Sheep Stuff Ewe Should Know

Ryan and Dan talk sheep stuff

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.org

Dan and Ryan talk about financing and the importance of cash management, especially in a high interest rate environment. Don’t take a loan you can pay back and when in doubt stick with cash.

Did 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.

Dan talks with UC Davis range management specialist Dr. Leslie Roche about restoring native plants using sheep! And about the flexibility small ruminants can provide for modern ranching operations.

Dr. Rosie Busch catches up with Dr. Natalie Urie, the Sheep and Goat Study Lead for the National Animal Health Monitoring System at USDA. The 2024 National Sheep Study is underway. How are these studies developed and what are they used for? Join us for this short chat.

Dan and Ryan chat about the long absence and how to deal with change. We appreciate all the listeners

Ryan 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…

Rosie 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 lambs

Dan and Ryan catch up in person the th Bruin ranch bull sale and talk bull buying strategy and how it relates to sourcing rams. Fresno State alum and expert herdsman Justin Davis makes a guest appearance too

Ryan and Dan banter about covering all the time that’s past since we last recorded! Great to be back

Two in one week!! Dr. Rosie Busch had the great opportunity to guest host for the ASI Research Update podcast. Don’t miss it! We talk with Dr. Christie Mayo and Dr. Molly Carpenter about their works and incredible collaborations to help us better understand the complexities of the virus-vector-host interface!! So wild.

A lot of life, travels, business, and discovery has happened in these many months in between. Ryan and Rosie catch up. It’s been a while. We talk about a little of it and lots about sheep stuff! We’ve missed you all.

Ryan and his son Connor visit with 2023 shearing champ Chad Furlong about shearing and farming in Roseburg, OR where the sheep industry is thriving.

Didn’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.

Dr. Rosie Busch has sooooo many questions when it comes to the topic of sustainability. We’ve touched on this topic before, but in this episode Rosie gets to ask all of her burning questions to Dr. Sara Place with CSU and AgNext, one of the top researchers in her field.

Rosie and Ryan sit down with Dr Allen Pettey of UC Davis and walk through nutrition basics and then walk into the great unknown of attempting to balance vitamins and minerals in an ever changing grass systems. So much information packed into this hour chat. Happy Ash Wednesday

If 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.

It’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.

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.

Dr Busch, Dan, and Ryan sit down and answer your questions

Dan joins UC Cooperative Extension wildlife experts Dr. Carolyn Whitesell and Breanna Martinico to talk about all things critters - predators, beneficial (and potentially problematic) birds, and livestock protection tools.

Ryan and Dan get caught up and talk about the unspoken rules of ranches

Dan 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!!

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?

All 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.

Dan 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.

Ryan 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?

Ryan 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.

Dr 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!

Dan 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…

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.

Dan 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.

After a lively herd check of the Emigh Livestock ewes and super speedy OPP sampling (seriously) Ryan decides it would be a great idea to be outnumbered by UC Davis SVM alumni. Meet the new Mill Station Vet associate, Dr. Katie McFarren, and enjoy the stories of Dr. Jason Bravos.

Dan and Ryan discuss the current negative market conditions. During last years markets record highs, we all knew they would come down. Now that they have, we are wondering why. They could have gone deeper and left a lot unsaid, but they discussed some key points we all should consider.

Rosie and Dan catch up on the California Wool Growers annual meeting and take a deep dive into EID technology

Ryan 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. Enjoy

Ryan visits with Sam Kennedy of Columbia TN, and they talk about Sam’s family legacy and how he’s using sheep to rejuvenate and rebuild his family’s farm.

Dr. 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.

Ryan and Dan talk goals, goal setting, and how to not overachieve. Enjoy

Dan 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.

Dr. Rosie Busch talks with special guest, Dr. Holly Neaton, about the impacts and opportunities for controlling Ovine Progressive Pneumonia or maedi-visna virus in your flock.

