SHEEP RAISING IN PENNSYLVANIA 



-by- 

 B. O. Severson 



INTRODUCTION. 



The state and the nation need a greater number of sheep to sup- 

 ply the increased demand for mutton and wool, at prices which insure 

 Drofit for labor and money invested. The object of this bulletin is not 

 :o advocate sheep raising as a main feature of farming, but rather as 

 i detail in general farm practice. The successful industries of this 

 :ountry are efficiently managed, and they utilize as many of their by- 

 products as possible. The farmer likewise, who can utilize his labor, 

 'eed and equipment to the best advantage, is efficient as a producer. 

 Sheep raising is a detail of farming that returns a profit when flocks 

 ire properly managed. "In England the question is not whether you 

 :an afford to keep sheep on high-priced land, but whether you can af- 

 ord to keep high-priced land without sheep/' 1 



Essentials in Profitable Sheep Raising. 



1. The willingness of the farmer to pay the proper attention to 

 us flock at the critical times of the year. 



2. The production of lambs of early maturity that should prefer- 

 bly be marketed before the first of July. 



3. The control of parasites in the flock by the sale of early 

 ambs, rotation of pastures and flock management. 



4. The protection of sheep from dogs, by community interest in 

 beep, by enforcing dog laws and keeping sheep in protected quarters 

 t night. 



5. The utilization of pasture to the greatest degree. 



6. The feeding of corn silage with clover or alfalfa hay, supple- 

 nented with grain, to the breeding ewes at definite periods. 



7. The selection of breeding sheep that possess merit in wool, 

 s well as in mutton character. Constitutional vigor and health as a 

 esult of breeding and care are essentials in a foundation flock. 



1 U. S. Department of Agriculture Bulletin No. 20, 1913. 



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