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Sheep and Wool

Contents
 

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.

 

For more information, contact: Keithly Jones

Web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov

Updated date: November 18, 2008