The U.S. sheep industry continues to set records as lamb prices are at an all-time high, the wool market is the highest it’s been since 1989 and the cull ewe and pelt markets are very lucrative. 

Reduced worldwide supply combined with emerging demand for American lamb are driving markets for sheep production and catching the attention of more agriculture producers. In addition, lamb and wool companies are working with the industry to support the expansion of sheep production as a top priority for both sectors of marketing.

“The sheep industry is a growing opportunity for those already in agriculture or for people looking to incorporate livestock on their land,” says Peter Orwick, executive director of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI). “The expansion of existing sheep operations and creation of new sheep farms and ranches is crucial to meet the demand.”

With increased immigration into this country and the popularity of different protein sources, new food traditions follow, including lamb consumption. For most of these ethnic groups, lamb is one of the most widely eaten meats, both because of its cultural and religious connotations. In fact, in 2000, 25 percent of the total lamb slaughter was channeled into this market and by 2009 that portion increased to 34 percent. 

In addition, demand for local food production and the American consumers’ desire to know the farmer/rancher who produces the product are other key reasons for the emerging demand of U.S. lamb. Sheep growers near metropolitan areas have long been producing for these non-traditional markets with farmers’ markets and direct sales to consumers and restaurants; however, today, lamb sales that fit this type of marketing mold have expanded into the Midwest and South. As a result, marketing opportunities for lamb have expanded across the United States as buyers scour the entire country to line up lambs and mature sheep to meet the consumer’s demand.

These non-traditional markets also carry over to the wool business. Although the U.S. military is one of the biggest drivers of domestic wool sales and exports account for nearly 60 percent of the U.S. wool production, some producers have developed sheep farms specifically to supply the growing hand-spinning and knitting markets. 

“The demand is there and will continue to grow for both producers and packers,” explains Orwick. “The non-traditional market shows no signs of slowing down, and in fact, is clamoring for a lamb supply.”  Visit ASI’s Web site at www.sheepusa.org for more information.