Not enough revision

The author attempts to provide a thorough introduction to raising sheep, but this is the 5th edition of a book from 2000 and, in my opinion, there has not been enough deletion of old material. Instead, new information has been grafted onto existing structures.

One example is the short essay on Mendel's genetics. Modern attempts to replicate Mendel's work suggest that Mendel probably didn't do the experiments attributed to him, instead constructed his theories from a lifetime of scientific work. Thus the Mendel story will be discredited by scientifically educated readers.

Another place where revision should have been considered is the list of breeds, which I found to be lengthy and jumbled. It largely omits some of the breeds of sheep favored by new consumers with middle eastern family backgrounds. These ancient Asian breeds are preferred because their meat is lean and not greasy when cooked. The meat is mild even from adult animals. The lamb is sublime.

With the book's current focus on breeds derived from European stock, comes the assumption that most sheep behave in similar ways. European and Asian sheep behave quite differently from each other, especially considering flocking behavior and grazing patterns. These differences mean a great deal when considering fencing, pasturing, predation dangers, dog choices, and protection animal training.

In some places the authors mention some very good professional organizations that provide in depth information for the reader to explore. The references would have been enough, really, but the authors waste space by then adding shallow information of little value.

The discussion of vertical integration and large vs small scale farming is under-informed, as is the discussion of the nutritional value of meat.

It several places it seems to me that the insertion of genetic jargon into the text will put off the average reader.

I believe that you will find better information from university sources online, your state's sheep association, and local shepherds than from this book.

I received a review copy of "Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep, 5th Edition: Breeding, Care, Facilities" by Paula Simmons and Carol Ekarius (Storey) through NetGalley.com. ( )

In Raising Sheep, this neophyte has a valuable resource to help me begin a small flock with a measure of confidence that makes up for my lack of experience with this type of livestock. Pretty much all aspects of managing a flock of sheep are covered in a thorough, but accessible way. After having read it straight through, I know that I will be consulting it often the farther I sink myself into this hobby and as new challenges arise. One suggested improvement would be to update the photographs to colour illustrations, especially in the chapter on breeds of sheep. This is one of the few areas where other books that cover raising sheep may surpass the Storey's Guide contribution on the subject. Otherwise I have not yet seen a better resource. ( )

From Ben