Building the Foundation for Your Katahdin Flock
"Farm Setup and Infrastructure That Works with Nature, Not Against It"
The call came at 2 AM on a bitter February night. Sarah, a new sheep farmer two counties over, was in full panic mode. Her pregnant ewes were huddled against a fence line in a driving sleet storm, their makeshift shelter had collapsed under ice, and she couldn't get them moved to safety in the dark. Three hours later, we'd helped her relocate her flock to a neighbor's barn, but the damage was done—two ewes lost their lambs to hypothermia, and Sarah nearly lost her enthusiasm for sheep farming entirely.
That crisis could have been completely avoided with proper infrastructure planning. The heartbreak is that Sarah had spent considerable money on her farm setup—just not on the right things. She'd invested in fancy feeders and expensive gates but skimped on the fundamentals: adequate shelter, proper drainage, and flexible handling systems.
Don't let Sarah's expensive lesson become yours. Building infrastructure for Katahdin sheep isn't about creating the most elaborate setup money can buy. It's about understanding how these remarkable animals behave, what they actually need to thrive, and how to design systems that make your life easier while keeping your flock healthy and productive.
Understanding Katahdin Behavior: The Foundation of Good Design
Before you drive the first fence post or pour the first concrete pad, you need to understand who you're building for. Katahdins aren't just sheep—they're specific animals with particular needs, instincts, and preferences that should drive every infrastructure decision you make.
The Foraging Instinct
Katahdins are natural browsers with an almost insatiable curiosity about what's edible. Where wooled breeds might stand placidly in a paddock, Katahdins explore. They'll taste-test every plant within reach, investigate every corner of their enclosure, and find weaknesses in fencing systems that other sheep would never discover.
This behavior is actually an asset when channeled properly. Their aggressive foraging makes them exceptional for brush clearing and weed management. But it means your fencing needs to be more than just adequate—it needs to be Katahdin-proof.
Social Structure and Movement Patterns
Katahdins exhibit what researchers call "moderate flocking instinct." They're social animals that prefer to move as groups, but they're not as tightly bunched as fine-wool breeds. This translates to infrastructure requirements that may surprise you.
Your gates need to be wider than you think. Where a 3-foot gate might work for highly flocking breeds, Katahdins prefer 4-5 feet of opening to move comfortably as a group. Alleyways should be wide enough for side-by-side movement, not just single file. Corners in handling systems should be gradual rather than sharp—Katahdins will balk at tight turns that force them to break visual contact with the flock.
Climate Adaptability in Action
The Katahdin's legendary climate adaptability isn't just about surviving temperature extremes—it's about behavioral adaptations that impact facility design. In winter, they'll grow thick coats and seek windbreaks rather than heated shelters. In summer, they actively seek shade and air movement rather than just escaping heat.
This means your shelter requirements are different from other breeds. You need structures that provide wind protection and shade rather than climate-controlled environments. Natural ventilation becomes more important than insulation. Elevated areas for summer lounging matter more than deep bedding for warmth.
The Pasture Foundation: Where Success Begins
Great sheep farming starts with great pastures, and great pastures start with understanding your land's potential and limitations. This isn't about having perfect soil or ideal topography—some of the best Katahdin operations I've visited were on marginal ground that other livestock couldn't utilize effectively.
Soil Testing: Your First Investment
Before you plant a single seed or move a single animal, invest in comprehensive soil testing. Not the basic pH test, but a complete analysis including organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and micronutrients. This $50-100 investment will save you thousands in fertilizer costs and prevent years of disappointing forage production.
The University of Arkansas research that established Katahdins' superior performance was conducted on farms with properly managed soils. Dr. Burke's studies specifically noted that "Pastures were fertilized with N, P, and K as recommended based on soil tests"<sup>1</sup>. This wasn't an afterthought—it was fundamental to achieving the production results that made Katahdins famous.
Drainage: The Make-or-Break Factor
Poor drainage kills more sheep operations than predators, parasites, and poor genetics combined. Katahdins, despite their adaptability, cannot thrive on consistently wet ground. Wet conditions create perfect breeding grounds for internal parasites, cause hoof problems, and make pasture management nearly impossible.
Walk your land after a heavy rain. Note where water stands, where runoff patterns create erosion, and where the ground stays soggy. These are your problem areas that need attention before you bring animals home.
