Indiana
Learn More About
Indiana Farmers
- Indiana State Department of Agriculture
- Indiana Farm Bureau
- Indiana Pork
- Indiana Soybean Alliance
- Indiana Corn Marketing Council
- Indiana Beef Cattle Association
- American Dairy Association of Indiana Dairy & Nutrition Council
- Indiana Sheep Association
- Indiana State Poultry Association
Indiana Farmers
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Indiana Sheep Farmer
“We take great pride and care in maintaining our animals and producing a healthy, nutritious product.”
Stan Poe IISheep Farmer
Name: Stan Poe II
Location: Franklin, Indiana
Years farming: I started farming as my selected career in 1988, after college graduation. However, I worked each day with my grandfather and father from the time I could walk.
My family: My parents are Stanley and Carol Poe. My brother, Keegan, farms part-time and we share some equipment. My brother Cameron lives in Lexington, KY and is not involved in the farming operation. My brother, Kalen, recently graduated from Texas A&M and has returned to the operation and will partner with us in the expansion of our sheep enterprise.
How I came to be a farmer: As a young child, I learned an appreciation for land and animals from my grandfather. I have always enjoyed the challenges that being your own boss brings. I was involved in FFA through high school, and chose to return to the farm at a young age.
The best thing about being a farmer: We are completely responsible and held accountable for all decisions and actions – no bailouts here! I enjoy the daily challenges and changes that farming brings, and the freedom to make decisions without hesitation.
My personal philosophy on farming: I have no real words of wisdom, but I am passionate about my profession, as most farmers are. I try to do my very best in every aspect of farming, and I am one of many responsible for feeding the world.
Lamb Production in Indiana and the U.S.
- There are approximately 2,000 sheep farmers in Indiana, owning 36,000 ewes.
- In 2007, Indiana sheep farmers sold 33,000 lambs and 236,000 pounds of wool for a total of $7.4 million.
- Sheep naturally follow the sheep in front of them and they stay together when grazing. This helps protect them from predators and makes it easier for a farmer to care for large numbers of lambs.
- Sheep have excellent vision and hearing. They can spot predators from 1,200 yards away and can direct their ears to the direction of sound.
- Head butting is a natural behavior used to determine the top animal in the flock.
- Sheep have provided milk, meat, and clothing for people for more than 10,000 years.
- Lamb is from a sheep that is less than one year old. Mutton is from a sheep that is over one year old.
- Cheeses such as Roquefort, Feta and Ricotta are made from sheep’s milk.
- Sheep are usually sheared once per year. One sheep produces up to 30 pounds of wool.
- One pound of wool can make ten miles of yarn.
- A baseball contains 450 feet of wool yarn.
- In addition to clothing, furniture and carpets, wool is also used in such products as mattresses, tennis balls and pool table surfaces.
- Raw wool contains lanolin, which is used in adhesive tape, printing inks, motor oils, and lubricants. Lanolin is also used in virtually all cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
- Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison all raised sheep. Woodrow Wilson grazed sheep on the White House lawn.
For more information about sheep farming in Indiana, please visit www.indianasheep.com
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