USDA Surveying Sheep & Goat Operations

Baton Rouge, LA – Starting in late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will measure sheep and goat inventories and wool and mohair production during a nationwide survey.

“Interest in sheep and goat data continues to grow with increased diversification in agriculture and consumer demands,” said Kathy Broussard, Louisiana State Statistician. “The Sheep and Goat Survey gives producers the opportunity to report the latest information on conditions and trends in the industry.”

Louisiana operators surveyed will be asked to provide information about their sheep and goat inventories, counts of lambs and kids born during 2021 and production and prices received for wool and mohair. In Louisiana, NASS will contact about 300 operations to request their responses to the survey.

“Accurate data on sheep and goat inventory and production is a significant decision-making tool for USDA and the industry to be more responsive to domestic and international markets and consumer needs,” Broussard said. “The information can also help create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and goats and their needed products,” added Broussard.

To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding online, by telephone or by mail. The results of this survey will be available in aggregate form only, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified, as required by federal law.

NASS will publish the survey results January 31, 2022 in the Sheep and Goats report. This and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications. For more information, call the NASS Delta Regional Office at (800)327-2970.