Simple drainage solutions often work best. French drains, surface ditching, and strategic tile drainage can transform marginal ground into productive pasture. The investment pays for itself in reduced veterinary bills, improved animal performance, and longer pasture utilization seasons.
Forage Selection: Matching Plants to Purpose
Katahdins are exceptional foragers, but that doesn't mean any plant will do. Your forage selection should balance nutritional value, seasonal production, drought tolerance, and grazing sustainability. The goal is year-round feed availability with minimal purchased inputs.
Cool-Season Foundation: Tall fescue, orchard grass, and timothy provide spring and fall production. Yes, endophyte-infected tall fescue can cause problems, but Burke's research found that tropically-adapted breeds like Katahdins were less sensitive to fescue toxins than English breeds<sup>2</sup>. Consider endophyte-free varieties for optimal performance.
Warm-Season Power: Bermudagrass becomes your summer workhorse in southern regions. It's drought-tolerant, persistent, and provides excellent nutrition when managed properly. In northern areas, consider warm-season alternatives like switchgrass or native prairie species.
Legume Integration: Clover, alfalfa, and vetch fix nitrogen, improve soil, and provide protein supplementation. A 20-30% legume component in mixed stands dramatically improves overall forage quality.
Browse Component: Don't forget woody browse. Katahdins excel at clearing brush, and young tree shoots provide both nutrition and entertainment. Strategic placement of browse areas gives you natural weed control while providing dietary variety.
Rotational Grazing: The Secret Weapon
Rotational grazing isn't just about grass management—it's parasite management, soil improvement, and productivity enhancement all rolled into one system. For Katahdins, proper rotation can reduce parasite loads by 80% while improving forage production by 50% or more.
The basics are simple: divide your pasture into paddocks, graze each paddock intensively for short periods, then provide adequate rest for regrowth. The magic happens in the details.
Paddock Size: Plan for 3-7 day grazing periods. Too short and you're moving animals constantly. Too long and you lose the benefits of intensive grazing. Calculate paddock size based on your stocking rate and seasonal growth patterns.
Rest Periods: Cool-season grasses need 21-35 days of rest depending on season. Warm-season grasses need 35-45 days. Legumes need longer—45-60 days for full recovery.
Infrastructure Requirements: Temporary fencing for paddock subdivision, reliable water systems in each paddock, and easy animal movement between areas. The initial setup investment pays dividends in reduced feed costs and improved animal health.
Fencing: Your First Line of Defense
Katahdin fencing presents unique challenges. These sheep are athletic, curious, and motivated. They'll test every weakness, exploit every gap, and find escape routes that would never occur to other breeds. But don't let this discourage you—proper fencing systems work beautifully with Katahdins when designed correctly.
Woven Wire: The Gold Standard
For perimeter fencing and high-value areas, woven wire remains the most reliable choice. But not all woven wire is created equal. Look for 4-inch vertical stays (not 6-inch), tight spacing on the bottom wires, and galvanized coating for longevity.
The bottom wire should be no more than 4 inches from the ground. Katahdin lambs are remarkably agile and will slip under higher openings. The top should reach at least 47 inches high—48 inches is better. Katahdins aren't high jumpers, but they're excellent climbers and will scale lower fences if motivated.
Corner and Gate Bracing: This is where most woven wire fences fail. Use H-braces at corners and gates, with proper diagonal bracing and guy wires. Skimping here leads to sagging fences and frustrated animals pushing through loose wire.
High-Tensile Electric: The Economic Choice
High-tensile electric fencing offers excellent value for interior paddocks and rotational systems. Modern energizers provide consistent power, and properly installed high-tensile wire lasts decades. The key is installation quality and animal training.
Wire Spacing: Use 5-7 strands with closer spacing at the bottom. Start with 4 inches for the bottom wire, then space subsequent wires at 6, 8, 10, and 12-inch intervals. This creates a psychological barrier that Katahdins respect.
Energizer Selection: Don't economize on energizer quality. A high-quality unit producing 8,000-10,000 volts will maintain voltage even with moderate vegetation contact. Solar units work well for remote areas but require battery maintenance.
Training Protocol: New animals need proper electric fence training. Start with a small training paddock using temporary fencing alongside permanent wires. Most Katahdins learn to respect electric fences within 24-48 hours of proper introduction.
