The Shepherdess

Hosted by Grace

Entrepreneurship Marketing Education

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Episodes

114

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Grace is an entrepreneur, Shepherdess, and rotational grazing enthusiast. This eclectic mix converges here on the Shepherdess Podcast where we talk about regenerative farming for profit, raising Dorper sheep, and daily life as a small-scale, regenerative farmer.

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60 recent

June 16, 20261 hr 4 min

BEEF CATTLE GRAZING TIPS (with Karl Ebel)

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage If your goal is to raise low-input, grass-finished beef cattle, this conversation with 20-year regenerative rancher Karl Ebel is packed with practical grazing tips that work on any acreage. From stockpile grazing and year round pasture management to keeping your cost per cow well below the industry average, this episode will change the way you think about your land as your most valuable resource.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to low-input cattle ranching and tonight's topics03:06 How Mr. Ebel got started and why regenerative ranching takes time07:10 Choosing the right breed and seed stock for a grass-based operation12:45 The land is your resource — not the livestock17:03 Audience Q&A: cold climates, goat weed, herbicide use, transitioning off supplemental feed23:25 Preconditioning calves and selling direct vs. commodity market28:35 Stockpile grazing and year round grazing without depending on hay36:39 Annual cost per cow and keeping inputs low45:39 Matching your animal to your forage and low-input systems in cold climates52:52 Surviving drought, body condition management, and treating bloat57:49 Best timing for calving and troubleshooting pasture problems01:00:33 Financial planning and realistic expectations before you jump into farmingRESOURCES MENTIONEDGrab your copy of Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep by Paula Simmons and Carol EkariusCONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersMORE FROM THIS EPISODEView full show notes and transcript on the blogWatch this episode on YouTubeSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show

June 9, 202647 min

HOW TO RAISE BEEF CATTLE FOR BEGINNERS (w/ Karl Ebel)

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage Karl Ebel had no farming background, bought exhausted go-back land, and built one of the most intentional regenerative ranches I've ever seen… right down the road from me! In this episode, we talk about rehabilitating depleted land, the importance of grass-based genetics, pairing the right livestock to your resource, and answer your questions on starting small, guardian dogs vs. donkeys, running cows and sheep together, winter feeding strategies, knowing your WHY, and more. If you want to farm smarter, not harder and actually see the numbers work out, you don't want to miss this conversation.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Getting started in cattle even if you think you can’t afford it04:15 The process of rehabilitating the land and becoming profitable10:21 How livestock quality impacts sustainability and profitability15:36 Pairing the right type of livestock with the land you currently have17:06 A discussion on marketing strategies and considering your own capacity 20:08 Answering your questions: how many cattle to start with, grain finishing, keeping pastures clear of forest encroachment, guardian dogs vs. donkeys27:14 Weaning calves to minimize stress, running cows and sheep in the same pasture, 34:25 Using outside resources for consultation and economic support37:20 Karl’s strategy for feeding his herd over winter without hay38:49 Questions on calving season, electric fencing management, starting a flock of sheep on small acreage44:36 The importance of knowing your WHY behind farmingRESOURCES MENTIONEDCheck out Karl’s preferred agricultural resources:- National Resources Conservation Service- Noble Research InstituteCONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersMORE FROM THIS EPISODEView full show notes and transcript on the blogWatch this episode on YouTubeSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the showSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show

June 2, 20261 hr 5 min

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING COWS IN 2026 (w/ Karl Ebel)

