RAMSAY FARMS: Cost of AI'ing my sheep

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Cost of AI'ing my sheep

So I finally was able to sit down and figure out my cost of AI'ing 10 ewes for AI. Remember I wasn't able to AI two ewes due to one having a sponge fall out a day too early, and the other had too much damage to her uterus to AI. However whether I used 12 sponges or not, I still wasted most of the PMS-G hormones as one vial is only good for what, 40 ewes? and its only good for 48 hours.

At any rate without boring you with details, the total of my expenses including gas which at the time was around 3.89/gallon and driving a total of 1040 miles round trip to get to the AI site driving a huge SUV pulling the cattle trailer; my cost including semen, gas, hormones, supplies, etc was only $167/ewe! While that sounds like a lot of money for 10 ewes, yes it was, but it was spread out mostly throughout the year as I bought semen well in advance of the AI date. I have heard that some people have had an average of $250-300/ewe for their AI. Anyone have any other data for their ewes that did AI?

2 comments:

Somerhill said...: Hi Garett
I don't have my numbers in front of me, but it usually costs me about $150-60 per ewe for the AI.

This last session, we had Martin come here, and it did not cost any more than when we took them to another farm, plus we did not have the hauling to figure into the cost.

Best wishes for lots of lambs!; February 4, 2009 at 1:36 PM
Ebonwald Cardigans said...: Hey Lisa, I'm hoping to do more at my own farm and I think you are right about the cost. If i didn't hae to spend over $400 in gas I wouldn't have to stress the girls out so much and could then feel better about paying that much more for the procedure here on the farm.

Take lots of photos of your lambs!; February 4, 2009 at 2:44 PM

Who we are

Ramsay Farms is situated in the northeastern part of Ottertail County, near Perham, Minnesota. This family farm of 320 acres has been in the Ramsay family for five generations, dating back to 1892. Today our farm prides itself on our Simmental cattle, Shetland Sheep and BlueFaced Leicester sheep. We strive to breed animals that closest match the breed standards given to them, and mindful of production, health and longevity in our animals as well.

In spring of 2016, there was a purchase of 32 acres in Green County, Wisconsin to accommodate Garrett for his work in that region. The animals have for the most part been moved to that location. Both locations will work in tandem to continue educating and promoting these animals and this way of life.

From the Shetland Sheep Society

"Shetland sheep have for generations been noted for their very soft and well crimped fleece. The wool is the finest of all native breeds and shows an amazing variety of colours and patterns. There are 11 main whole colours and 30 recognised markings.

By selecting from coloured fleeces a range of naturally coloured yarn can be produced. This eliminates the need for dyeing and therefore retains the soft feel of the natural fibre and is favoured by those who prefer a totally natural approach.

Shetland wool fibres are of a simple construction witha central cortex covered by a thin scaly cuticle, and have an average diameter of about 23 microns. However there is a range from 10-20 microns for neck and shoulder wool to 25to 35 microns for britch wool. the average staple length is 3.5 inches. The amount of crimp varies, and is most important in providing the 'bounce' required for knitwear. There is a positive correlation between fineness and crimp, with wool of the finest quality being crimped at between 8 and 12 to the inch. Wool from shetland sheep is used to produce gossamer lace, the famous 'Fair Isle' knitwear, and fine tweeds. Pure bred Shetland sheep tend to shed their fleece in sprin. The growth of new fleece can cause a rise or weak point and where this is present the fleece can sometimes be plucked or 'rooed' by hand. The timing of this can be different in each sheep, however, it is worth taking the care to get it right as rooed fleece can be amongst the softest because the fibres have no harsh cut ends as occurs with a sheared fleece.

Shetland fleece can be handspun straight from the fleece or made into rolags and then woollen spun. It can also be sorsted spun by hand, used on a peg loom or handwoven. It also felts well using either dry or wet methods. When processed commercially the wool can be made into the finest lightweight worsted cloth or heavier weight, harder wearing fabrics and tweeds."

RAMSAY FARMS

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Cost of AI'ing my sheep

2 comments:

A long time coming!

Fine Fleece Shetland Sheep Association

FEEDJIT Live Traffic Feed