Temporary and Portable Systems
For rotational grazing and flexible management, temporary fencing systems become essential tools. Modern polywire, step-in posts, and portable energizers make paddock subdivision practical and affordable.
Polywire Selection: Choose visible colors (white or bright orange) with good conductivity. Cheap polywire breaks frequently and conducts poorly. Quality wire lasts multiple seasons with proper care.
Post Systems: Fiberglass step-in posts work well for most situations. Metal posts conduct better but are more expensive. Avoid wooden posts for temporary systems—they're heavy, hard to move, and don't last.
Gate Solutions: Portable gate handles and springs allow quick fence setup and animal movement. Plan gate locations strategically to minimize walking distances and handling stress.
Water Systems: The Lifeblood of Your Operation
Water availability drives every other management decision on your farm. Inadequate water systems force poor grazing patterns, limit rotational options, and compromise animal performance. Excellent water systems enable optimal management and superior results.
Calculating Water Needs
Adult Katahdins consume 1-3 gallons of water daily depending on temperature, humidity, and feed moisture content. Lactating ewes can consume up to 5 gallons daily. These numbers seem manageable until you multiply by flock size and add safety margins for system failures.
Plan water systems for peak demand, not average consumption. A 100-ewe flock needs capacity for 500 gallons daily during peak lactation in hot weather. Add 50% safety margin and you're planning for 750 gallons daily capacity.
Gravity-Fed Systems: Simple and Reliable
Where topography allows, gravity-fed systems offer unmatched reliability. A properly designed gravity system operates without electricity, requires minimal maintenance, and provides consistent water pressure.
Tank Placement: Locate storage tanks at the highest practical elevation. Every foot of elevation provides 0.43 PSI of pressure. A tank 20 feet above the delivery point provides about 8.5 PSI—adequate for most livestock waterers.
Pipe Sizing: Undersized pipes kill gravity systems. Use at least 1-inch pipe for main lines, 3/4-inch for distribution. Larger pipes provide better flow and reduce friction losses over long runs.
Freeze Protection: In cold climates, bury pipes below the frost line or use insulated surface runs with heat trace cables. Tank heaters prevent freeze-up but require reliable electricity.
Pressure Systems: Flexibility and Performance
Electric pressure systems provide maximum flexibility for complex farm layouts. Modern pressure tanks, variable-speed pumps, and automatic controls create water-on-demand systems that rival municipal supplies.
Well and Pump Selection: Size pumps for peak demand plus pressure tank charging. A 10 GPM pump handles most farm needs efficiently. Variable-speed pumps adjust output to demand and reduce electrical costs.
Pressure Tank Sizing: Larger pressure tanks reduce pump cycling and extend equipment life. A 120-gallon tank provides adequate buffer for most operations. Pre-charged tanks with quality bladders last longer than steel tanks.
Distribution Networks: Plan distribution like a tree—large main lines feeding progressively smaller branches. Install shutoff valves at key points for maintenance and seasonal operations.
Alternative Water Sources
Don't overlook alternative water sources that can supplement or replace conventional systems. Ponds, springs, and collected rainwater offer opportunities for reduced costs and improved sustainability.
Pond Development: Properly constructed ponds provide reliable water while supporting wildlife and fire protection. Size ponds for 3:1 watershed to pond area ratio. Include overflow structures and erosion protection.
Spring Development: Springs offer high-quality water at minimal cost. Simple spring boxes protect water quality while providing reliable flow. Gravity distribution from springs eliminates pumping costs.
Rainwater Collection: Metal roofs provide excellent catchment surfaces. A 40x60 building collects about 1,500 gallons per inch of rainfall. Storage tanks and distribution systems complete the system.
Shelter Design: Protection Without Pampering
Katahdin shelter requirements differ significantly from other sheep breeds. Their natural hardiness and behavioral adaptations mean they need protection from specific conditions rather than general climate control. Understanding these differences saves money while improving animal comfort and performance.
Wind Protection: The Primary Need
Wind chill kills more sheep than cold temperatures. A Katahdin with a thick winter coat can handle surprising cold if protected from wind. But that same animal can suffer hypothermia in milder temperatures with strong winds.
