225 | Sheep, Polywire, and Practical Grazing with Richard Popham

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Richard Popham about raising registered Katahdin sheep in Kentucky using practical grazing systems and portable electric fencing. Richard explains how he successfully manages sheep with two strands of polywire, why fence training matters, and how good grazing management helps keep sheep content and productive. The conversation explores: Using two and three strand polywire systems for sheep  Why sheep must be trained to electric fence  Managing sheep with portable fencing and reels  Selecting productive and efficient ewes  Why buying better sheep matters more than buying more sheep  Building low-stress handling systems  Using records to improve flock genetics  Parasite resistance and culling decisions  Weaning strategies and lamb management  Grazing sheep on small acreage near neighborhoods  Managing sheep without livestock guardian dogs  Portable fencing tools and equipment recommendations  Rotational grazing timing and parasite management  Why Richard prefers moderate-sized ewes  The role of NSIP and flock performance records  Selecting rams and improving flock genetics over time Richard also shares practical advice for new sheep producers, including starting small, focusing on quality animals, and building systems that fit your lifestyle and available time.Find out moreCircle P Farm on Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@circlepfarm3776 Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook)Original Music by Louis Palfrey