Nearly one-third of the nation’s entire sheep production is supplied by ranches that utilize sheepherders. The herders’ understanding and familiarity with the large rangelands, location of water and noxious plants are key, as is the knowledge of sheep care at shearing, lambing and shipping, as well as use of livestock protection dogs and horses.

To learn more about the work sheepherders perform, aquaint yourself with the following articles and videos.

Shepherds Stand to Benefit — Video
Welcome to U.S.A. — If You’re a Shepherd — Story
The Wall Street Journal

A job with a view — Video
A job with a view — Story
Scroll down to People — Click on A Job with a View
Outdoor Idaho

Trailing-the-Year: Human Landscape of Sheep Ranching in the American West
Western Folklife Center

An unfair picture of sheepherders
April 4, 2010 — The Denver Post

Survey provided an inaccurate report of sheepherders’ lives, treatment
February 12, 2010 — The Daily Sentinel, Grand Junction

Despite struggle, sheep ranchers sustaining ancient calling
May 24, 2004 / Updated Aug. 20, 2006 — Associated Press

Old World Meets New in Range Sheep Operation
Oct. 28, 2005 — Capital Press Agricultural Weekly

Immigration’s place in agriculture
2005 — Denver Post, Denver, Colorado

Peruvians Herd but Not Seen
October 22, 2004 — The Nation | COLUMN ONE