Sheep farming is one of the most prevalent types of work for the western European farmer. Although the past 20 years has seen a decline in the sheep farming industry, it is still estimated that 85 million sheep exist on 830 thousand farms in western European countries. The six main sheep producing countries in Europe include Ireland, France, Italy, Romania, Spain, and the UK. It has been jokingly suggested that there are more sheep in Ireland than people!
Sheep are farmed for three main products: lamb meat, sheep wool, and milk. A variety of different breeds of sheep exist because different breeds of sheep are better producers of different sheep products. For example, the Merino and Corriedale sheep breeds, are the best-known wool-producing sheep, while the Texel and Dorset are good choices for meat production. Whatever the purpose, sheep can be found in various herd sizes grazing the mountains and fields of Western Europe.
Pictures of various European sheep breeds can be found here:
https://www.pinterest.com/passportnation/live-it-a-slice-of-life-in-europe/sheep-and-wool/
Some sheep have horns, some don’t. Some are black, others are white, and some are both or neither. Some have thick, luscious coats, while others have thin, unremarkable coats. These differences emphasize the fact that different breeds of sheep are bred for different products. See if you can pick out pictures of sheep that are raised for their wool.
How did you choose? Yes, can you picture a warm sweater or jacket made out of the wool of the Merino or Targhee breeds?!
SHEEP PROJECT:
Materials:
- Template; one per student
- Colored Pencils or Crayons
- Cotton Balls or yarn
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions:
Print out Sheep template. Distribute one per student.
Instruct students to color the sheep and background with crayons or colored pencils.
Cut and distribute to students a sufficient amount of yarn that will allow them to bunch it up to simulate the sheep’s wool.
Glue yarn/wool to colored sheep template.
Can you name some of the warm clothing items that might be made out of wool? Right! – sweaters, coats, mittens, socks, scarves. All of these items provide warmth and protect us from the cold.
https://www.pinterest.com/passportnation/live-it-a-slice-of-life-in-europe/sheep-and-wool/
God provides for his people. Through education, ingenuity, and industrious work, farmers can produce products such as milk, meat, and warm wool that provides needed food and clothing for people in their own communities and around the world!