The U.S. sheep population peaked in 1945 at 56 million. Since then, the number of sheep in the United States has continually declined, and today the current inventory is approximately 5 million.
During the past several years, lamb and wool consumption in the United States has rebounded with the increasing popularity of global cuisines and international flavors, a growing interest in clothing from natural fibers, and a renewed value for family farming. These have consumers seeking out American lamb and American wool. There are more than 80,000 family-owned sheep farms and ranches in the United States, and sheep are raised in all states and on varied terrain.