The American Sheep industry says they have seen a lot of changes over the last two decades, but there is one trend they say has helped with profitability.
“We’re seeing a lot of lambs that are going to market and going to the processing at a much lighter weight. The dollar amount is the same. It’s just a lighter-weight animal, so you’re putting in less feed, less input, and less management overall to get the same return. I think a lot of that is just customer preference. We’re seeing a lot of what we’d call the more nontraditional or ethnic market. They like a smaller carcass,” said Peter Orwick, executive director of the American Sheep Industry Association.
Related Stories
Shrinking sheep numbers contrast with gradual goat expansion, signaling tighter lamb supplies but steadier growth potential for meat goats.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
Tight cattle supplies continue to drive lower beef output despite heavier weights.
The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.
Lamb prices have seen a surprising surge driven by a tight supply and increasing demand in non-traditional markets.
Paula pays tribute to Savannah’s rich Irish history by making a traditional Shepherd’s Pie with a twist! She mixes ground beef and lamb in this ultra decadent dish.
