Quoted from JJR

It's a shame it's so much more than beef.  I mean, you wouldn't think it should be.  They probably don't eat as much.  I think it's just less popular here.

Sheep are much more labor intensive to raise than cattle.

We raised them for a few years. At the local slaughter house there was a basic "kill fee". Then the hide is a greater percentage of the weight as compared to cattle. It takes nearly as long to process a yearling sheep that might yield 80 to 100 pounds as to process a steer that could yield 600 or better. Shearing is'n't much fun, neither is trying to worm the stubborn things. Sheep can also manage to kill them selves in inventive ways and are more vulnerable to predators the most common of which is neighborhood dogs.
Turkeys were easier, they didn't get mastitis though some of the dumber ones would lay their eggs in fireant beds.

GCG: Well don'tcha jes' know how to warm this here city-girl's l'il ol' heart.  

You meanin' to tell me lamb chops don' come from the butcher shop?  


PS. Actually sheep are raised and grazed here in Marin County, just over the GG bridge... It's considered ideal country for that, near the Ocean.

Shows how much I know about raising meat animals.  I'll have to get my doctor's assistant on this one, as they raise both.

Quoted from san j

PS. Actually sheep are raised and grazed here in Marin County, just over the GG bridge... It's considered ideal country for that, near the Ocean.

I grew up about 50 north of SF, there was the most idyllic sheep ranch near where the Russian River emptied into the ocean.

Quoted from grey rabbit

I grew up about 50 north of SF, there was the most idyllic sheep ranch near where the Russian River emptied into the ocean.

Yes! Near Jenner, right? Some of the most gorgeous sheep-grazing real estate in the world, it's got to be. Really green, in season. sloping pastures to cliffs' edges, overhanging the Pacific. Perfect...

You grew up there?

Jenner by the Sea! I actually lived on Burnside Road Sebastopol, CA. This was back before there were any vineyards there, just apple orchards. Every Sunday afternoon when the weather was good we would drive to the coast, and head north till we found a good spot for a picnic and then kids and dog and parents would hike down what I thought at the time was an impossibly steep cliff to an often-times empty beach. We would spend the afternoon gathering driftwood or other interesting objects, have a campfire and cook a picnic lunch. When it started to get dark and cold, kids and dog, smelling of seaweed and covered with sticky sand climbed into the back of the old truck and we'd head home. Some of my fondest childhood memories!

Quoted from san j

GCG: Well don'tcha jes' know how to warm this here city-girl's l'il ol' heart.  

You meanin' to tell me lamb chops don' come from the butcher shop?  


PS. Actually sheep are raised and grazed here in Marin County, just over the GG bridge... It's considered ideal country for that, near the Ocean.

Yeah in my family I'm the first generation to grow up off the farm though as you can see I stayed pretty connected with it. My folks grew up in depression days, they are realists and taught us to be realists also. When ever I hunted or fished Mom would cook the catch...after I did the butchering. They were open about financial matters also. Taught me a lot of gardening, livestock care, home and auto repair, cooking you name it. Then they trusted me with whatever I tried to do. Drive off to a college I had never been to at 17? Here is a map, gas is cheaper in ---town. Write when you get a chance.

Quoted from grey rabbit

I grew up about 50 north of SF, there was the most idyllic sheep ranch near where the Russian River emptied into the ocean.

So it looks like we're talking about that same beautiful place.
That whole region - Sebastopol / Occidental / Jenner is ... very nice.

But back to.. maaaaa

Just had lamb again from the Indian restaurant.
It was a Seekh Kabob - Ground spiced lamb, skewered and roasted in the tandoor.

Lamb takes spices well. Really well. Feel free to "go for it" - with herbs, too, in other cuisines. Experiment, because when you get it right it's heavenly.  

Oh my! DH makes an unbelievable lamb lollipop, marinated in tons of fresh herbs and wine, then grilled...heavenly! They're cut from the rack into riblets, hence the name. They're superbeneficial for us gatherers!