Episode 219: How We Think About Sheep

09/04/14 • 44 min

This week on The Farm Report, host Erin Fairbanks kicks off a multi-part series on the lamb and sheep industry, first welcoming John Wilkes, a US based livestock consultant, writer and speaker with a background as a UK sheep and beef producer and farmer to the program. Opening the show with a brief history of the sheep’s rise and fall, John explains the significance of sheep in the histories of both the United States and United Kingdom, as well as around the world. John also explains some basic terminology, talking the differences between lamb and sheep, the true definition of mutton, along with the differences between wool and meat breeds. After the break, Erin is joined by Keith Martin of Pure Bred Lamb and Elysian Fields Sheep Farm. Located on 200 acres of farmland in Greene County, Pennsylvania, Keith is the supplier of sheep to notable chefs, like Thomas Keller. Due to observing the natural lifecycle of sheep flocks and thus changing his initial style of farming, Keith goes into detail about his patented system, Safe Alternative, that describes this manner in which his sheep are raised. Tune in for an info-packed episode, ewe won’t be disappointed! This program was brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.

“In histories of both countries (US & UK) sheep have played a major part.” [6:57]

“Lamb is an animal that doesn’t see its first birthday... which means that they are killed at their prime when the meat is at its best. ” [11:20]

— John Wilkes on The Farm Report

“I had to make a change... I looked around me at that time and to those that I respected most... and they were all farmers.” [23:09]

“I began to notice, through observation, what their needs were. We call that today ‘the voice of the lamb.'” [27:52]

— Keith Martin on The Farm Report

“In histories of both countries (US & UK) sheep have played a major part.” [6:57]

“Lamb is an animal that doesn’t see its first birthday... which means that they are killed at their prime when the meat is at its best. ” [11:20]

— John Wilkes on The Farm Report

“I had to make a change... I looked around me at that time and to those that I respected most... and they were all farmers.” [23:09]

“I began to notice, through observation, what their needs were. We call that today ‘the voice of the lamb.'” [27:52]

— Keith Martin on The Farm Report

Previous Episode

Episode 218: Farming, GMOs, & Media Transparency

This week on The Farm Report, host Erin Fairbanks takes on a solo show inspired by the recent profile of Vandana Shiva, international anti-GMO and anti-globalization advocate, in the New Yorker written by Michael Specter. In response to the piece, Erin previously spoke with the long time anti-GMO advocate Jim Gerritsen as well as reporter Tom Philpott to expand on this issue. In the second half of the show, Erin talks about a situation concerning an invite from Conde Nast Media Group to take part in a video series focused on food topics. What was not widely mentioned was that Monsanto was underwriting for the project. Seemingly a conflict of interest between the discussion topic and underwriter, Erin shares her thoughts on the ordeal and how such media outlets should be more transparent. This program was brought to you by The International Culinary Center.

“The really big problem is that nowhere... was it made clear that the project was being underwritten by an organization that is such a divisive player in the food world. Nowhere did it say that Conde Nast was working with Monsanto on this cool food project.” [24:00]

— Erin Fairbanks on The Farm Report

Next Episode

Episode 220: Sheep and Tech

This week on The Farm Report, host Erin Fairbanks picks up where she left off last week with the second part of the series on the sheep and lamb industry. Opening the show with the co-producer of the series, John Wilkes, a US based livestock consultant, writer and speaker with a background as a UK sheep and beef producer and farmer, the two talk technology in the sheep realm and how it has ultimately helped the industry. Despite the initial negative connotations that might be associated with using such technology like an ultrasound with livestock, John explains that this technology can be very helpful to aid in pregnancy detection and the problem comes in with whether it is legal state by state for anyone other than a licensed veterinarian to perform the procedure, though it is noninvasive. After the break, Erin welcomes Dr. Bret Taylor, Animal Scientist of the USDA Agricultural Research Center, who adds to the discussion of technology in the sheep and lamb industry. Talking about his work with the Sheep Experiment Station, he shares that it is in place to develop integrated methods for increasing production efficiency of sheep and to simultaneously improve the sustainability of rangeland ecosystems. Tune in for another sheep and lamb-centric episode! This program has been brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.

“The main thing is estimated breed values, and using the technology of ultrasound to take measurements of the animal as it’s growing at various points in its life to ascertain the amount of meat that it’s carrying.” [2:23]

“The estimated breed value gives indication of that animal’s sire, or the producer of that animal, if it is looked to improve the breed and have characteristics which you would find acceptable and look to improve your production.” [3:05]

— John Wilkes on The Farm Report

“The US Sheep Experiment Station... was actually the USDA’s answer to begin solving many of the sheep industry’s as far back as 1915.” [18:42]

“It’s not the lack of understanding the technology, I think the majority of sheep producers that I visit with... think it’s the coordination of those [technological] efforts. We know that those technologies are extensive and expensive.” [26:53]

— Dr. Bret Taylor on The Farm Report