Sheep Industry News April 2025

ALB Offers Young Leaders, Market Report Updates A re you a passionate sheep producer eager to expand your horizons? The American Lamb Board and ASI’s Young & Emerging Entrepreneurs present an exciting industry. Here are some highlights from the 2024 report. The industry saw an increase in inventory for the first time since 2016. On Jan. 1, the sheep and lamb inventory totaled 5.05 million head, an increase of 20,000 head. Market lambs were up 9,000 head for a total of 1.288 million. The total breeding flock grew by 10,000 head to 3.68 million. While wholesale lamb prices remained stable due to favor

opportunity for you to participate in the Global Sheep Forum’s Young Leaders Program, which will take place during LambEx in Australia in August 2026. This unique program aims to connect young producers and leaders from around the globe, fostering the exchange of ideas and networking opportunities. Participants will also gain valu able insights into the latest innovations and technologies shap ing the sheep industry. As representatives of the United States, the selected candidates will showcase their leadership potential and contribute to global conversations about the future of the sheep industry. To be eligible to apply, producers should be an existing and active member of ASI and an ALB contributor; be between 25 and 40 years of age; and have the ability to travel and make presentations. As part of the program, selected participants will be asked to engage in several educational and leadership programs in the United States throughout 2025-2026, including: the Lamb Summit in July in Moscow, Idaho; the ASI Annual Convention in January 2026 in Reno, Nev.; and the National Lamb Feeders Association Howard Wyman Sheep Industry Leadership School in June 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. Applications are being accepted now through April 15. Ap plicant interviews will then take place through May 1, and the selected applicants will be announced on May 5. When applying, please ensure you respond thoroughly to all questions posed. Incomplete applications will not be considered. ALB and ASI encourage you to strengthen your application by including additional content, such as videos, photographs, articles, blogs or letters of recommendation that will help the review committee better understand your qualifi cations and passion for the industry. “The Global Sheep Forum Young Leaders Program presents a fantastic opportunity for young sheep producers to enhance their skills and learn from experienced leaders worldwide,” said ALB Chair Jeff Ebert. “If you meet the eligibility criteria, I strongly encourage you to apply and participate in this transfor mative experience.” For more information, or to request an application, email rae@americanlamb.com. INDUSTRY MARKET REPORT AVAILABLE ASI prepares an annual market report for the American Lamb Board summarizing key statistics and trends in the sheep

able cuts, feeder and slaughter lamb prices fluctuated, especially in the latter half of the year, due to larger supplies. Retail lamb prices remained high, reflecting steady consumer demand de spite inflationary pressures. Overall, lamb and mutton production increased 2.4 percent, driven by higher slaughter volumes. While lamb and yearling slaughter levels were 1 percent lower than the 2018-2022 aver age last year, federally Inspected lamb and yearling slaughter was up 3.8 percent at 1.79 million head in 2024. Per capita lamb consumption was 1.3 pounds in 2024, an increase attributed to a larger supply of lamb – American and imported. Based on lamb prices relative to supplies, consumer demand for lamb was stronger in 2024. The 2024 lamb crop experienced an increase, with a lambing percentage of 105.9 percent, the highest since 2020. An increase in breeding stock – along with the higher lambing percentage – led to growth in the market lamb crop, marking 2024 as the first year-over-year increase in two decades. Regions such as the Corn Belt, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast saw an uptick in sheep numbers, while the Mountain and Western regions encountered declines. The report highlights a modest increase in demand, espe cially from direct-to-consumer and ethnic markets, which contributes to a positive outlook for the sheep industry moving forward. Overall, the sheep industry continues to demonstrate signs of recovery with rising inventory, stable prices, decreas ing feed costs and growth in various market segments, despite ongoing inflation challenges. Download the full report with more information and insights at LambBoard.com.

8 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org