We have 7 acres of pears and would like to also keep sheep. I have heard that some breeds tend to strip the trees (like goats) and that others will keep to grazing the grass only. Can anybody tell me which kind will be best for grazing only.

Also, which would be preferable to fence the entire orchard or to make a small movable pen?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks.

-- Shilohs Child (shilohschild@christianemail.com), June 13, 2001

Answers

As far as breeds are concerned, I can't help unless you are interested in hair sheep breeds (no shearing).

On fenceing, I recommend that you put a small circle (or square) of fence around each tree trunk. That way it won't matter what kind of animal (sheep, goats, cattle) you put in the orchard to graze, they won't be able to get to the trees to do any damage (If you make the fences tall & of small mesh, you can keep the fences put around the trees small around & very close to the trunks. This makes for more grazeing.). You can then put down heavy mulch inside the fenced in trees to avoid haveing to mow where the animals can't graze.

On type of fenceing... A portable pen must be moved daily, sometimes more depending on type & number of stock & size of the pen. However, you wouldn't need to put a small fence around each tree. This is mostly (but not always) better suited for a temporary set-up until you are able to put up more permenant fenceing. A fence around the hole orchard is expensive & 7 acres is a large area for only a few animals.

I'd suggest you start with a portable pen. Then as you get the money, add to a permenant fence around the orchard (with small fences around the tree trunks). But, I'd also suggest you split the orchard in half (fence down the middle), this way you won't over graze it all at once. One half will have time to grow while the other is being grazed. Water tanks for stock can serve both pastures without being moves (put them under the middle fence so one side of the tank is in each pasture).

Hope this helps

animalfarms

-- animalfarms (jwlewis@indy.net), June 13, 2001.

If you sell your pears, you should talk to your Extension Agent about how long before harvest you need to get them out out of the orchard. There are regulations regarding this, due to possible e. coli and other potential contamination problems.

-- (bsussman@tds.net), June 13, 2001.

We just fence the trees, like that mentioned above. We use green t- posts and space them close together, then use field fence to surround them. If you don't space the posts closely, the sheep will nose the fencing back and maybe eventually compromise your fence. Make the circle large enough around the trunk so they can't reach the lower limbs.

-- sheepish (the_original_sheepish@hotmail.com), June 13, 2001.

You can also just cut some of the forage from the orchard & feed it to your animals. It won't be the same as grazeing, but you won't have the expence of fenceing in 7 acres. And you won't have to worry about either the bark being striped off the trees, or haveing to move the animals away from the orchard for so long before harvesting (to guard against E.Coli) the pears. This may be better in the long run as you can cut the hole orchard (feeding as it dries) & have some loose hay or cut only what your animals will eat per day so there is no worry about it molding, or makeing & storeing it as hay. If you cut & feed right away, any lawn mower with a bag will due (cut & dump bag into animal pens). No special equipment needed for fresh feeding. Makeing hay is another story & someone else would have to help you with that. (Though I intend to experiment soon.)

Hope this gives you another option

animalfarms

-- animalfarms (jwlewis@indy.net), June 14, 2001.

We went into the orchard area ahead of time and smeared fresh manure tea on the tree trunks. Took their appetite away. Usually, though sheep will graze the grasses first and only bother the trees if hungry or bored,

-- Kate henderson (kate@sheepyvalley.com), June 15, 2001.

One solution I saw I thought was very effective. The farmer had placed 3 or 4 boards (2 x 4's or something like) around the tree and wrapped the whole thing with fencing. The boards kept the fence from laying right on the tree trunk. I suppose he adjusted them ever so often as the trees grew, but he kept sheep in his apple orchard.

-- Lana Pettey (Ragtimedog@Yahoo.com), June 16, 2001.

Thank all of you for answering. It really pleases me to see the way everyone bands together to help each other out. Would like to see a lot more of it.

You all shared some great ideas. Some I'll probably try. Still would like to know which sheep are good for grazing that won't eat the trees. I know I have been advised by some breeders to stay away from certain breeds because they will eat the tree like a goat will.

Thanks again.

-- Shilohs Child (shilohschild@christianemail.com), June 16, 2001.

Baby Doll Southdowns are supposed to be "the orchard sheep".

-- Sojourner (sojournr@missouri.org), June 23, 2001.