U.S. Sheep and Lamb Numbers Off

WASHINGTON - Jul 23/04 - SNS -- Inventories of sheep and lambs in the United States dropped 2% below year earlier levels in June, totalling 7.65 million head, according to the latest USDA numbers.

Breeding sheep inventory at 4.55 million head on July 1, 2004 was 1% below July 1, 2003. Market sheep and lambs (including newborn lambs) at 3.11 million head, were 3% below last July.

The breeding herd consists of 3.75 million ewes one year old and older, 180,000 rams one year old and older, and 620,000 replacement lambs (including newborn lambs). Market lamb inventory at 3.03 million head was comprised of 1.80 million lambs under 65 pounds, 635,000 lambs 65-84 pounds, 355,000 lambs 85-105 pounds, and 240,000 lambs over 105 pounds. Market sheep inventory was 75,000.

The 2004 Lamb Crop in the United States is expected to total 4.08 million head, down 1% from the 2003 lamb crop of 4.12 million head. Lambs born during January through June 2004 totaled 3.61 million head or 88% of the yearly total. An additional 470,000 head are expected to be born during the period July through December 2004.

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