dual purpose animal, providing both fiber and meat for our society. Unfortunatly, our US industry has focused on meat and often neglecting the value of the wool. This episode provides a few simple tips to improve your clip and how to begin to realize the value of your wool by first understanding it. 2021-04-1452 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowReady the RamsDr Busch and Ryan talk about what happens at Emigh Livestock prior to ram turnout. This is really exciting stuff. 2021-04-0745 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowSpring TrainingRams are true athletes. To make sure they have a successful season, shepherds and shepherdesses put their rams to the test with tryouts and spring training. This week, Dan and Dr. Busch talk about preparing rams for the big season, the breeding season that is.2021-03-3150 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWho's the Teacher; Who's the StudentDan and Ryan tackle mentorship in the sheep industry. Mentors play a huge roll in passing industry knowledge to new generations of shepherds & shepherdesses. We hope you enjoy this reflection on the people who influenced our ranches and how they left an impression, often without even knowing they did. 2021-03-2443 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowThe Time In BetweenToday Dan and Ryan talk about the time in between lambing and weaning. Though often overlooked, the time between having the lambs born and getting them weaning is critical to a successful ranch or farm. Proper attention to nutrition, parasite control, and understanding when to wean, all either add value or costs your sheep ranch money. We hope you enjoy and this conversation inspires discussions about how to improve your ranch.2021-03-1751 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWhy Should Ewe Worry About Bio-SecurityDr Busch joins Ryan and Dan again to talk about some different diseases and try to begin to understand what ranch biosecurity means. This year's American Sheep Industry's annual meeting included a talk about the foot and mouth epidemic that hit the UK in the early 2000s and what happened to ranchers as a result. This presentation really opened our eyes to the reality of the real possibilities of a pandemic hitting the sheep industry and why its important to understand our risks and what the plans that are in place will do to our ranches if something like foo...2021-03-101h 01Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowQ&A with Ryan and DanDan attempts to ask a handful of questions from listeners and Ryan successfully runs down tangents and ends up talking about sheep things completely unrelated to the original question!2021-02-2447 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowDirect Meat SalesRyan quizzes Dan about the challenge of navigating the USDA regs around custom processing and selling the wonderful lamb you grow to you neighbors. We touch on the background as to why the regulations are in place and hope that some regulators are listening to our podcast, especially when we discuss some of the exemptions other proteins have. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!2021-02-1758 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWeaning LambsDan quizzes Ryan about his lamb weaning practices and challenges him to explain why he does what he does. When deciding best practices for your sheep ranch, it is always important to know all the assets you have and use your pastures and feed the best way possible. Throw a drought into the mix and a successful rancher needs to get creative. We hope you enjoy this episode and as always, leave a review and message Dan (@flyingmule) or Ryan (@californiasheeprancher) any topic ideas, questions or concerns2021-02-1041 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowPasture Lambing PrepDan details his pasture lambing system and how he sets it up to complement the genetic disposition of his sheep. Ryan and Dan also discuss how things might or might not change if his system is scaled up or down. Also, be sure to contact Dan @flyingmule on instagram to sign up for his upcoming pasture lambing school.2021-02-0349 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWelcome Back to Year 22021 is starting off with a substantial drought developing in CA. Dan and Ryan both talk about how their different operations are being effected and how they cope with stress. Ranching means being all things everyday and the mental stress of a drought added on top can be a breaking point for some people. We hope listeners realize there are many of us out there going through the same struggles and be intentional about being attentive to those farmers and ranchers around them. Looking forward to another great season of Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know! 2021-01-2745 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowHow do Ewe Handle DroughtDan and Ryan discuss their different approaches to managing this livestock during a drought and some of the different ways to view a drought as an opportunity. All sheep ranches face the risk of a drought and Northern California is driving straight into one. But there are ways to manage drought risks, and owning and running a flock of ovines is one of them. This episode also wraps up our 1st season. Big thank you to all our guests and thanks to Mr Kidwell for professionalizing our audio. Season 2 will start in February! DM Ryan(@californiasheeprancher) or Dan(@flyingmule) on In...2020-12-0949 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowHow many Ewes do you haveDan & Ryan get into the question that all ranchers get, 'How many sheep do you have?' Mostly this episode explores why size doesn't really matter when it comes to defining if your a sheepman/woman. what matters is you understanding of what your doing and a willingness to listen. the value small flocks bring to an industry and how starting a small flock might be an underestimated side business for anyone looking for a little extra money. 