Strong Sheep Market Forecast in U.S.

FARGO - Mar 10/05 - SNS -- Sheep and lamb prices in the United States are expected to remain strong despite an increase the size of the herd for the first time since 1990, believes North Dakota State University Extension Service livestock marketing economist Tim Petry.

The most recent USDA-NASS annual sheep and goats report showed 6.14 million head of sheep and lambs as of January l, 2005, which is up slightly from the record low in 2004, but still 3% below 2003, Petry said.

"Sheep numbers generally have been declining since 1942, when numbers peaked at 56.2 million head. The decline of the last several years was caused largely by drought conditions in many Western sheep producing states.

"However, improved moisture conditions in several sheep producing states in 2004 helped stop the declining pattern. Ewes a year and older, at 3.57 million head, still were down 1% from the year before, which shows the lingering effect of the drought. However, ewe lambs kept for replacement increased by almost 10% to 770,500 head," he said.

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