Yes, Sheep Thrive in America: A Major Industry

Absolutely. The United States is a significant global sheep producer, with a diverse industry spanning meat, wool, and dairy.

By the Numbers (USDA, 2023)

• Inventory: ~5.0 million head (down from 56M peak in 1942).
• Top States: Texas, California, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, South Dakota.
• Value: ~$800M+ annual cash receipts (lamb/mutton + wool).

Primary Breeds

• Suffolk: Meat (fast growth, muscular).
• Hampshire: Meat (large, lean).
• Dorset: Dual-purpose (out-of-season breeding).
• Rambouillet / Targhee: Fine wool (Western range).
• Katahdin / Dorper: Hair sheep (no shearing; booming in South/Texas).

Production Systems

• Range (West): Large bands (1,000+ ewes) on public/tribal land; herders, dogs, horses.
• Farm Flock (Midwest/East): Smaller (50–500), integrated with crops; barn lambing.
• Dairy: Niche but growing (East Friesian, Lacaune) for artisan cheese (VT, WI, CA).

Market Realities

• Lamb consumption: Low per capita (~0.5 kg/yr) vs. AUS/NZ (10+ kg); ethnic/religious markets drive demand.
• Imports: 50%+ of US lamb consumed is imported (Australia/NZ).
• Wool: Commodity prices low; value-added (yarn, felt, insulation) growing.

Sheep are absolutely "in America"—grazing from the Rockies to Appalachia, tended by multigenerational ranchers and new diversified farmers alike.