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage Record-high cattle prices have many asking the same question: is now the time to get into cattle? In this conversation, regenerative rancher Karl Ebel joins me to discuss the current cattle market, sustainable pasture management, the true cost of raising beef, and what beginners should know before buying their first cows. With over 20 years of experience running a regenerative pasture-based cattle ranch on 1,000+ acres, you won’t want to miss Karl’s insights into building a profitable operation that can weather changing market conditions.TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 Introduction to co-host Karl and his neighboring cattle farm00:04:14 A look at the current state of the record-high cattle market and its ups and downs in recent years00:10:24 The history of Karl’s 1,000+ acre property00:11:48 Considering the factors contributing to the current all-time high in the cattle market00:14:56 Taking a look at the history of the cattle market and looking to the future00:18:51 A discussion on the market impact of tariffs and imported beef00:26:53 Words of wisdom for those looking to get started in the cattle industry00:30:15 The important features to look for when starting a cattle herd00:40:42 Is it the right time to get into the cattle industry?00:42:14 How much land is needed per cow in order to run a grass-based operation?00:49:34 Breaking down the cost of raising grass-fed cattle00:55:06 Answering audience questions: pasture management troubleshooting, specific breed benefits, and moreRESOURCES MENTIONEDKarl’s recommendations for staying updated on the cattle market: - Dr. Derrell Peel at Oklahoma State University- Texas A&M Beef Cattle Extension- Kansas State University Beef ExtensionCONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersMORE FROM THIS EPISODEView full show notes and transcript on the blogWatch this episode on YouTubeSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show

May 26, 202640 min

ANSWERING YOUR TOP SHEEP QUESTIONS (Profit, Pasture, Breeding)

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage Pasture rotation, parasite management, breeding and lambing, fencing systems, direct marketing, and flock health… we are tackling it all in this sheep farming Q&A. I’m addressing your specific questions to the best of my ability and sharing practical examples from my own farm. If you are dealing with problems in your flock or simply looking for ways to set yourself up for success, may you walk away from this episode with encouragement and direction.TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 Kicking off this sheep farming Q&A00:01:47 Considerations for setting up paddocks and establishing a strong rotational grazing program00:10:02 Transitioning sheep from grain to pasture, building robust grass-based genetics, providing proper minerals00:16:19 My best marketing tips for maintaining a profitable farm despite market fluctuations00:22:12 Troubleshooting perimeter fencing, optimal time for lambing, feeding through the winter, breeding windows00:26:00 Natural vs. conventional deworming methods, why I raise Dorper sheep, my preferred handling setup 00:32:22 Running into problems with young lambs, weighing and treating sheep, government overreach, breaking down the numbers on sheep salesRESOURCES MENTIONEDOrder my book The Basics of Raising Sheep on PastureButchering by Adam Danforth I’ll show you how to build a DIY portable shade structure for your sheepFreebie: Launch a Profitable Email ListMy top marketing tips: How I Sell My Sheep for $480 Each and How I’m Marketing My SheepLivestream: Answering 30 Sheep QuestionsCheck out The Shepherdess Starter Kit collaboration with Lakeland Farm & Ranch DirectView my list of recommended books on regenerative agriculture (free shipping!)CONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersMORE FROM THIS EPISODEView full show notes and transcript on the blogWatch this episode on YouTubeSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show

May 19, 202629 min

WHAT IS THE MOST PROFITABLE BREED OF SHEEP? (9 breeds to choose from)

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage Choosing the right sheep breed can make or break the success of your for-profit farming operation, especially if you are running a pasture-based system. In this episode, I’m answering your sheep farming questions and breaking down the pros and cons of popular hair sheep vs. wool sheep breeds, what I’ve learned from raising Dorpers in a high-rainfall environment, how to find quality breeding stock, and why carcass size, minerals, and lambing timing matter so much in a profitable sheep operation.TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 Welcome and overview00:02:25 Which hair breed sheep I have chosen for my farm00:03:44 Pros and cons of three popular hair breeds00:06: 24 Why carcass size matters when you are running a for-profit meat operation00:07:42 The importance of investing in high quality breeding stock to start your flock00:10:00 My best tips on where to find good quality stock for your specific area00:12:38 What has changed about raising wool sheep in the modern economy00:17:59 Pros and cons of three major wool sheep breeds00:19:27 What you need to know about purchasing stock on Facebook00:21:58 Why you don’t need a huge farm to implement my sheep farming systems00:23:05 The importance of timing your lambing with the weather in your area00:26:29 Why you need to focus on minerals before breeding and lambing seasonRESOURCES MENTIONED🐑 Check out my masterclass Lamb for Life for everything you need to know about raising healthy sheep from birth to eight monthsStorey’s Guide to Raising Sheep by Paula Simmons and Carol EkariusDorperSheep.orgKatahdins.orgStCroixSheep.orgBusy Ewe Farm and FibersHarmony Heritage FarmPrairie ShepherdessCheviots.orgAmerican Rambouillet Sheep Breeders Association on FacebookNavajo-ChurroSheep.comDorper Sheep USA on FacebookCONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersMORE FROM THIS EPISODEView full show notes and transcript on the blogWatch this episode on YouTubeSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show