Shelter Orientation: Position openings away from prevailing winter winds. In most regions, this means openings facing south or southeast. Multiple openings on different sides provide flexibility for changing wind directions.
Windbreak Effectiveness: Solid windbreaks create turbulence. Semi-permeable barriers (60-80% solid) reduce wind speed more effectively. Spacing windbreaks at 10-15 times their height provides optimal protection zones.
Natural Windbreaks: Existing tree lines, hills, and buildings provide ready-made wind protection. Work with natural features rather than fighting them. Strategic tree planting creates windbreaks while providing browse and shade.
Shade Systems: Summer Comfort
Heat stress reduces breeding performance, milk production, and growth rates. Adequate shade systems prevent these problems while requiring minimal investment in most climates.
Coverage Requirements: Plan 15-20 square feet of shade per animal for adequate comfort. More is better, but diminishing returns set in above 25 square feet per head.
Height Considerations: Higher structures (12+ feet) provide better air movement and heat dissipation. Lower structures (8-10 feet) cost less but may trap heat on still days.
Portable vs. Permanent: Portable shade structures allow seasonal movement and pasture rotation. Permanent structures provide weather resistance but limit management flexibility.
Lambing Facilities: Specialized Needs
Lambing season demands specialized facilities that balance animal comfort, management convenience, and economic practicality. Over-building costs money; under-building costs lambs.
Individual Pens: Plan for 10-15% of mature ewes in individual lambing pens. Size pens 5x5 feet minimum—smaller pens stress ewes and increase mismothering. Include feeders and waterers in each pen.
Group Areas: Ewes with older lambs do well in small group pens. Plan 30-40 square feet per ewe-lamb pair. Include creep areas where lambs can escape from other ewes.
Climate Control: Lambing areas need draft protection and adequate ventilation. Natural ventilation works well with proper design. Avoid heated buildings unless extreme conditions require them.
Handling Integration: Design lambing facilities with easy access to handling equipment. Weighing, tagging, and health treatments are routine during lambing season.
Handling Systems: Making Management Easy
Good handling systems make every farm task easier, safer, and less stressful for both animals and handlers. Poor handling systems turn routine procedures into wrestling matches that stress animals, waste time, and increase injury risks.
Design Principles That Work
Sheep handling systems work best when they align with natural animal behavior rather than fighting it. Katahdins move more independently than highly flocking breeds, so systems need flexibility for individual movement while maintaining group flow.
Curved Alleyways: Sheep move more readily through curved alleyways than straight ones. A quarter-circle curve prevents animals from seeing the working area until committed to movement.
Non-Slip Flooring: Concrete gets slippery when wet. Score new concrete or add rubber matting in working areas. Gravel or dirt floors work well but require more maintenance.
Lighting Considerations: Sheep move toward light and away from shadows. Design systems so animals move from darker holding areas toward brighter working areas. Avoid harsh contrasts that create spooky shadows.
Holding and Sorting Areas
Flexible holding areas allow you to sort sheep by age, condition, or treatment needs without additional handling stress. Size these areas for your actual needs, not theoretical maximums.
Size Guidelines: Allow 8-10 square feet per animal in holding areas. Crowding creates stress and increases injury risk. Multiple smaller areas work better than single large ones.
Gate Strategies: Use gates to create multiple pen configurations from single areas. Hinged panels and removable sections provide maximum flexibility with minimal cost.
Feed and Water Access: Long-term holding areas need feed and water access. Temporary holding (under 4 hours) typically doesn't require feeding facilities.
Working Equipment
The working chute and squeeze area are where individual animal procedures happen. These areas see heavy use and need robust construction for safety and longevity.
Chute Width: Size chutes for your sheep, not catalog recommendations. Adult Katahdins work well in 6-7 inch wide chutes. Wider chutes allow turning around; narrower ones restrict breathing.
Head Gates: Self-catching head gates speed processing and reduce handler fatigue. Quality gates last decades with minimal maintenance. Cheap gates break frequently and create safety hazards.
Side Access: Design working chutes with side access for vaccinations, ear tagging, and foot trimming. Removable side panels provide flexibility for different procedures.
Feed Storage and Handling: Protecting Your Investment
Feed typically represents 60-70% of total production costs in sheep operations. Proper storage and handling systems protect this investment while reducing labor and waste. Poor systems waste feed, create health hazards, and increase rodent problems.
