Sheep Things

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Robert Walker and Caleb Pirc are both fairly new shepherds and the desire to learn and grow in the sheep industry has brought up questions I am sure everyone has had. This podcast is an opportunity for them to share conversations with those mentors, breeders, owners, veterinarians, judges, and people that have provided the support to the sheep industry over the years. Mostly we are interested in listening and learning how others began in the industry with thoughts on the future in whatever that interest, business or passion is, so join us with “SheepThings!” and learn with Robert and Caleb. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

Robert Walker & Caleb Pirc


    • Jun 5, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 53m AVG DURATION
    • 39 EPISODES

    4.9 from 29 ratings Listeners of Sheep Things that love the show mention: sheep, show.



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    Latest episodes from Sheep Things

    Episode 38 - Advantage Feeders - Evie Gates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2023 91:45


    In this episode we have a manufacturing rep on with me to discuss the Advantage Feeder and the use of it with small ruminants. A lot of sheep producers have purchased these units over the last several years since they have been introduced into the US so join us as we go over the units, how they work and why they work. We also recorded video and have it published on the SheepThings YouTube Channel as well as on the website www.sheepthings.com. Please like and subscribe to my channel in the platform of your choice! Link to Advantage Feeders --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheepthings/support

    Going Solo? Update on the SheepThings Podcast!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2023 14:42


    Wow, after an almost 2 yr break in the podcast action, it is time to crank back up! This is a basic update on what has been going on over those 2 yrs and what my plans are going forward. Thanks for the messages and comments to push me back into podcasting and I hope I can continue to produce what you enjoyed listening to. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheepthings/support

    S2E10 - Laura Fortmeyer Part 2 - Katahdin Breed Association Evolution

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2021 58:00


    The one you all have been waiting for! Laura Fortmeyer from central Kansas maybe one of the few people alive that has been involved with the Katahdin breed before the breed association was established. She is going to tell her story from those times while working with Heifer International through the formation of the Katahdin Hair Sheep International and the years that followed. We are so thankful for the opportunity to document her story. Don't pay any attention to the sound issues, we didn't realize we had the mic setup wrong until after we had recorded and left so we edited it the best we can. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S2E9 - Laura Fortmeyer Part 1 - KHSI Early Beginnings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2021 60:31


    The one you all have been waiting for! Laura Fortmeyer from central Kansas maybe one of the few people alive that has been involved with the Katahdin breed before the breed association was established. She is going to tell her story from those times while working with Heifer International through the formation of the Katahdin Hair Sheep International and the years that followed. We are so thankful for the opportunity to document her story. Don't pay any attention to the sound issues, we didn't realize we had the mic setup wrong until after we had recorded and left so we edited it the best we can. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S2E8 - Lynn Fahrmeier Part 6 - New EBV's/Wrap Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2021 41:39


    This is the final episode of a long series of Podcasts with Lynn talking all things NSIP. We receive a ton of messages from people wanting more info regarding NSIP, how to collect data, what each trait means and how to apply the traits within their flocks. With over 6 hours of conversation, I hoped with nailed all the right questions. Sorry about the delay in publishing sooner but with some equipment issues and lambing and traveling it has been very busy spring. Thanks for listening, sit back, take notes, and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S2E7 – Lynn Fahrmeier Part 5 - Genomics

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2021 54:35


    We have been getting tons of request for more information on NSIP and getting down to the basic understanding of it. Well wait no longer. Lynn is the current Chairperson of NSIP and former President and Board member of KHSI. We sat down with Lynn to get a background on him and his operation and worked our way into the basics of NSIP and even took a dive into what is coming down the rode with genomics in the new future. This episode if about the future of sheep data and genomics, so sit back, take notes, and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S2E6 – Lynn Fahrmeier NSIP Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2021 56:46


    We have been getting tons of request for more information on NSIP and getting down to the basic understanding of it. Well wait no longer. Lynn is the current Chairperson of NSIP and former President and Board member of KHSI. We sat down with Lynn to get a background on him and his operation and worked our way into the basics of NSIP and even took a dive into what is coming down the rode with genomics in the new future. Should end up with 3-4 episodes total, so sit back, take notes, and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S2E5 - Lynn Fahrmeier NSIP Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 52:57


    We have been getting tons of request for more information on NSIP and getting down to the basic understanding of it. Well wait no longer. Lynn is the current Chairperson of NSIP and former President and Board member of KHSI. We sat down with Lynn to get a background on him and his operation and worked our way into the basics of NSIP and even took a dive into what is coming down the rode with genomics in the new future. Should end up with 3-4 episodes total, so sit back, take notes, and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S2E4 - Lynn Fahrmeier Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 55:02


