WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. sheep inventories continued to contract at the start of 2026, while goat numbers posted modest growth, reflecting diverging trends across small-ruminant sectors. USDA’s January 1 Sheep and Goats report (PDF Version) shows a gradual tightening in sheep supplies alongside steadier expansion in meat-goat production.
All sheep and lambs totaled 4.99 million head on January 1, down 1 percent from a year earlier. Breeding sheep inventories fell 1 percent to 3.61 million head, with ewes one year old and older declining to 2.85 million head. Market sheep and lambs rose 1 percent to 1.38 million head, driven primarily by market lambs, which accounted for 94 percent of the total.
Production indicators point to limited expansion. The 2025 lamb crop slipped slightly to 3.03 million head, and the lambing rate declined to 105 lambs per 100 ewes. Wool production fell 5 percent to 20.5 million pounds, while average wool prices dropped to $1.40 per pound, reducing total wool value year over year.
Goat inventories moved in the opposite direction. All goats and kids increased 1 percent to 2.51 million head, supported by a 1 percent gain in breeding goats and a 1 percent increase in the 2025 kid crop. Meat and other goats rose 2 percent, offsetting declines in milk goats and angora goats.
Mohair production totaled 430,000 pounds in 2025, with prices averaging $6.40 per pound.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Shrinking sheep numbers contrast with gradual goat expansion, signaling tighter lamb supplies but steadier growth potential for meat goats.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
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