The Shepherdess

Grace is an entrepreneur, Shepherdess, and rotational grazing enthusiast. This eclectic mix converges here on the Shepherdess Podcast where we talk about regenerative farming for profit, raising Dorper sheep, and daily life as a small-scale, regenerative farmer.

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The Shepherdess

COMPARING SHEEP AND GOATS (find out which is best for you)

August 04, 2026 • Grace

0:00 | 49:47

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Deciding between raising sheep and goats on your land comes down to more than preference alone. In this episode, I'm breaking down the differences from my own farm: grazing and browsing habits, containment considerations, copper and mineral needs, hoof care, health issues, and the best meat and dairy breeds for each. I’m also sharing why I chose goats for milk and sheep for meat. If you're trying to decide which animal fits your homestead best, I hope this episode gives you clarity!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 Overview of my farm and livestock, and why I farm the way I do

00:07:38 Sheep vs. goats on your land: grazing and browsing habits

00:14:33 Containment considerations for sheep and goats

00:22:13 Answering questions on using goats to clear land, guardian animals, and sheep as browsers

00:26:25 Copper and mineral needs for sheep vs. goats

00:30:59 Feeding dairy goats vs. meat sheep

00:36:11 Health and parasite differences between sheep and goats

00:38:29 Best meat and dairy goat breeds

00:41:09 Best meat and dairy sheep breeds

00:43:03 Why I raise dairy goats instead of dairy sheep

00:46:09 Answering more of your questions on milking goats, sheep breeds, shearing, processing goat’s milk