Grain Storage Systems
Dry grain storage seems straightforward until you face the reality of rodents, moisture, and inventory management. Effective systems address all three challenges while remaining economically practical.
Container Selection: Metal bins provide rodent protection and weather resistance. Plastic containers work well for smaller quantities but may crack in temperature extremes. Avoid wood containers that absorb moisture and harbor pests.
Moisture Control: Keep grain moisture below 14% to prevent mold and heating. Use moisture meters to verify grain condition before storage. Install ventilation in larger bins to prevent condensation.
Inventory Management: First-in, first-out rotation prevents spoilage and maintains feed quality. Date containers and use older feed first. Avoid storing more than 60 days' supply unless you have excellent storage conditions.
Hay Storage Strategies
Hay storage losses average 20-30% in outdoor storage, 5-15% in three-sided sheds, and 2-8% in fully enclosed buildings. These differences add up quickly with current hay prices.
Location Considerations: Store hay on well-drained sites with good access for delivery and feeding. Avoid low areas where moisture accumulates and access becomes difficult during wet periods.
Ventilation Requirements: Hay continues respiration after baling. Adequate air movement prevents heat buildup and mold formation. Allow 4-6 inches between stacks and walls for air circulation.
Protection Levels: Match storage protection to hay value and quantity. Premium alfalfa justifies enclosed storage; average grass hay may work fine under tarps or in three-sided sheds.
Feeding Equipment
Feeding equipment should reduce waste, improve convenience, and enhance animal health. The best equipment pays for itself through reduced feed waste and labor savings.
Feeder Design: Choose feeders that minimize waste while allowing natural feeding behavior. Overhead feeders work well for hay; ground-level feeders suit grain better.
Portability Options: Portable feeders allow feeding in different locations, supporting rotational grazing and pasture improvement. Fixed feeders work well in permanent feeding areas.
Weather Protection: Feed spoils quickly when wet. Covered feeders or weatherproof designs prevent waste and health problems. Include drainage in feeding areas to manage runoff.
Utilities and Support Systems
Modern farm operations depend on reliable utilities and support systems. Planning these systems during initial development costs less than retrofitting later. Consider current needs plus reasonable expansion capacity.
Electrical Systems
Farm electrical needs extend far beyond household requirements. Plan for lighting, water systems, feed processing equipment, and seasonal loads like tank heaters.
Service Capacity: Install adequate electrical service capacity initially. Upgrading service later costs significantly more than installing proper capacity from the start. Consider 200-amp minimum for most operations.
Distribution Strategy: Use appropriate wiring methods for farm environments. Underground distribution costs more initially but provides better protection and appearance. Overhead lines work well for temporary or remote areas.
Safety Considerations: Farm environments challenge electrical systems with moisture, dust, and mechanical damage. Use appropriate enclosures, GFCI protection, and proper grounding throughout the system.
Communications Infrastructure
Modern farming increasingly depends on communications technology. Internet connectivity enables weather monitoring, market information, and business management systems.
Internet Access: High-speed internet supports business management, educational resources, and marketing activities. Consider wireless options if cable or fiber aren't available.
Phone Systems: Reliable phone service remains essential for emergencies, customer contact, and business operations. Cell phone boosters improve coverage in marginal areas.
Data Management: Plan for computer systems, data backup, and security. Farm records, financial information, and animal data require protection and accessibility.
Waste Management Systems
Effective waste management prevents environmental problems while potentially creating resource opportunities. Plan waste management systems for both daily operations and seasonal peaks.
Manure Management: Sheep manure is valuable fertilizer when properly managed. Plan storage areas, application equipment, and nutrient management strategies.
Bedding Systems: Choose bedding materials based on availability, cost, and disposal options. Straw, sawdust, and sand all work well with proper management.
Composting Opportunities: Composting transforms waste into valuable soil amendments. Simple composting systems work well for most farm sizes and waste quantities.
Putting It All Together: The Integrated Approach
Great farm infrastructure isn't about individual components—it's about how everything works together to create efficient, profitable operations. The best farms feel effortless to work because everything flows naturally from one system to another.
Planning for Growth
Most successful operations grow over time. Plan initial infrastructure to accommodate reasonable expansion without major reconstruction. This doesn't mean building for maximum possible size initially, but avoiding designs that prevent future growth.