    We have been getting tons of request for more information on NSIP and getting down to the basic understanding of it. Well wait no longer. Lynn is the current President of NSIP and former President and Board member of KHSI. We sat down with Lynn to get a background on him and his operation and worked our way into the basics of NSIP and even took a dive into what is coming down the rode with genomics in the new future. Should end up with 3-4 episodes total, so sit back, take notes, and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S2E3 - Lynn Fahrmeier Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2020 34:13


    Sorry for the break guys, we been planning on a great series of podcast and we all got busy and our guest got busy. So we decided to just wait him out. We have been getting tons of request for more information on NSIP and getting down to the basic understanding of it. Well wait no longer. Lynn is the current President of NSIP and former President and Board member of KHSI. We sat down with Lynn to get a background on him and his operation and worked our way into the basics of NSIP and even took a dive into what is coming down the rode with genomics in the new future. Should end up with 3-4 episodes total, so sit back, take notes, and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S2E2 - Sara Gibson Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 75:39


    So after a short break, we decided to do something different with the start of our season 2. Sara Gibson reached out to us and wanted to ask some basic questions as a newcomer to sheep industry. We convinced her to come on air and let’s discuss for everyone to listen. Not hardly as basic questions as we were expecting as you can tell Sara has done her homework. Hope you enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S2E1 - Sara Gibson Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 39:23


    So after a short break, we decided to do something different with the start of our season 2. Sara Gibson reached out to us and wanted to ask some basic questions as a newcomer to sheep industry. We convinced her to come on air and let's discuss for everyone to listen. Not hardly as basic questions as we were expecting as you can tell Sara has done her homework. Hope you enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E26 - Jim Morgan Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2020 51:28


    Probably didn't plan on having enough left of our conversation to have a 3rd episode with Jim but after listening a couple times I think this episode makes the cut. Pretty in depth discussion regarding crossbreeding, terminal sires, etc. Enjoy this episode with Dr James Morgan. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    james morgan jim morgan
    S1E25 - Jim Morgan Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2020 50:33


    Finally pinned down Jim Morgan to spend some time with us for make a couple episodes for our Podcast. In this episode we will learn about genetics and some cross breeding and carcass stuff and just about anything that pops up. Enjoy this episode with Dr James Morgan. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    james morgan jim morgan
    S1E24 - Jim Morgan Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2020 40:04


    Finally pinned down Jim Morgan to spend some time with us for make a couple episodes for our Podcast. In this episode we will learn about Jim's youth and growing up in Kansas, through his education days to getting back to AR where he lives now. Enjoy this episode with Dr James Morgan. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E23 - Dr Charles Parker Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2020 41:33


    From the moment we told a few people about the idea of our podcast, Dr Charles Parker of Ohio was the name everyone mentioned to have as a guest. His contribution to the sheep industry over the last 60+ yrs is immeasurable. Dr Charles Parker is one of three honorary members of Katahdin Hair Sheep International. Dr Parker is also one of five key individuals who worked and collaborated to establish Katahdin Hair Sheep International in 1985. Dr Parker has had an influential career beyond his role with Katahdins. A few of his other accomplishments include Emeritus Professor and Emeritus Department Chairperson of the Animal Science Department at The Ohio State University and Emeritus Director of the US Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho which is part of USDA ARS (US Dept of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service). Recently, Dr Charles Parker received the McClure Silver Ram Award from the American Sheep Industry Association which recognizes individuals from the professional community that have provided exceptional service and leadership to the sheep industry. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    ohio idaho agriculture ohio state university dubois emeritus professor charles parker agricultural research service emeritus director
    S1E22 - Dr Charles Parker Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2020 37:13


    From the moment we told a few people about the idea of our podcast, Dr Charles Parker of Ohio was the name everyone mentioned to have as a guest. His contribution to the sheep industry over the last 60+ yrs is unmeasurable. Dr Charles Parker is one of three honorary members of Katahdin Hair Sheep International. Dr Parker is also one of five key individuals who worked and collaborated to establish Katahdin Hair Sheep International in 1985. Dr Parker has had an influential career beyond his role with Katahdins. A few of his other accomplishments include Emeritus Professor and Emeritus Department Chairperson of the Animal Science Department at The Ohio State University and Emeritus Director of the US Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho which is part of USDA ARS (US Dept of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service). Recently, Dr Charles Parker received the McClure Silver Ram Award from the American Sheep Industry Association which recognizes individuals from the professional community that have provided exceptional service and leadership to the sheep industry. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    ohio idaho agriculture ohio state university dubois emeritus professor charles parker agricultural research service emeritus director
    S1E21 - Dr Charles Parker Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2020 59:42


