Can you make a living raising sheep?
Dollar$ and ¢ents
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Compared to other livestock and agricultural industries, the U.S. Sheep Industry is very small, accounting for less than 1 percent of total U.S. livestock industry receipts. |
U.S. Sheep Industry In 2002, there were 64,170 sheep farms/ranches in the United States. Large sheep operations which own 80 percent of the sheep, are located primarily in the Western states (see table below). Small producers, those owning less than 100 head of sheep, comprise the majority of sheep operations, but own only 17 percent of the sheep. Source: 2002 Census of Agriculture
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Over the past 200 years, the U.S. sheep population has come full circle. From 7 million head in the early 1800's, sheep numbers peaked at 56 million head in 1945, then declined to less than 7 million head on January 1, 2003. At the same time, industry emphasis switched from wool to meat production. Sheep numbers increased slightly in 2005 and 2006, the first time since 1990.
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Source: 2006 USDA NASS |
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 Range Flock in the Targhee National Forest U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, Idaho |
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Small Farms on the Rise While the U.S. sheep industry is dominated by a few large operations, large range operations continue to decline and the number of small operations is on the rise, especially in the Eastern U.S., where the majority of lamb is consumed. To be profitable, small operations must be efficient and have access to excellent markets. Sheep are especially popular on small farms that employ more sustainable farming practices, such as pasture finishing of lambs.
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Sheep farming is not a "get-rich" scheme. To make a living raising sheep, you would need a least several hundred ewes, probably more than 500. While there are some farmers that make a majority of their income from raising sheep, sheep raising is more often a part-time or secondary enterprise on a farm. For some, it is a hobby or retirement activity. Sheep farmers derive their income from the sales of lambs and wool and related by-products. Though it varies by state, the majority of a sheep farmer's income comes from the sale of lambs. Dairy sheep farmers have three sources of income: lambs, wool, and milk (or cheese). Some farmers receive income by leasing their sheep out for grazing.
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Sheep production is increasing in some countries and declining in others. Australia and New Zealand dominate the global lamb, mutton, and wool trade. |
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Last updated 20-Aug-2006 by Susan Schoenian.
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