At Horstmann Cattle Company in Owensville, Missouri, we’re always working to improve our land, our cattle, and the way we raise both. This year, we’re excited to introduce a new addition to the farm: a flock of 150 ewe lambs. While cattle have been our focus for generations, these sheep are part of a bigger vision that supports our soil, enhances our pastures, and benefits both the sheep and the cows.
Meet the Flock
These aren’t just any sheep. Our new girls are a unique breed we like to call the "Hopping Composite." They’re a hardy, meat-producing mix of various genetics, essentially a well-built mutt that fits our farm's needs perfectly. They are hair sheep, which means they shed their coats naturally each spring and require no shearing. This helps keep inputs low and management simple, making them ideal for a low-maintenance, forage-based system.
A Closed Flock for Health and Uniformity
Like our cattle herd, we’re keeping this flock closed, meaning we raise our own rams and ewes and do not bring in outside genetics. This approach offers several benefits:
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Better disease resistance from generations of animals adapted to our specific farm environment
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Greater uniformity in the flock, which leads to more consistent performance
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Reduced biosecurity risks, since no new animals are introduced from other farms
This closed system gives us more control over the health and productivity of our animals and supports our long-term strategy for building a sustainable and resilient operation.
Why Sheep? It’s All About the Land
The real magic of this flock isn’t just in their meat production. It’s in what they eat. Sheep are natural grazers of many plant species that cows avoid, especially broadleaf weeds, woody brush, and forbs that crowd out the more desirable grasses. By adding sheep to our grazing system, we can:
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Improve pasture health by reducing competition from invasive or undesirable plants
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Enhance grass growth for our cattle by giving grasses more room to thrive
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Support the recovery of native plant species, many of which are suppressed by aggressive weeds
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Promote biodiversity in our forage base, which supports better soil health and water retention
By grazing down unwanted species, sheep allow native grasses and wildflowers, many of which are deep-rooted and drought-resistant, to return and flourish. This not only improves the quality of forage for livestock but also helps rebuild the natural balance of the ecosystem.
In short, the sheep help clear the way for better cattle grazing while creating a healthier environment for native plant life to thrive.
Growing the Flock
Our plan is to grow the flock to around 500 females over the next few years. All lambs will be born once a year in the spring, typically in May, when conditions are ideal for both ewes and their lambs. The flock is primarily raised for meat, and because they are low-input, forage-based animals, they fit perfectly into our regenerative grazing system.
To help keep the flock safe, we’ve brought in two hardworking livestock guardian dogs, a Maremma and a Komondor-Anatolian mix. These dogs, Spice and Carly, are essential partners in protecting our flock from predators and ensuring the sheep can do their job out in the pasture.
A Win-Win for Land and Livestock
By integrating sheep into our existing cattle operation, we’re building a more efficient, resilient, and sustainable grazing system. It’s not just about raising more animals. It’s about managing the land better, improving the health of our soil, and producing top-quality meat with minimal outside input.
At Horstmann Cattle Company, we believe good stewardship starts from the ground up. With our new flock leading the way into a more diverse and productive future, we’re excited for what’s to come.
Stay tuned as we grow the flock, expand our pastures, and share the journey.