    From the moment we told a few people about the idea of our podcast, Dr Charles Parker of Ohio was the name everyone mentioned to have as a guest. His contribution to the sheep industry over the last 60+ yrs is unmeasurable. This episode discusses his time at US Sheep Research Center in Dubois, ID as well as the 3 legged, now 4 legged stool and the Madame ewe. Dr Charles Parker is one of three honorary members of Katahdin Hair Sheep International. Dr Parker is also one of five key individuals who worked and collaborated to establish Katahdin Hair Sheep International in 1985. Dr Parker has had an influential career beyond his role with Katahdins. A few of his other accomplishments include Emeritus Professor and Emeritus Department Chairperson of the Animal Science Department at The Ohio State University and Emeritus Director of the US Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho which is part of USDA ARS (US Dept of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service). Recently, Dr Charles Parker received the McClure Silver Ram Award from the American Sheep Industry Association which recognizes individuals from the professional community that have provided exceptional service and leadership to the sheep industry. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    ohio id idaho agriculture ohio state university dubois madame emeritus professor charles parker agricultural research service emeritus director
    S1E20 - Dr Charles Parker Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2020 67:45


    From the moment we told a few people about the idea of our podcast, Dr Charles Parker of Ohio was the name everyone mentioned to have as a guest. His contribution to the sheep industry over the last 60+ yrs is unmeasurable. This episode discusses his career with sheep research from Ohio State to Texas A & M to being the director at US Sheep Research Center in Dubois, ID. Dr Charles Parker is one of three honorary members of Katahdin Hair Sheep International. Dr Parker is also one of five key individuals who worked and collaborated to establish Katahdin Hair Sheep International in 1985. Dr Parker has had an influential career beyond his role with Katahdins. A few of his other accomplishments include Emeritus Professor and Emeritus Department Chairperson of the Animal Science Department at The Ohio State University and Emeritus Director of the US Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho which is part of USDA ARS (US Dept of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service). Recently, Dr Charles Parker received the McClure Silver Ram Award from the American Sheep Industry Association which recognizes individuals from the professional community that have provided exceptional service and leadership to the sheep industry. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    ohio id idaho agriculture ohio state ohio state university dubois emeritus professor charles parker agricultural research service emeritus director
    S1E19 - Q&A with Robert and Caleb

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2020 71:11


    Well we asked for it and you guys came through. We wanted feedback and questions so we could discuss and answer on air. We didn't get through all of them so more of these will come. Also, this is the first episode we did as video for our YouTube channel. Please hunt us done on YouTube and subscribe to our channel for more videos and updates. https://youtu.be/dWLl4WUW4kU --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E18 - Dan Turner Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2020 47:37


    Our final episode with Dan Turner of Ewe Lamb Right Farm in Shippensburg, PA. In this episode we discuss some tips and tricks and ideas as well as some association ideas on growing the regional club exposure across the country. Thanks for listening! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    shippensburg dan turner
    S1E17 -Dan Turner Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2020 47:42


    Listen in as we chat with Dan Turner of Ewe Lamb Right Farm in Shippensburg, PA. Episode 3 about Dan’s start in sheep and the adventures over the last 20 years to get where he is today. Hopefully there is something for everyone to take away from this episode. Enjoy! — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    shippensburg dan turner
    S1E16 - Dan Turner Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2020 54:04


    Listen in as we chat with Dan Turner of Ewe Lamb Right Farm in Shippensburg, PA. Very fun episode about Dan’s start in sheep and the adventures over the last 20 years to get where he is today. Hopefully there is something for everyone to take away from this episode. Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    shippensburg dan turner
    S1E15 - Dan Turner Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 45:05


    Listen in as we chat with Dan Turner of Ewe Lamb Right Farm in Shippensburg, PA. Very fun episode about Dan's start in sheep and the adventures over the last 20 years to get where he is today. Hopefully there is something for everyone to take away from this episode. Enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    shippensburg dan turner
    S1E14 Larry & Lisa Weeks Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2020 79:20


    Part 2 of a conversation with 30 yr Katahdin breeder and former KHSI President Larry Weeks and his wife Lisa of Triple L Farms in Waynesboro, VA. The Weeks have also been contributor to NSIP for most of those 25 years as well. This was a great conversation and fun episode! — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E13 - Larry & Lisa Weeks Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2020 60:04


