Consulting
At Winding Creek Farms we currently manage 700+ ewes on 600 acres on an accelerated lambing schedule. Together we have over 30+ years of experience in many different areas related to farming. With all that we have learned on our own operation, and in our lifetimes leading up to farming, we are ready to share our knowledge and help others find the same success we’ve experienced.
Start up: Not sure where to even start? Let us help you come up with a plan and goals, both short and long term. With Harry’s 20+ years of agricultural experience in multiple disciplines coupled with an MBA, he can help guide your operation in a direction that will maximize resources and profits.
Existing Farm: Already operating but needing some advice on lowering costs and increasing profits? We can evaluate current practices and advise on improvements and techniques for cutting costs.
Finances: Martin Wright has a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and has 20+ years of experience managing finances for his own businesses. Together as a team we have navigated many different financial situations that uniquely pertain to agriculture.
Rotational Grazing: Starting out the farm had about 60 acres of open ground to work with. Since then we have acquired more ground but still understand the importance of rotational grazing. Pasture management can be overwhelming but can be done in a cost effective manner, improving both the health of the flock and the health of the soil.
Accelerated Lambing: Our ewes have been on an accelerated lambing program from the beginning and we continue to improve our practices in this area. We have used many different breeding strategies and can share what has worked best for us.
Border Collies: We raise and train border collies and have 20+ years of experience in this area. We would love to match you up with the right dog for your farm and teach the handler how to use a border collie for sheep work. A good working dog is worth more than two average employees.
Livestock Guardian Dogs: Managing livestock guardian dogs can be challenging yet they are essential to protect your investment. We have many years experience managing large groups of LGDs from pups to older dogs. We can not only help you find a LGD for your operation but also assist in the management of the dogs.
Veterinary Medicine: While we have a wealth of practical, on the farm vet knowledge as we have seen a great deal of sicknesses that can befall small ruminants, we have developed a great working relationship with Dr. Ashlee Page at Creekside Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Page understands the financial limitations that producers have while dealing with animal health and is excellent at treating issues in a cost effective manner. We are proud to call her our friend and consulting partner.
Marketing and Business: Katie and Emily Frederick have bachelor’s degrees in Business Marketing and Human Resources and would love to help you set up a marketing plan for your farm. From managing social media to finding the right market for your product, we are ready to assist. In addition, we have tapped into a number of revenue platforms to move your products.
Feed: We have formed a great relationship over the years with our feed representative from CPC and have even created our own mix of feed. Understanding the nutritional requirements of your flock at different life stages is critical to your flock health and bottom line.
Livestock Management: Nutritional requirements and pasture rotation are not the only challenges for producers. Effectively schedule breeding intervals as well as sheep handling systems are extremely important as well. We can help you get on track with a management system that allows you to operate while keeping costs at a minimum.
Excavation and Construction: Michael Brown is an excellent equipment operator and has a wealth of farm experience as well. He is able to assist in land clearing, water management, and fence line preparation. Martin Wright has 20+ years of contracting experience and has designed and built all of the structures on our farm from lambing barns to equipment sheds. We can come out to your farm and advise on excavating and construction projects from start to finish.
Fencing and Pasture Layouts: Permanent fence is one of our favorite improvements we have done on the farm thus far, but before that could happen we had to make sure our pastures were laid out in the best way possible. We have experience with temporary fence, working pen layouts, and installing permanent fence.
