Discussion: Natural and Organic Husbandry

[BYH Project Manager]

More and more farmers and homesteaders are moving toward natural and organic methods when raising their animals. Whether it’s choosing organic feed, relying on herbal remedies, or creating low-stress environments, the goal is the same: healthier animals and a healthier farm ecosystem.

Some folks focus on eliminating chemicals and antibiotics, while others emphasize rotational grazing, natural worming methods, or building resilient herds through good nutrition and management. There’s no one-size-fits-all, and every farm has its own unique way of blending tradition with natural practices.

Let’s share experiences:

• Have you tried raising your animals with natural or organic methods?
• What practices have worked best for you?
• Are there challenges you’ve faced, like sourcing organic feed or balancing costs?
• Do you notice differences in the health or behavior of your animals?

Your insights could inspire someone else to try new techniques—or help them avoid common pitfalls. So, how do you approach natural and organic husbandry on your farm?

 

[Baymule]

I use regular feed, I have too many animals to use organic feed, it’s way too expensive. I tried using natural wormers, again, expensive and must be used on a regular basis. After a few sheep died from worms, I started using regular wormers. I learned how to do fecal exams and count worm eggs. This was the best tool for the health of my flock. Worm loads spike up before giving birth and again at weaning. I identified the sheep carrying heavy worm loads and culled them.

Worms are terrible for sheep and goats in hot and humid East Texas. I’ve been selecting for worm resistance for 10 years and have a fairly healthy flock. Lambs don’t have resistance yet and I have to worm them, but not overdo it so they can build up resistance.

In the spring of 2024 I had 31 lambs. I got over 4 feet of rain in 3 months and parasites exploded. It was all over East Texas. Even working with a veterinarian, I lost 11 lambs. I kept 7 of the best looking ewe lambs, not knowing if they would survive or grow off. I took the other 7 to auction, scrawny pathetic little things and got the worst prices I’ve ever had. I have friends that lost grown sheep and goats in that parasite explosion. I didn’t lose any grown sheep although a few needed worming.

Those 7 ewes did grow, they did survive and they are now bred and I’m anxious to see how they do. I’ve never wormed them again.

I do not rotationally graze. I bought 25 acres of a run down 3 generation cattle ranch. It has been a battle just to get fencing done. I have 2 fields out of 3 fenced now. Fence rows had 30-40 years of growth in them, up to 20 feet wide. The back field is the same way. It’s a work in progress. I’ll get there, but it takes time - and MONEY! Lots of money! LOL

I’m finally reaching the point where I’ll be putting up some hot wire for rotational grazing. It may just be a couple of strips, to start with, but I’ll get there.

Oh, I’m also female, 70 years old and by myself. I currently have 35 breeding ewes and 10 more young ones saved from this year. I’m participating in the Katahdin breed up program. By breeding ewes to registered rams, those offspring to registered rams and the third generation is eligible for full registration at one year old if they pass the hair coat test. I have 50% and 75% ewes that I’ll be selling next year and the year after as I reach that third generation. My goal is approximately 35 ewes, parasite resistant, rotational grazing, registered flock.

I work hard at having healthy sheep with limited chemical wormers, but will use them when necessary. I work hard at clean pastures and have hand pulled nightshades and other noxious plants. Sheep love most weeds but there are some not even sheep want. I have spot sprayed some of those when I’m losing the war, but I don’t spray the whole field.

I’ve invested tons of work and lots of money in sheep and goat wire, gates and posts. Next spring, yes, I will spray my fence rows to keep them from becoming an overgrown mess.

I use both organic and chemical means to keep my sheep healthy, on healthy pastures with a wide variety of grasses and forbs.