    Part 1 of a conversation with 30 yr Katahdin breeder and former KHSI President Larry Weeks and his wife Lisa of Triple L Farms in Waynesboro, VA. The Weeks have also been contributor to NSIP for most of those 25 years as well. This was a great conversation and fun episode! — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E12 - Brad Carothers Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 66:23


    Part 3 of a conversation with 5 yr Katahdin breeder Brad Carothers of Old Slate Farm in Mt Vernon, OH.  We wanted to mix it up some from previous episodes and grab another newer breeder for insight on his beginnings and what has worked for him in his early establishment of his flock. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E11 - Brad Carothers Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 61:33


    Part 2 of a conversation with 5 yr Katahdin breeder Brad Carothers of Old Slate Farm in Mt Vernon, OH. We wanted to mix it up some from previous episodes and grab another newer breeder for insight on his beginnings and what has worked for him in his early establishment of his flock. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E10 - Brad Carothers Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2020 48:11


    Part 1 of a conversation with 5 yr Katahdin breeder Brad Carothers of Old Slate Farm in Mt Vernon, OH. We wanted to mix it up some from previous episodes and grab another newer breeder for insight on his beginnings and what has worked for him in his early establishment of his flock. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E9 - Jane Smith Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2020 74:02


    This is part 2 of our conversation with current KHSI President Jane Smith of DJ Smith Katahdins from Earl Park, IN. Jane shares her experiences from nearly 40 yrs of raising and showing sheep of all kinds, including range ewes, Columbias, Dorpers and now Katahdins. This was a great conversation that any level of breeder can take away something. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E8 - Jane Smith Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2020 61:52


    Our guest in this episode is current KHSI President Jane Smith of DJ Smith Katahdins from Earl Park, IN. Jane shares her experiences from nearly 40 yrs of raising and showing sheep of all kinds, including range ewes, Columbias, Dorpers and now Katahdins. This was a great conversation that any level of breeder can take away something. There are 2 parts so enjoy and stayed tuned for part 2! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E7 - David Coplen Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2020 46:21


    Part 2 of a conversation with 25 yr Katahdin breeder and former KHSI President David Coplen of Birch Cove Katahdins in Fulton MO. David has also been contributor to NSIP for most of those 25 years as well. One thing he is known for is his integration of the Texel influence and we go into detail about his program. Couple technical issues but a great conversation and fun episode! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E6 - David Coplen Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2020 63:06


    Part 1 of a conversation with 25 yr Katahdin breeder and former KHSI President David Coplen of Birch Cove Katahdins in Fulton MO. David has also been contributor to NSIP for most of those 25 years as well. One thing he is known for is his integration of the Texel influence and we go into detail about his program. Couple technical issues but a great conversation and fun episode! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E5 - Mark Dennis Part 4

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2020 51:28


    The final segment of our conversation with long time Katahdin breeder Mark Dennis of Country Oak Ranch in Louisiana. 30+ years of history plus some background on Mark and what is management consist of and what he looks for in breeding stock selection. There will be a total of 5 episodes with Mark, so subscribe and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E4 - Mark Dennis Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 44:28


    Part 3 of our conversation with long time Katahdin breeder Mark Dennis of Country Oak Ranch in Louisiana. 30+ years of history plus some background on Mark and what is management consist of and what he looks for in breeding stock selection. There will be a total of 5 episodes with Mark, so subscribe and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E3 - Mark Dennis Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020 56:42


    Part 2 of our conversation with long time Katahdin breeder Mark Dennis of Country Oak Ranch in Louisiana. 30+ years of history plus some background on Mark and what is management consist of and what he looks for in breeding stock selection. There will be a total of 5 episodes with Mark, so subscribe and enjoy! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E2 - Mark Dennis Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2020 50:23


    Great conversation with long long time Katahdin breeder Mark Dennis of Country Oak Ranch in Louisiana. 30+ years of history plus some background on Mark and what his management consist of and what he looks for in breeding stock selection. There will be maybe 3-4 parts of our discussions with Mark, so subscribe and check back often. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    S1E1 - Robert & Caleb

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 77:10


    The first episode into the Podcast adventure is a little background info on the hosts. The goal with this podcast is to reach out to industry leaders, breed associations, breeders, vets, etc and found out more about them and what they do, how they do it and anything else they are willing to share with us. Robert Walker and Caleb Pirc are both sheep producers who have a thirst to learn more and they know you do as well. Sit back and enjoy as they take this journey. Stay up to date by following SheepThings on Facebook, the website www.sheepthings.com or by subscribing to Podcast in your favorite player. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

    SheepThings (Trailer)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 0:58


    --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheepthings/support

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