Maine's Most Influential Sheep: A History of the Katahdin Breed with Tom Hodgman
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Show Notes
On this episode of the Maine Farmcast, Glenda and Colt are joined by returning guest Tom Hodgman. The conversation includes the origin story of the Katahdin sheep, a breed developed right here in Maine that has gone on to become one of the most influential sheep breeds in North America. Tom explains how the Katahdin breed came about from a decades-long vision by Maine breeder Michael Piel.
The conversation spans everything from breed development and record-keeping to genetics, hybrid vigor, parasite resistance, and why Katahdins are uniquely suited for modern production systems such as intensive grazing and solar grazing. Along the way, we discuss what makes this hair sheep breed so adaptable, why data-driven selection matters, and how Maine quietly played a major role in shaping a national livestock success story. Whether you are a sheep producer, a genetics nerd, or just love a good agricultural origin story, this episode offers insight, perspective and plenty of appreciation for a breed whose time has truly come.
More information about the Katahdin breed:
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