If you've recently dried off your dairy ewes (or are about to), you might be experiencing a mix of emotions. Relief at having a break from the demanding milking routine, but also a bit of sadness knowing you won't have that incredible fresh sheep milk for a while. Trust me—I get it!

Drying off your dairy ewes might seem straightforward, but the timing and approach can make a big difference in their health, body condition, and milk production in the following lactation. Here's how I handle the dry-off period on my farm, along with the reasoning behind my approach.

I have a lot of people visit my farm interested in trying sheep milk. I don't blame them—I wanted to know what it tasted like too when I first became interested in dairy sheep.

If you have been struggling to make a cheese that your family actually likes — give Asiago a try. This cheese got big thumbs up from all three of my kids (including a picky 3 year old) and my husband.

Learn how to prepare your sheep for breeding season with step-by-step tips on nutrition, flushing, ram care, and flock management for healthier lambs.

Caring for your ram is a simple, yet important job—because he accounts for 50% of the genetics in your flock. The quality of your ram will influence not only the health and productivity of your lamb crop, but also the long-term future of your flock.

Shepherds often say, “The ram is half the flock.” It may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s the truth. Every lamb born carries 50% of his genetics, which means a single ram has the power to shape the future of your flock for years to come.

When most people imagine a homestead dairy animal, they usually think of a cow. Some picture goats. But what about sheep?

Learn how to make frozen clabber, a tangy old-fashioned frozen yogurt made from raw milk. A simple, probiotic-rich summer treat straight from the homestead!

A Traditional Hard Cheese from What Many Consider a Waste Product

Yes, you can make butter from sheep milk! It’s rich, creamy, snow-white, and just a little softer than cow’s butter—perfect for spreading or baking. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how we make butter from our own sheep milk here on the farm.

Guido’s Cheese is a mild, Italian-inspired cheese that’s ready in just three short weeks. It was highly recommended to me by another dairy shepherdess. It’s a great choice for those new to aged cheeses or anyone looking for a faster payoff from their home cheesemaking efforts.

Step-by-step guide to making Bel Paese cheese with sheep milk—plus encouragement for beginners and tips from a real homestead cheesemaker.

If I could give just one piece of advice to anyone raising sheep—whether you’re a brand-new shepherd or adding sheep to your homestead—it would be this:

Observe them. Every day. On purpose.

Spring has arrived in full force here on the homestead (all except that warm weather!), and with it comes new life, fresh milk, and cozy farm experiences to share. Whether you’re interested in making cheese with sheep milk, adding dairy sheep to your homestead, or just looking for a peaceful Airbnb stay on a working farm, this month’s update has a little something for everyone.

There’s something magical about turning fresh milk—especially from your own animals—into cheese. This week on the homestead, I made a fresh batch of Queso Fresco using milk from our dairy sheep, right here in the vintage 1950s bunkhouse that we now rent out as an Airbnb. It’s a simple, rewarding cheese that’s perfect for beginners, and in this post, I’ll walk you through the process—and share a little of the homestead life along the way.

Are you looking for a simple cheese to get you started on your cheesemaking journey? Look no further than feta – simple, delicious and it doesn’t require any special equipment. 

You got the sheep, now what? If they aren’t already, you’ll need to train your sheep to your milking stand. In this post I’ll walk you through the steps necessary to do that. 

You found a cold lamb flat out. Do you know what to do to save it? You don’t have much time and what you do next is important. Read on to find out how to save a cold lamb and not make the mistakes that could cost the lamb its life. 

March has been full of surprises, struggles and some incredible moments as well. Today, we’re diving into everything that’s been going on!