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
Strong ethanol production and export trends continue to support corn demand despite seasonal fuel consumption softness.
January 05, 2026 02:49 PM
·
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
January 05, 2026 02:41 PM
·
Shaun Haney, Host of
RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us with his 2026 cattle market outlook and insights on beef prices.
January 05, 2026 10:41 AM
·
Record yields are cushioning production declines, but softer prices underscore the importance of cost control and market timing for vegetable growers.
December 28, 2025 08:00 AM
·
Expanding cheese exports are strengthening U.S. milk demand and reinforcing global competitiveness.
December 27, 2025 07:00 AM
·
U.S. dairy producers remain the primary growth engine globally, while tightening supplies in Europe and New Zealand could support export demand for American dairy products.
December 26, 2025 12:00 PM
·
Fewer acres and stronger prices suggest disciplined hop production is supporting market balance despite lower output.
December 25, 2025 06:00 PM
·
Record pace corn exports are helping stabilize prices despite softer global grain production and ongoing supply competition.
December 25, 2025 06:00 AM
·
Rising production underscores the importance of marketing discipline and margin protection as milk supplies expand.
December 23, 2025 04:09 PM
·
