Lamb is a small component of the overall U.S. animal protein market, but one that is rapidly growing in importance. Approximately 300 million pounds of lamb are sold annually in the United States, with the majority of the product imported from Australia and New Zealand. In the most recent USDA Census of Agriculture, last conducted in 2017, there were 101,387 sheep operations (both wool and meat) in the U.S., an increase of 15% from five years prior.
Read moreAustralian Sheep Production for Global Consumption
The production of sheep for meat is widely distributed throughout the world. While China dominates the market in sheep consumption, they’re also the world’s largest importer. The global export market is very concentrated compared to production. Australia accounts for 8% of global sheep production, and acts as the world’s largest exporter with 34% of the market, according to the World Sheep Market to 2025 report.
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