(GP) - Sheep can help control weeds, but they do more than that.

According to Chris Benziger, who has been employing sheep at Benziger Family Winery for more than 10 years, animals bring personality to the vineyard. “They add a real texture to the property, and they do a great job, too,” he says.

The operation uses sheep in place of mowers, and this time of year they’re especially helpful for cleaning up the rows (and fertilizing, too). “There’s a lot of leaves and detritus from the harvest on the vineyard floor, and this stuff can overwinter and cause mold and mildew problems,” Benziger says. “By letting the sheep out, not only do they graze on the grass…their little hooves are pushing the leaves in [the ground] so they’re not molding on the surface.”

Benziger describes the sheep’s movement up and down the rows as a sort of typewriter motion, or like someone eating corn on the cob. Employees section the vineyard off so that the animals graze in only one section at a time – something Benziger says is very important. “You don’t want them to overgraze the grass, because that’s detrimental to the health of the vineyard,” he says. “So there’s an art to this.”

Caring For Sheep
There’s a lot to consider if you’re thinking about implementing sheep in your vineyard. At the beginning of the year, you have to introduce a new ram to bring in fresh DNA. The ram will impregnate the ewes, and then the ewes must be monitored for health during their pregnancies. Benziger typically has about 60 ewes, each one averaging about two lambs. A veterinarian is called in if any problems arise.

In addition, it’s important to look after the sheep’s hooves and nails, keeping them trimmed and clean. “And they can’t get too wet, because they’ll get an infection,” Benziger adds.

Because there are nearby mountain lions and bobcats, they also have to house the sheep in what they call the “sheep shack” every night. “There’s definitely some labor involved and some expenses for the care of the sheep,” Benziger says.

Approximately five people on staff at the vineyard, including Benziger, act as part-time shepherds. They all enjoy it. “It’s just neat,” he says. “You just see the actions of the animals, and then your dogs with the sheep – you kind of see the whole circle of life right there in front of you.”

Are Sheep Right For Your Operation?
If you’re thinking about investing in sheep for the sole purpose of cost savings, Benziger says you might want to think long and hard about the commitment. While the goal is for the operation to make money on the sheep by selling the lambs in the spring, he admits that hasn’t happened yet.