Overview
Sheep are raised for both meat (lamb or mutton) and
wool. The U.S. sheep and wool industries have seen significant
change since the mid-1970s, marked by smaller inventories,
declining production, shrinking revenues, and fewer operations.
Historically, lamb and mutton were viewed as byproducts
of wool production, even though wool receipts accounted
a smaller share of revenue. As wool revenues have declined,
producers have turned their attention to lamb and mutton
production and the possibility of other byproducts such
as sheep leather. ERS economists, in cooperation with
other USDA agencies, provide market analysis and research
on the U.S. sheep industry, focusing on domestic supply,
demand, and trade.
Feature
Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook
provides a monthly analysis of current developments in
the livestock and poultry industry, providing data on
animal numbers, meat and egg production, prices, trade,
and net returns. Sheep and lamb are featured commodities
four to six times a year.
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