The Electric Shepherd

Shepherding sheep is one of the oldest occupations in the world, dating back nearly 5000 years to Asia Minor. Sheep were kept for their milk, meat and especially their wool. Over the next few thousand years, sheep and shepherding spread throughout Eurasia. Shepherds do still exist today, although modern farming methods and reduction in natural predators have reduced the number of shepherds needed in today’s world.

A shepherd’s primary responsibility is the safety and welfare of the flock. A good shepherd as the Bible says, will “lay down his life for the sheep.” He will allow the animals to peacefully graze, while keeping them protected from predators. He also keeps them in fresh pasture that is free from noxious weeds and harmful pests. A sheep herder, or the occupational surname shepherd, as we know it, provides safety, by giving boundaries to the sheep, thus permitting them to be at ease and peace while allowing them to grow.

On our farm, our small flock of Jacob and Katahdin sheep are mainly protected by an electric shepherd. While first used in England in the 1960’s, electric net fencing did not make it to the United States until the 1970’s by a company called Premier 1. Electric net fencing is a poly wire fence that looks similar to a traditional woven wire fence, but is portable and easily moved from one location to another. The net style electrified fence both keeps the sheep in and predators out. As one small pasture is grazed, another can be prepared, allowing fresh pasture at all times and keeping pests to a minimum. The sheep are kept happy by the electric shepherd, as boundaries are set and the sheep feel safe.

There are many qualifications to being a shepherd. One must be tough at heart, willing to do hard work, able to be humbled daily, have great endurance, keep a watchful eye, and must be patient. Our electric shepherd meets most of these qualifications as it is tough, by providing a strong shock, keeping sheep in and predators out. It never complains at the hard work of standing all day long. It has great endurance, lasting for years. It stands patiently with a watchful eye on the sheep, keeping them safe in new pasture.

There is a special relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. The sheep truly do hear the shepherd’s voice and come to greet him. The sheep need the shepherd, and the shepherd loves the sheep. While the electric shepherd cannot take the place of the human element, it has proven to be an effective support for our family, freeing up time for other endeavors, aiding in keeping our flock safe for years.

~Mark