IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE that almost 10 years have passed since I first began working on the last update of Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep. The times have changed: the landscape has looked rather bleak for shepherds in recent years, yet there are many things happening now that signal better times ahead for the North American sheep industry and shepherds everywhere.
One important change took place over the last decade that has affected all levels of society: the Internet has gone from a limited resource to which few individuals had ready access to a household fixture with a wealth of information. It has helped revolutionize marketing options for producers. In the Resources section, you will see lists of organizations and Web sites where you can learn more about specific issues and network with other shepherds.
As ever, I owe thanks to dozens of people but especially to Paula Simmons. Her vision and knowledge provided the foundation that has made this the finest sheep book on the market for more than three decades! I am proud of the opportunity to continue in her footsteps. Thanks to all the other folks who have participated in the process over all these years!