Sheep & Goats

There are obvious benefits to raising sheep and goats. Meat is likely the first that comes to mind

- Hope Ellis-Ashburn

And supplementing your farm's income stream by producing that meat to meet the demands of a seasonal market is one consideration. However, you'll want to think about others as well.

Sheep, for example, can also produce raw wool and wool products, along with milk that can be used to produce personal-care products such as lip balms and soaps. Likewise, goats can also produce milk and cheese. Once you begin to consider this diverse range of products, you may start to think about your would-be seasonal income as year-round.

SELECTING SHEEP

Bobby and Debby Collier of Pikeville, Tennessee, raise Border Cheviot and East Friesian sheep on their 3 Hills Farm (www.3hillsfamilyfarm.com). Bobby is a lifelong farmer and retired agriculture teacher. His profession ignited his interest in sheep.

"I had students that couldn't afford to show steers and cattle because they were not as financially able to do that," Bobby says. "They thought they could show sheep. I thought, 'If I'm going to teach them about sheep, I'm going to need to learn about them myself.' What began as an effort to help his students is now a 35-year background in raising sheep.

Currently, 150 head reside on the couple's farm, located on the Cumberland Plateau. Their business is multifaceted. For example, the couple chose Border Cheviots for the market lamb, wool and wool products side of their business. They also have other products they produce from the tallow of the Cheviots. The milk-producing East Friesians supply the needs of the soap the couple produces on their farm.