2020-11-1850 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowAn Overseas LambventureRyan and Dan get the opportunity to visit with Kurt Portas of Palliser Ridge Farm in New Zealand. Kurt provides some brilliant insight into how they run and manage successful farms in NZ. Be sure to check his farm out at PalliserRidge.co.nz 2020-11-1154 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowBe Your best EweSheep. Ovines. Lambs. Wool. Ram. These are key works that help us appear on more topic searches. Ranching brings many challenges and even opportunities to overwork yourself. Today Dan and Ryan talk about working smarter not harder and what they do to maintain their mental health. Also in the discussion is a bit about building employee culture and how to encourage co workers to become the best selves. Enjoy2020-11-0447 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowThe Future of Renewable Fiber: "Ewe Shear it off and it Grows Right Back"Dan and Ryan talk about the future of renewable fibers, mostly wool but we mentioned cotton, silk, and other renewables. They also discussed the importance of a quality wool market is to a successful ranch. Wool can be difficult to market these days, but with some creativity and inspiration it can be done! Wool is an amazing fiber that checks all the demand boxes for the modern consumer. Hopefully their discussion will spark some ideas and begin some discussions that are the seeds of change for product that has allowed humanity to live in luxury for thousands of years!2020-10-2855 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowLivestock Handling - Low Stress or No Stress?Sheep producers Dan Macon and Ryan Mahoney discuss animal handling techniques they've learned over the years. Differences between Temple Grandin and Bud Williams facilities designs, the use of dogs in herding, sorting lambs, and more.2020-10-1453 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowMastitis Mayhem w/ Dr Rosie BuschMastitis is the American Sheep Industry's leading cause of culling. It effects anywhere from 10-60% of a given flock in the US. To say it's an issue is quite the understatement. Dan and Ryan sit down with Dr. Busch to better understand what this disease is, how it progresses through a herd, and what steps can be taken to mitigate it. The ewe is the core of all our our sheep ranches and udder health is essential to the ewe's longevity and the lamb(s) health. Ryan and Dan both left the discussions with changes to their operations. We hope y...2020-10-071h 02Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowLambing 101 - PreparationAs Lambing season closes in on Ryan's operation, Dan grills Ryan as to how he prepares for a successful lambing. How to prepare a lambing kit, what to do with the ewes, how to manage feed during the last trimester and the days before and after giving birth. There are even a few tips on how to handle the animals when moving them. Lambing season is where the years crop is made. Only once the lambs are born do you have something to sell. Its a busy critical time, but probably the most rewarding for every sheep woman or man...2020-09-3049 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWho Ewe Culling NowIts culling time! well not really, its just talking about culling time! Dan and Ryan share with each other their culling procedures and how to strategically keep or not keep sheep. A lot of productivity and efficiencies can be gain or lost through the culling process. It is also essential to herd health. Dan shares his 'scorecard' method to help him evaluate the whole ewe and avoid single trait selection, and Ryan shares his method of evaluating rams. What makes a ewe a cull at lambing, weening, preg-scanning? are all discussed. 2020-09-2352 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWhen the World is on FireApologies for the reverb, we were unsuccessfully attempting to Instagram live and record at the same time. Anywho, today's episode is all about the current wildfire situation in CA. Dan and Ryan don't have all the answers; instead they have a honest discussion of how are we here? How do we begin to talk with non-agricultural interests about preventing these disasters and put everything on the table? Climate change, custom grazing, timbering, firebreaks, urbanization of the forest, proper staffing, the importance of local response, volunteer crews, access to livestock during an event, they touched on everything. We hope this discu...2020-09-1657 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowAn Outside LookThis week Dan and Ryan are joined by Dr. Tina Saitone, Cooroperative Extension Specialist in Agricultural and Resource Economics, to discuss the fall out from the MSR bankruptcy that is currently rocking the industry. 