Sheep Production

Sheep Production Overview

• Terminology

  • Intact Male: Ram

  • Castrated Male: Wether

  • Female: Ewe

  • Young Animals: Lamb

  • Meat Products: Lamb, Mutton

Sheep Characteristics

• Type: Ruminants

• Size: Small

• Maintenance: Low requirements

• Habitat: Rough terrain, poor forages

• Specialization: Dual/triple purpose (meat, wool, milk)

Wool Production

• Annual Yield: 2-30 lbs per sheep

• Shearing Frequency: At least once a year

• Grading System:

  • Blood: Based on Merino or Rambouillet

  • Count: Number of hanks per pound (560 yards)

  • Micron measurement: Average fiber diameter, with 1 micron = 0.00004 inches.

Wool Grades (USDA)

• Fine Wool: 80's, < 17.70 microns

• Medium Wool: 60's - 70's, 23.50 - 20.59 microns

• Coarse Wool: > 40.20 microns

Sheep Breeds Common in U.S.

• Maternal Breeds: Merino, Rambouillet

• Paternal Breeds: Suffolk, Hampshire, Dorper

Production Systems

• Commercial Production Types:

  • Farm Flocks: Small; Northeastern U.S.; focus on meat production

  • Range Flocks: Large; Western U.S.; focused on grazing to produce wool and lighter lambs

• Feedlot Operations: 40-90 lb lambs fed high-concentrate diets for market

Sheep and Lamb Statistics (2024)

• Total Inventory: 750,000

• Top Producing States: Texas, California, Colorado

• Wool Production: California, Wyoming, Colorado

Industry Challenges

• Trends: Decreasing sheep population and lamb production despite increased productivity per animal

• Factors in Decline:

  • Mechanization and crop production prioritization

  • Change in consumer demand and preference for alternative meats