May 12, 202652 min

HOW TO TREAT 20 COMMON SHEEP DISEASES

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head: https://www.shepherdess.com/480📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreage: https://bit.ly/ShphrdssBOOKAs any shepherd learns early on, things can go wrong quickly in sheep farming if you do not stay on top of your flock’s health. In this episode, I’m walking through 20 problems and solutions straight from my own experience. From nose to tail, I’m sharing the symptoms I look for, the root causes behind these issues, and both the quick fixes and long-term preventative measures that have helped me avoid more loss on my farm. If you are looking for more tools in your shepherding toolbelt, this episode will leave you feeling prepared for anything your flock may throw at you.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and some disclaimers06:44 Recognizing and treating pink eye in a matter of days09:10 What to do about abscesses10:15 What nasal bots and how to get rid of them quickly11:53 The easy fix for pregnancy toxemia (also called twin lamb disease)14:05 Why hypocalcemia (milk fever) is indistinguishable from pregnancy toxemia and how I treat for both simultaneously15:58 Prevention and treatment for umbilical cord bleed in lambs18:02 A quick, catch-all supplement for undiagnosed lethargy19:09 Quick fix for bottle jaw (plus some long-term preventatives)22:34 Coccidiosis treatment and the extra-label product that works wonders both as treatment and prevention25:47 A quick fix and long-term fix for visible worms in manure28:28 An almost immediate solution for foot scald29:55 How to know when a sheep has developed foot rot and why I usually recommend culling32:05 Root cause and treatment for retained placenta at lambing33:17 Why selenium deficiency can lead to “crippled” newborn lambs35:24 Another illness tied to selenium deficiency– white muscle disease37:11 What I do about a ewe whose udders are too small to feed her lambs38:31 Products I use when a ewe requires my assistance at lambing39:23 Recognizing, treating, and preventing mastitis in lactating ewes (and why I cull for this)42:48 Toxoplasmosis– a warning to pregnant women interacting with lambing ewes44:00 Pulling out the big guns for pneumonia treatment44:44 Why rectal prolapse warrants a trip to the vet47:55 Why ring-womb is so serious– one story of success and one story of loss50:12 Answering a handful of audience questionsRESOURCES MENTIONEDI’ve put together a first aid kit of the 32 most important products I wish I’d had on hand as a beginner shepherdCONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersMORE FROM THIS EPISODEView full show notes and transcript on the blogWatch this episode on YouTubeSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show

May 5, 20261 hr 3 min

HOW TO OVERCOME SHEEP FARMING'S BIGGEST ENEMY (WORMS 101)

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreageWorms are one of the biggest health challenges in shepherding, but with a few tested management strategies, I have found a system that works on my farm. In this episode, I start with the basics of internal parasites, how to spot early symptoms, and the management practices that have made the biggest difference on my farm after losing half my flock in the beginning. You might be surprised to hear my take on chemical dewormers and parasite tolerant sheep. While worms are the biggest enemy to sheep farmers, they don’t have to be the downfall of your operation.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and preview of content02:27 Why rotational grazing is foundational to a flock’s health07:40 Understanding the life cycle of worms13:12 Signs of infection to look for in your sheep19:58 The difference between parasite resistance and tolerance22:17 How rotational grazing breaks the life cycle + other management practices32:06 When and how to use conventional/chemical dewormers37:05 Natural strategies for worm management40:38 The results of my experiment in deworming with lye46:37 Answering your deworming questionsRESOURCES MENTIONEDCheck out the Redmond Sheep Mineral I use and recommendCONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersMORE FROM THIS EPISODEView full show notes and transcript on the blogWatch this episode on YouTubeSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show

April 28, 20261 hr 6 min

COMPLETE GUIDE TO BREEDING SHEEP (for Beginners)

