Book excerpt: The Basics of Raising Sheep - Don’t Be Dumb About Raising Sheep…Because They Aren’t Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Being Prepared… it’s More than Just a Motto Chapter 2: Fencing Chapter 3: The Three Essentials—Food, Water and Shelter Chapter 4: I Pick Ewe Chapter 5: Hello, my Name is Shepherd Conclusion Author Bio Introduction Most people consider sheep to be cute, wooly…and dumb. These same people would be wrong. The truth of the matter is sheep are cute and wooly, but as for being dumb…while it is true that some breeds of sheep are less resilient than others and don’t do very well in the mothering department, the word ‘trusting’ is a much more appropriate adjective to describe these wonderful (yes, wonderful!) animals. There are a few other adjectives which aptly describe sheep: manageable, functional and profitable. Whether you have a couple of acres or a couple of hundred acres—sheep have much to offer in the way of an agricultural venture as long as you do it right. That’s where this book comes in. “I cannot tell you how many times I’ve turned people away wanting to buy sheep; telling them to come see me when they are actually ready to buy.” –Darla Noble That’s what this book is all about; getting you ready to raise sheep. Based upon the assumption that you’ve decided that’s what you want to do, we will tell you: *How to prepare yourself and your property to raise sheep *What you need to raise sheep *How to select sheep for your farm *The primary functions of a shepherd (that’s you!)