2020 has been a disrupter for the US Sheep industry and the bankruptcy of one of the largest packers has been a large part of this disruption. This episode is not one of sadness and blaming, it is instead an attempt to understand the implications of what has happened. Dr Saitone offers a valuable, outside the industry, perspective based on her experience working in other agricultural comm...2020-08-3151 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowWhat's for Dinner?Dan and Ryan take a break from the seriousness of business planning, financial analysis, animal husbandry, pasture care, and other on farm work, to move into their kitchens to discuss the delicious side of the business. Ryan prepares some rack chops while discussing how to buy, prepare and enjoy lamb. Dan gets ready to make lamb burgers Ryan's kids even crash the recording for a while. This episode is best enjoyed with a fine beer, whiskey, or lemonade and your favorite lamb dish. Don't forget to rate us 5 stars and even leave a glowing review as it helps keep us goi...2020-08-2045 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowEvaluating Ewer opportunitiesDan and Ryan continue on last week's topic of basic financial tools and how to apply them to while evaluating a new opportunity for your sheep ranch. Adding value is a hot topic in ranching these days and some advice is given to help define the lines between 'adding value' and creating a new enterprise. Directly marketing your lambs of wool can provide some great opportunities to add revenue to your farm but one must be careful to not hide costs associated with taking your products to another level of the production. Sheep, Lamb, wool, custom grazing all can add...2020-08-1547 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowBaaaaaaaad BusinessDan and Ryan take a look at the basic tools to financially evaluate how the business side of the ranch is doing. The purpose and difference between a balance sheet, income statement, & cash flow statement are discussed and then applied to both Dan & Ryan's ranching experiences. Be it sheep, cattle or crops, agriculture is run on thin margins and has a huge cash demand. We also explore the importance of building a team of people to give advice and help guide a ranch top success. Most importantly, how to relate to and interact with a banker. We hope you enjoy...2020-08-061h 07Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowSheep Researching on the RangeDan & Ryan sat down with Dr. Bret Taylor and discussed some opportunities for improvement and how the USDA, ARS Sheep Station is filling that need. Plus the importance of sheep on the western range landscape.
Dr. J. Bret Taylor is the Research Leader and Director of the USDA, ARS, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station near Dubois, ID. The focus of his program is keeping profitable and responsible sheep enterprises on the range. Specifically, his research addresses the livestock production-wildlife interface, alternatives to antibiotics, selenium metabolism in ruminants, improving lifetime production yield of range sheep, managing shrublands and sage...2020-07-3059 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowTools of the TradeDan and Ryan talk about shepherding tools of the trade. 2020-07-0957 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowSheep on the RunDan and Ryan talk about traveling the country and world in search of sheep. Also hidden among the travel discussions is a sub-conversation on the logistics of buying, freighting livestock and the reasoning behind a 'fair weighing condition/payweight. 2020-06-2536 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowLegends: Richard 'Dick' EmighDan and Ryan get to sit down and interview Mr. Emigh. Richard 'Dick" Emigh has run sheep his whole life and over his 91 years seen it all. Such a blessing to listen in on the wisdom acquired over a lifetime of experience. 2020-06-1849 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowLivestock Guardian DogsDan educates Ryan on LGD basics. how to choose them, qualities they should express, and why they are such an essential part of so many ranches.2020-06-1354 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowTech Tools to Better Manage DataDan and Ryan discuss some of the best available tools for collecting, storing, and using information about individual animals to inform operational decisions. Then, most importantly, how investment in tech returns value back to a ranch.2020-06-0447 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowKeeping Healthy SheepIn this episode Dan and Ryan talk about some of the basics of vaccines and antibiotic usage in sheep and the necessity of having a relationship with a veterinarian.2020-05-3045 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowThe Art & Science of Finished LambsAfter a quick recap of the CFAP industry relief program Dan and Ryan talk about the roll of a feedlot in the sheep production system.2020-05-2146 minSheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowPondering Perfect PasturesThis week Dan and Ryan discuss pasture management. Grazing rotations, nutrient supplementation, noxious weeds, and the difference between sheep and chickens are explored. 2020-05-1556 min
Sheep Stuff Ewe Should KnowA Good Place to StartRyan and Dan discuss the diversity of sheep and some of the steps you should consider when evaluating what breeds may be the best for your ranch. 2020-04-1139 min