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreageWhen it comes to breeding sheep, most problems that show up at lambing actually started months earlier, long before the breeding season. In this episode, I’m running through the basics of breeding sheep and answering the most common questions I receive. We’ll focus on getting your flock in the best condition possible to go into breeding, setting your farm up for a productive and low-stress lambing season. If you’re looking for a low-input, pasture-based approach to breeding sheep, improving flock health, and avoiding common mistakes, this episode will start you off on the right foot.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction to my pasture-based sheep operation07:44 What to look for in a meat ram15:42 Considerations for healthy breeding ewes17:15 The importance of ideal body condition19:40 My controversial opinion on breeding age for ewes21:32 Optimal minerals for breeding pasture-raised sheep29:46 What happens if you breed a ewe in poor health34:10 Why I don’t practice flushing to increase my twinning rate36:13 Knowing when to cull less desirable ewes39:12 Keeping a strict breeding timeline50:02 Audience Q&A RESOURCES MENTIONEDCheck out the Redmond Sheep Mineral I use and recommendLearn how to set up your own portable shade structure for sheepCONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersMORE FROM THIS EPISODEView full show notes and transcript on the blogWatch this episode on YouTubeSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show

April 21, 202652 min

10 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE STARTING MY SHEEP BUSINESS

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreageI’m pulling back the curtain on my failures and successes along my sheep farming journey in hopes that I can give you a massive headstart in your own shepherding. There are a few things I’m glad I knew before I got started, but there are many more lessons I’ve learned the hard way, often through costly mistakes. In this episode, I’m sharing practical tips, surprising realizations, and game-changing practices for beginner shepherds. Join me for this conversation to get your most important sheep questions answered!TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction and preview of content03:04 Why I chose Dorper sheep and rotational grazing05:10 Building a profitable farm from the beginning06:31 A few things I’m glad I knew when starting out06:46 Why you should invest in quality breeding stock08:03 Ways I maximized my profits from the start10:34 My simple but necessary farm record keeping system11:46 Things I wish I knew before I started sheep farming11:53 Pros and cons of raising sheep for meat13:36 Understanding the top worm risks and appropriate treatments15:03 Simple systems for rotational grazing and watering17:45 The gravity of mineral deficiencies and proper deworming practices25:36 Treating and assessing your flock appropriately30:23 Optimizing your pasture for grazing35:28 Farming is better with support36:55 Lambing and weaning best practices41:46 Failures in farming are not cause for panic43:12 Answering questions from the audienceCONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersMORE FROM THIS EPISODEView full show notes and transcript on the blogWatch this episode on YouTubeSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show

April 14, 20261 hr 31 min

SHEEP FARMING FOR BEGINNERS (Masterclass on Raising Sheep for Profit)

🐑 Sign up for my FREE one-hour masterclass on raising, grazing, and marketing sheep for $480 per head📙 Order my book for beginner sheep farmers on small acreageWhether you’re in the dreaming phase of sheep farming or already managing a flock, this episode walks through the key principles every shepherd needs to get right. In this crash course on sheep farming for beginners, I’m sharing how I raise my sheep to maintain above average flock health, how I graze my sheep to minimize feed costs and maximize pasture, and how I direct market my sheep for $480 per head without ever leaving my farm. I will also be answering common questions about feeding, fencing, troubleshooting health concerns, and more. TIMESTAMPS00:00 Introductions and preview of content00:38 Overview of my farm and climate04:18 My unlikely story of becoming a shepherdess07:26 The moment I realized why my sheep were sick10:10 A thriving flock and a thriving business16:05 Three enemies of a beginner shepherd16:54 Enemy #1: Barber’s pole worm24:23 Enemy #2: coccidia27:56 Enemy #3: lambing complications29:35 How many sheep should you start with?31:21 How I run my rotational grazing system39:16 Exactly how I market my sheep for $480 per head47:18 Audience Q&ACONNECT WITH MEEmail: shepherdess@shepherdess.comPatreon: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessPatreon Blog: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessBLOGMerch: http://bit.ly/ShepherdessMERCHInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyfarms.shepherdess/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HarmonyFarmsDorpersSend the Shepherdess your feedback about this episode!Support the show