n AGRICULTURE
Focusing in on niche markets can
make small farming more lucrative
for part-time farmers. But the trick
is finding the sweet spot between
passion and profit to make sure a
small-time hobby doesn’t turn into a
big-time headache.
es down to protect my property from fire danger and are the
most profitable.” On average, he sells each lamb for between
$135 and $225. He also has about 40 free-range, egg-laying
hens who yield up to 25 dozen eggs each week. Ethan has a
route of regulars to whom he delivers.
To become better versed in raising and breeding lambs,
Polis and Ethan took a class on lamb management and re-
production through the University of California Cooperative
Extension, a free program that serves as a bridge between the
university and farmers, offering a combination of research,
extension and outreach. Polis and his son got direct training
from the UCCE instructors on banding sheep testicles and
docking tails. They also witnessed an ewe giving birth to a
breech baby.
To begin breeding sheep, Polis needed to first invest in
a quality ram. For that, he reached out to Wes Patton with
Glenn Land Farm in Orland, whose breed stock, Polis says, is
known as some of the best in the region. Patton recommend-
ed Dorper sheep, a South African breed that are ideal for Cal-
ifornia’s warm climate because they grow a thin coat in the
winter and shed it in the spring. Polis placed an order for nine
Dorper sheep — one ram and eight ewes.
When his first group of sheep were ready for market, Po-
lis placed an ad on Craigslist to attract customers. He got a
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56
Chris Pumphrey, ACC
30 years hands-on experience
comstocksmag.com | October 2018
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