“I still have both sheep and cows, and I often ask myself why. The answer is that sometimes a flerd is better. The cattle focus most of their grazing on grasses, legumes, a few random forbs, and some tree leaves within reach while the sheep most often prefer forbs and legumes over grasses.”
As retired NRCS Agronomist and Grazing Specialist, Victor Shelton, reminds us, it is always good to take proper care of your pasture. Shelton discusses an interesting approach to grazing management in this article: the combined grazing of both sheep and cattle, what he refers to as a “flerd”. Read along to learn about the potential benefits of this style of grazing and considerations you may want to keep in mind if you keep both species.
https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/10/02/practice-creativity-when-grazing-a-flerd/