SHEEP RAISING. 



BY R. S. CURTIS. 



Adaptability of State to Sheep. 



The sheep industry of jN^orth Carolina as now conducted represents 

 one of the most backward and the least profitable lines of live stock 

 husbandry followed in the State. The eastern portion of the State is 

 not generally well adapted to growing this class of animals, however, on 

 well drained farms under the most favorable conditions, the industry 

 may be followed with quite satisfactory results. In the Piedmont sec- 

 tion there is no doubt but what a large part of its waste land could be 

 used porfitably for grazing sheep. Much of the hill and valley land 

 now covered with coarse grasses and forest undergrowth would all 

 furnish a large amount of pasture, and at the same time the land would 

 be greatly improved in agricultural value. The western portion of the 

 State, including the mountains and the upper Piedmont, are by far the 

 best adapted of any section to sheep farming. This is true for two 

 reasons chiefly: First, because of the high well drained pastures, thus 

 giving comparative freedom from parasites, and second, because of the 

 better natural grazing conditions. While it may be argued by some that 

 the latter is unfortunate from the greater danger of the ravages of the 

 stomach worm, yet from the standpoint of economical grazing this is 

 not true. The stomach worm no doubt does a great deal of injury to 

 sheep grown in this section, yet by proper pasturage methods a large 

 percentage of this loss could be avoided. From the standpoint of soil, 

 climatic and pasturage conditions no section of country could be better 

 adapted to sheep than western Xorth Carolina. While at present con- 

 siderable portions of the rough land are utilized for cattle grazing there 

 is still large areas of the rougher portions entirely unsuited to cattle 

 which could be profitably used for sheep grazing. Even a great deal of 

 that now used by cattle could be more profitably utilized in the produc- 

 tion of sheep. For the amount of money invested and the quantity of 

 feed required it is believed this class of animals will generally return a 

 greater net profit than most any other kind of livestock that may be 

 grown in the State. 



Condition of Sheep Industry. 



Two of the chief reasons for the scarcity of sheep are the presence of 

 the cur dog, and the ravages of the stomach worm. There is no doubt 

 but what great benefit would accrue to the farmers of the State if some- 

 thing were done to eliminate sheep-killing dogs, -however, sheep may be 

 raised profitably regardless of these enemies. Extra precaution to guard 

 the flock from dogs, although it increases the cost of keep somewhat, 

 will repay the farmer, providing the flock has been managed properly 

 otherwise. Change of pasture is the most practical means of overcoming 

 the ravages of stomach worms, which are especially dangerous to young 

 lambs. 



