The Difference Between Grocery Store Lamb and Lamb Raised on Our Farm's Pastures
posted on
June 22, 2023
In the agriculture world, sheep and lambs are de-wormed with commercial worming medications more than almost any other livestock! They tend to be fragile, and easily succumb to worm infections.
When you buy lamb at the grocery store, there is a good chance that it has already been wormed multiple times in its short life. Our sheep are strong, fat, and healthy without any of that.
Why are most lambs weak and prone to infection?
Over the years, sheep have been bred selectively for growth traits and the ability to produce large amounts of lamb in as short of time as possible. They have not been selected for parasite resistance. When this weak animal is raised in dirty, confined conditions, parasite infections ensue.
Most ewes in the US are raised on pastures with grain supplementation and without pasture rotation. They poop on a spot. Parasites hatch and climb up the grass stem (that has been grazed way too short). And the ewe eats it, continuing the cycle of parasite infection. Most lambs are separated from their moms fairly young and raised in a feedlot setting. They don't have a chance.
The differences in how lambs are raised at Sparrow Hill Farm
At our farm we select breeds for strong, healthy genetics. We rotate our pastures frequently. Our ewes are healthy and strong with fast-growing lambs at their side.
No grain. No worming medications. Their microbiome is strong from avoiding these medications. Medications that not only kill the parasites but disturb the natural defenses of the sheep leading it to subsequent infections.
Our flock has not always been this strong. It has taken time to select the genetics and heritage breeds that work well in this setting. It has taken time to learn how to manage our pastures for the health of the sheep.
The benefits of raising lambs using regenerative farming practices
Premium 100% grass-fed lamb that has flavor second to none is the result. If you've ate it, you know. All while regenerating the soils and land where the sheep graze. Plus, the animals love the life they live!
We think the time it takes and has taken is worth it. And hope you agree.
