Decrease Sheep and Lamb Numbers

WASHINGTON - Feb 2/07 - SNS -- All sheep and lamb inventory in the United States on January 1, 2007, totaled 6.19 million head, down 1% from 2006, but still 1% above 2005, according to the USDA.

After two consecutive year to year increases inventory growth was hampered by extremely dry weather in the Southwestern part of the United States.

Breeding sheep inventory decreased to 4.62 million head on January 1, 2007, down slightly from 4.64 million head on January 1, 2006. Ewes one year old and older, at 3.71 million head, were 1% above last year.

Market sheep and lambs on January 1, 2007, totaled 1.57 million head, down 2% from January 1, 2006. Market lambs comprised 94% of the total marketings. Twenty-five% were lambs under 65 pounds, 14% were 65 - 84 pounds, 25% were 85 - 105 pounds, and 36% were over 105 pounds. Market sheep comprised the remaining 6% of total marketings.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here