CHAPTER XXIV 

 SHEEP PRODUCTION 



THE advisability of producing sheep on a farm depends 

 upon the demands of the market, the general prospects for 

 sheep production, and upon whether the particular farm 

 affords conditions favorable for the profitable production of 

 sheep. 



Market demands. The supply of lamb and mutton in 

 the United States has been declining, while the demand, 

 particularly for lambs, has been growing. The demand for 

 wool is not so constant. The Western sheep ranges on 

 which most of the sheep of the country are produced are 

 being reduced in area, with a corresponding decrease in 

 shipments. It is estimated that outside of the region of 

 sheep ranges the present production may be increased three- 

 fold without interfering with other live-stock production. 

 This increase might be realized by a better utilization of land 

 too rough for cultivation but suitable for grazing. 



Conditions favorable for profitable production of sheep. 

 Sheep thrive best on high, dry land but do well on any land 

 that is not too low and wet. They graze over wide areas and 

 feed upon a variety of plants, preferring short, fine grasses to 

 coarser plants. If the grazing areas are not large, forage crops 

 must be provided. Fields for forage crops should be small or 

 subdivided by temporary fences so as to afford a frequent 

 change of grazing areas. This is necessary in order to 



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