Activity Books Wool & Sheep Activity Book | Page 18

RAISING SHEEP FOR
FUN & PROFIT
People who raise sheep are called sheep producers or sheepmen. In early
history people who tended the flocks of sheep were called shepherds. Raising or
herding sheep is one of the oldest professions in the world. Sheep people are proud
of their heritage and still enjoy working with sheep in much the same way as their
forefathers did.
Sheep producers give the sheep a good place to live, plenty of food to eat
and clean water to drink. The sheepmen protect the sheep from animals that might
hurt or kill them and care for sheep when they are sick. In return, sheep producers
get paid by selling wool and meat the sheep produces.
The shepherds of today use computers and scientific technology
to help them with their work. This makes their job easier and their
business more efficient and profitable. It also helps make the sheep
more productive.
Raising sheep is a good family activity. Children enjoy the baby lambs and
help care for them. Sheep are an ideal animal for children to learn about raising
livestock. Sheep are small in size and easier to work with than larger animals. Many
young people start working with sheep when they are in grade school. These
children build their
flocks and use the
income to help pay
for a college
education.
People who
raise sheep like
animals. They enjoy
working outdoors.
They appreciate the
land and take care of
the soil and water
resources.
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Sheep producers receive about 30% of their income from wool and 70% from the sale of meat.