Starting in late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will measure sheep and goat inventories and wool and mohair production through a nationwide survey. 

“Interest in sheep and goat data continues to grow with increased diversification in agriculture and consumer demands,” said William Meyer, Director, Mountain Regional Field Office. “The Sheep and Goat Survey gives producers the opportunity to report the latest information on conditions and trends in the industry.” 

Operators surveyed will be asked to provide information about their sheep and goat inventories, counts of lambs and kids born during 2021, and production and prices received for wool and mohair. NASS will contact about 3,400 operations in the Mountain Region states of Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming to request their responses to the survey. 

“Accurate data on sheep and goat inventory and production is a significant decision-making tool for USDA and the industry to be more responsive to domestic and international markets and consumer needs. The information can also help create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and goats and their needed products,” added Meyer. 

To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding online, by telephone, or by mail. The results of this survey will be available in aggregate form only, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified, as required by federal law. 

NASS will publish the survey results January 31, 2022, in the Sheep and Goats report.