166. Grazing Sheep with Big Tom Perkins

Big Tom Perkins is a seasoned farmer who has successfully navigated the challenging transition from cattle to sheep farming. With his extensive experience at Con-O-Creek Farm in western Pennsylvania, he has become a beacon of innovation in livestock management and rotational grazing. His story is one of resilience, having faced and overcome significant obstacles such as strip mining and labor shortages. Through embracing modern techniques and programs like the National Sheep Improvement Program, Big Tom has revitalized his farm, focusing on traits like weight gain and parasite resistance to build a thriving sheep operation.

Topics Covered

• Transition from cattle to sheep farming
• Rotational grazing techniques
• Overcoming environmental and labor challenges
• The impact of strip mining on farming
• Utilization of the National Sheep Improvement Program
• Importance of breeding and genetics in sheep farming
• Effective fencing strategies for livestock
• Managing multiple lambing seasons
• Starting and producing the Grazing Sheep Podcast
• Personal growth through farming and podcasting

Listeners should tune in to this episode to gain invaluable insights into sustainable farming practices from a seasoned expert. Big Tom Perkins not only shares practical wisdom and innovative strategies but also inspires with his personal journey of adaptation and growth. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to the field, this podcast offers lessons in both farming and life, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Con-O-Creek Farm
Grazing Sheep Podcast

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Today's Episode
• (00:18) - Meet Big Tom Perkins
• (01:27) - The Grazing Grass Podcast Overview
• (03:40) - Challenges and Innovations in Grazing
• (04:39) - Tom's Farming Background
• (10:43) - Transition to Rotational Grazing
• (17:30) - Adding Sheep to the Operation
• (20:09) - National Sheep Improvement Program
• (30:12) - Grazing Management and Fencing Solutions
• (41:49) - Marketing and Breeding Strategies
• (42:18) - Selling Older Sheep and Meat Market Plans
• (43:02) - Breeding Strategies and Hybrid Vigor
• (43:54) - Lambing Seasons and Management
• (44:24) - Mothering Ability and Culling Decisions
• (45:20) - The Excitement of Lambing Season
• (47:02) - National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) Insights
• (55:14) - Starting the Grazing Sheep Podcast
• (59:10) - Podcast Production and Listener Growth
• (01:06:15) - Favorite Resources and Tools for Grazing
• (01:12:02) - Advice for New Shepherds
• (01:15:01) - Where to Find More Information
• (01:16:22) - Final Thoughts and Outro