Modular Design: Build systems that expand incrementally. Fencing, water systems, and buildings should accommodate additional capacity without complete replacement.
Flexibility Preservation: Avoid permanent installations that limit future options. Removable panels, portable equipment, and flexible utility systems maintain adaptation opportunities.
Foundation Quality: Invest in quality foundations that support future expansion. Proper concrete work, electrical service capacity, and water system sizing pay dividends later.
Integration Strategies
The most efficient farms minimize handling, movement, and labor through thoughtful system integration. Animals should flow naturally from pasture to handling areas to shelter without unnecessary stress or effort.
Traffic Flow: Plan animal movement patterns to minimize backtracking and stress. One-way flow through handling systems works better than designs requiring direction changes.
Equipment Placement: Locate equipment and supplies near where they're used. Feed storage near feeding areas, handling equipment near regular gathering points, and tools near work areas.
Maintenance Access: Plan maintenance access for all systems. Equipment that's difficult to service doesn't get maintained properly. Include service areas in initial designs.
Economic Optimization
Infrastructure represents major capital investments that should generate returns through reduced labor, improved animal performance, and enhanced management capability.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: Evaluate infrastructure investments based on labor savings, performance improvements, and longevity. The cheapest option rarely provides the best value.
Phased Development: Develop infrastructure in phases that match cash flow and operational needs. Essential systems first, convenience features later.
Quality Focus: Invest in quality for frequently used systems and high-stress applications. Economize on items that see light use or are easily replaceable.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Learning from others' mistakes costs less than making your own. These common infrastructure mistakes appear on farms across the country, but they're all preventable with proper planning.
Overbuilding and Underbuilding
Finding the right balance between adequate and excessive infrastructure challenges most beginners. Overbuilding wastes money that could improve other farm areas. Underbuilding creates ongoing problems and eventual replacement costs.
Climate Overcompensation: New owners often overestimate climate protection needs. Katahdins are remarkably hardy and prefer natural conditions to artificial environments. Provide wind protection and shade rather than climate control.
Size Miscalculations: Build for your actual flock size plus reasonable growth, not theoretical maximums. A well-designed small facility works better than a poorly planned large one.
Quality Variations: Match quality to use intensity. High-use areas justify premium materials and construction. Occasional-use areas can use economical solutions.
Access and Drainage Oversights
Poor access and inadequate drainage create ongoing problems that compound over time. These issues become expensive to fix after initial construction is complete.
Weather Access: Plan access routes for year-round use including wet conditions. Gravel or paved access to key facilities prevents weather-related management problems.
Service Access: Include access for feed delivery, manure removal, and equipment service. Gates, roadways, and clearances should accommodate necessary vehicles and equipment.
Drainage Integration: Address drainage during initial construction rather than as an afterthought. Proper drainage prevents most long-term facility problems.
Flexibility Limitations
Rigid systems that can't adapt to changing needs become expensive constraints. Building flexibility into initial designs costs little extra but provides tremendous value over time.
Fixed vs. Moveable: Choose moveable solutions when practical. Portable feeders, temporary fencing, and removable panels provide operational flexibility.
Multi-Purpose Design: Design facilities for multiple uses when possible. Lambing areas can serve as quarantine facilities or sick pens during other seasons.
Expansion Accommodation: Plan utility systems, foundations, and access routes to accommodate reasonable expansion without major reconstruction.
The Road Ahead
With proper infrastructure in place, you've created the foundation for decades of successful Katahdin production. Your facilities should feel like they work with you rather than against you, supporting natural animal behavior while making management tasks efficient and safe.
In our next episode, we'll dive into the nutritional needs that fuel this infrastructure. You'll discover how to develop feeding programs that maximize the genetic potential of your Katahdin flock while minimizing costs. We'll cover everything from pasture-based nutrition to strategic supplementation, seasonal feeding adjustments, and the specialized needs of pregnant and lactating ewes.
Great infrastructure enables great management, but great nutrition drives great performance. The facilities you've planned will serve you well as we explore how to feed your flock for optimal health, reproduction, and profitability.
Remember: infrastructure is a long-term investment that should make your farming life easier, not more complicated. When done right, you'll forget about your facilities—they'll simply work, quietly supporting your success while you focus on the rewarding aspects of raising exceptional sheep.