Dan and Ryan talk about the different associations they belong too and work with. They discussed what and how they should work and why it’s important for growers to get involved and give their time to ensure good decisions are made.

Travis Kropf from Ozan Creek Farms joins Ryan for a discussion about livestock production in Arkansas. Travis is a multigenerational rancher with a passion for grass management. Follow Travis on Instagram @ozancreekfarms to see more about his farm

Dan and Dr. Rosie Busch discuss preparing for various disasters, the importance of early communication, and having not just a plan, but contingencies, too!

Ryan 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.

Dan and Ryan discuss two issues that American Lamb producers have been dealing with for years. Aged out heavy lambs (known as old crop lambs) and imported lamb. We hope this inspires some thoughtful industry debate on these challenges.

Dr 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_ehrhardt

This week we are so fortunate to get to speak with Dr. Andrea Mongini. She is a highly respected veterinarian, owner of an incredible sheep dairy, manager of a large goat dairy, and mother of three boys. We are so grateful to Dr. Mongini for sharing her time and expertise with us. Enjoy!

Ryan and Dr Busch talk about feeding lambs and feedlots and how they fit into the larger lamb production system

Where 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.

Dan visits with Davy McCracken, director of the Scotland’s Rural College Hill & Mountain Research Centre, about opportunities for using technology to increase efficiency in extensive sheep and cattle operations.

Dan and Ryan. They actually talked about custom grazing too.

Dr. 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!

Dr 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.

Dan 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…

Dan and Ryan chat about planning for perfection but ultimately conclude that the best way is to get your hands dirty and learn from doing.

Ryan 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.

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.

We discuss the importance and philosophy of work, especially as it relates to labor intensive endeavor like production agriculture. There seems to be a growing trend toward less work and while efficiency is important, we reflect on how important the day-to-day physical and mental challenge is toward lifetime fulfillment and actually contributes to overall success in farming and ranching.

Loads 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.

Integrity, 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 @flyingmule

Dan and Rosie take a “deep dive” into the nuances of just about every sheep man or woman’s inevitable nightmare: Foot Rot. What is it? What causes it? How to treat it? How often to trim feet? How does it vary regionally? What percentage of my flock should I expect to be affected my this?

Dan and Ryan catch up and talk about evaluating risks of loosing leases and planning for things ewe may knot want

Dan and Ryan banter about sheep and how we could start thinking about adjusting our sheep to fit the evolving markets.

Dr. Rosie Busch talks with LaDonna Foley about the joys of dairy goats during a rare moment of downtime between speakers and events at the ADGA annual meeting in Arizona. Enjoy!

Not 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.

Ryan sits down with California sheepman, Duncan McCormack.  They discuss his history and the industry in general and shares insight into the connection between a shepherd and their sheep.

Dr 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 area

Dan and Ryan have a delightful conversation about landlord/lessee relationships and how they both approach them. This episode is as much a good listen for landowners as it is lessees.

Coming 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 loss

Dan and Rosie talk about flock behavior, moving sheep (and their dogs), and preparations that go into a move! And bonus: no technical problems this week!!

Dan 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.

Dr 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……

What is a breed? Why would you choose certain breeds over others? Whats the deal with that weird longhorn sheep from Hungary or someplace? Wool breeds, hair breeds, domestic, wild…Dan and Rosie NAIL these questions and more on today’s episode.

Some 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 enjoy

Ryan and Dr. Busch talk about the value of longevity. With a smattering of economics, disease control, goal setting… Let us know your thoughts. @sheepstuffeweshouldknow

Yes. 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.

Dan and Ryan talk about managing through the drought and staying resilient. How to keep resilient throughout the challenges of an unpredictable climate.

CAWGA 2021

Dr 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 year

Dr 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.

Richard Hamilton and Ryan sit down and discuss Hamilton Bros ranch and how they developed their ideal sheep and cattle for their environment over the course of 60 years. If you are interested in genetics at all, give this unique interview a listen from a man who’s family has done it for generations!