U.S. Lamb Inventories Decline
WASHINGTON - Jan 29/10 - SNS -- All sheep and lamb inventory in the United States on January 1, 2010, totaled 5.63 million head, down 2% from 2009, according to the USDA.
Breeding sheep inventory decreased to 4.19 million head on January 1, 2010, down 1% from 4.25 million head on January 1, 2009. Ewes one year old and older, at 3.34 million head, were 2% below last year.
Market sheep and lambs on January 1, 2010, totaled 1.44 million head, down 4% from January 1, 2009. Market lambs comprised 94% of the total marketings. Twenty-five% were lambs under 65 pounds, 12% were 65 - 84 pounds, 19% were 85 - 105 pounds, and 38% were over 105 pounds. Market sheep comprised the remaining 6% of total marketings.
The 2009 lamb crop of 3.69 million head, was down 1% from 2008. The 2009 lambing rate was 108 lambs per 100 ewes one year old and older on January 1, 2009, up 3% from 2008.
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