By Blake Jackson
Since World War II, the U.S. sheep industry has changed dramatically. According to Aerica Bjurstrom, Regional Dairy Educator with Extension Kewaunee County, and Carolyn Ihde, Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist for Wisconsin, the national flock has declined from 51 million head in 1941 to about 5 million in 2016. Competition from other meat and fiber sectors contributed to the drop.
However, the rate of decline has slowed, and new opportunities are emerging. More sheep are now raised on small farms rather than large western ranches, and specialty markets such as locally sourced foods, artisan sheep cheeses, and niche wool products are creating renewed interest.
Ethnic consumers play a major role in lamb demand, accounting for a significant share of U.S. consumption. Many Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian households regularly include lamb or goat in their diets, suggesting continued growth potential as these populations expand.
Selecting the right breed depends on a producer’s goals. Some breeds, including Suffolk, Hampshire, Texel, Dorset, and Southdown, are favored for meat production. Hair breeds like Katahdin, Dorper, and St. Croix also produce meat and do not require shearing.
Wool breeds such as Merino, Romney, Lincoln, and Rambouillet are valued for fiber, while Columbia, Polypay, and Targhee offer both meat and wool. East Friesian and Lacaune are known for dairy production.
Health management and biosecurity are essential. Isolation of new animals, traffic control, and sanitation help prevent disease introduction. Foot rot, sore mouth, internal parasites, and scrapie are key concerns.
Strategic deworming based on FAMACHA scoring or fecal egg counts helps prevent parasite resistance. Vaccinations, including CD/T for tetanus and overeating disease, are cost-effective preventive tools.
Proper management practices such as tail docking (when needed), annual shearing for wool breeds, routine hoof trimming, and monitoring body condition scores all support flock health and productivity.
Bjurstrom and Ihde emphasize that careful breed selection, sound biosecurity, and consistent husbandry practices position today’s sheep producers to take advantage of growing niche and ethnic markets.
Photo Credit: istock-heebyj
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Goats & Sheep