Guide to Buying and Raising Sheep in Oklahoma

Raising Sheep in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's rolling hills and open pastures make it an ideal location for raising sheep. The climate is mild, with warm summers and cool winters that sheep tolerate well. There is sufficient rainfall to support lush grass growth for grazing. Oklahoma sheep producers typically focus on hair sheep breeds that are well-adapted to the environment.

Popular Sheep Breeds in Oklahoma

Some of the most popular breeds raised in Oklahoma include:

• Dorper - A hardy hair sheep breed that sheds its coat, eliminating the need for shearing. Dorpers are excellent foragers and produce lean, tasty meat.
• Katahdin - Another hair sheep bred to thrive in hot climates. Katahdins are parasite resistant and require little management.
• St. Croix - A tropical hair sheep known for producing quality lamb meat. St. Croix are resistant to internal parasites.
• Barbados Blackbelly - A hair sheep breed with excellent milk production. Blackbellies are adaptable and able to withstand heat and parasites.

These breeds are shedding breeds, meaning they naturally shed their coat each spring. This eliminates the need for shearing and reduces susceptibility to external parasites. Their hair coat also enables them to tolerate high temperatures.

Benefits of Raising Sheep

There are many advantages to raising sheep in Oklahoma:

• Low Investment Costs - Starting a small flock requires less capital than other livestock.
• Great for Small Properties - Sheep can thrive on small farms with just a few acres of pasture.
• Easy Care - Sheep are less labor intensive than other livestock, easy to handle and feed.
• Good Marketability - Lamb and wool are always in demand.
• Multiple Products - Sheep can provide meat, milk, and fiber.

Sheep are inexpensive to purchase and feed. They are also small and easy to control. This makes them an accessible livestock option even for beginners with limited space.

Finding Sheep for Sale in Oklahoma

There are many great options for buying sheep in Oklahoma:

Livestock Auctions

Attending a local livestock auction is a common way to purchase sheep in Oklahoma. Auctions happen on a regular schedule, allowing buyers to inspect and bid on sheep from multiple sellers in one place. Livestock auctions have competitive pricing and allow buyers to get a good selection of quality sheep.

Farm Websites & Online Listings

Many Oklahoma sheep farms have their own websites showcasing the sheep they have for sale. Online classifieds like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace also list sheep being sold directly by local producers. This allows searching for specific breeds and bloodlines.

Membership Organizations

Joining the Oklahoma Sheep Breeders Association or other livestock organizations opens up networking opportunities. Members often share information on upcoming sales and availability of flock stock. These connections can help source sheep that meet a buyer's specific needs.

Sheep Sales & Shows

There are sheep shows and exhibitions held throughout Oklahoma, like the Tulsa State Fair livestock show. These showcase sheep producers from around the region. Attending these events is a chance to meet breeders and purchase quality show animals.

Classified Listings

The classified section of Oklahoma newspapers, especially in rural areas, will often contain sheep for sale listings. This provides local options tailored to each region of Oklahoma.

Tips for Buying Sheep in Oklahoma

It helps to keep these tips in mind when searching for sheep to purchase in Oklahoma:

• Buy from reputable breeders with healthy flocks
• Inspect sheep personally before purchasing
• Look for breeds suited for Oklahoma's climate
• Consider flock genetics and production records
• Establish transportation for your new sheep
• Have proper housing and fencing ready
• Quarantine new sheep before introducing to a flock
• Work with knowledgeable veterinarians & shearers

Doing research ahead of time makes it more likely you will end up with productive sheep. Partnering with experienced local sheep producers and experts helps ensure success raising sheep.

Popular Places to Buy Sheep in Oklahoma

Here are some of the most popular places to purchase sheep in Oklahoma:

OKC West Livestock Market - El Reno

This is one of the largest weekly livestock auctions in Oklahoma. All types of sheep and goats are sold here. They also conduct special sheep and goat sales several times throughout the year.

Payne County Feeders Sheep & Goat Sale - Perkins

This auction house focuses exclusively on sheep and goats, selling between 3000-6000 head each sale day. Buyers can find good selection of sheep for every need.

Apache Livestock Auction - Apache

This full-service auction market has monthly special sheep and goat sales. Their smaller size allows for a nice selection without being overwhelming.

Woodward Livestock Auction - Woodward

This auction barn in northwest Oklahoma always has a nice offering of sheep and goats for sale every Saturday. Their prices are competitive.

OK Sheep Breeders Association Sales - Varying Locations

This association hosts member sales throughout the year, rotating locations around the state. These sales bring together top sheep from OSBA members' flocks.

Check local event calendars and auction barn websites to find upcoming sheep sales near you. Visit several to get a feel for prices and available stock before making your sheep purchase.

Tips for First Time Sheep Buyers in Oklahoma

Purchasing sheep for the first time? Here are some tips to help:

• Start small - Don't overbuy when you are just starting out.
• Talk to local producers - Gain knowledge from experienced sheep raisers nearby.
• Be prepared before purchase - Have housing, fencing, feed ready ahead of time.
• Quarantine new arrivals - Isolate for 30-60 days before mingling with other sheep.
• Work closely with your vet - Establish relationship and flock health protocol.
• Provide proper nutrition - Consult with feed nutritionist to ensure balanced diet.
• Manage grazing - Rotational grazing optimizes pasture use and prevents overgrazing.
• Have predator protection - Guard animals, secure housing, and strong fencing help deter predators.

Investing time up front to learn best practices will pay off with healthier, more productive sheep. Being well-prepared makes those first sheep purchases more rewarding.

The Future of the Sheep Industry in Oklahoma

The outlook for sheep producers in Oklahoma remains positive going forward. Demand for American lamb is robust. The natural, humanely raised product from local flocks appeals to modern consumers. Hair sheep numbers have risen steadily in Oklahoma for the low maintenance breeds' ability to thrive in the climate. Their carcass yield and meat quality match the productivity of traditional wool breeds but without the hassle of shearing. The diversity of breeds raised in Oklahoma sheep flocks allows targeting both ethnic lamb markets and grass-fed niche markets. Value-added products like artisan cheeses bring additional income streams for sheep farmers. Direct marketing through farmers markets, ranch tours, and online sales shortens the supply chain. This brings higher profit margins to producers selling direct to consumers. The next generation is showing interest in raising sheep, especially on smaller farms. Training and workshops focused on sheep production will cultivate these new shepherds. Continued innovation and adaptation will ensure sheep remain an integral part of Oklahoma agriculture.

FAQs

What is the best breed of sheep for a small farm in Oklahoma?

On smaller acreages, hair sheep breeds like Katahdin, Dorper and Barbados Blackbelly are excellent choices. They are low maintenance, do not require shearing, and adapt well to warm climates.

What is the cost to get started raising sheep?

The initial investment for a starter flock of 10-15 sheep may range from $1,500-$2,500. This includes costs of purchasing the sheep, fencing and housing materials, and equipment for feeding, moving and handling sheep.

How much space do I need to raise sheep?

As a general rule, plan for 2-4 sheep per acre of pasture. The specific stocking density will depend on factors like breed, forage quality, and availability of supplemental feed.

What should I look for when buying sheep?

Look for sheep that appear lively, alert and healthy. Check for proper body condition, parasite resistance, and sound teeth, feet, eyes and udders. Review production records for traits like lambing rates and growth performance.

How often do I need to check on my sheep?

Sheep flocks should be observed at least once per day. Ideally split this into multiple visits to monitor health, feed intake, water sources, new lambs and equipment functioning properly.