2008 Farm Bill Side-By-Side (August 2008) presents a title-by-title summary of key provisions of the 2008 Act in a side-by-side comparison with previous legislation. The side-by-side includes links to related ERS publications and to analyses of previous farm acts. New features include a user's guide, an A-Z list of major provisions, and a search function.

Animal Products Markets in 2005 and Forecasts for 2006 (September 2006) looks at how uncertainty continues to shape the forecasts for animal products markets and trade in 2006. Potential and actual animal disease outbreaks, consumer sensitivities, volatile exchange rates, and growing competition from producers in other countries cloud U.S. trade prospects for major meats.

Interstate Livestock Movements (June 2003) analyzes livestock marketing patterns. As part of the overall meat production system, livestock movements affect profits for livestock owners, what consumers pay at the supermarket and restaurant, and potential for spread of animal diseases.

Economic Impact of the Elimination of the Wool Act PDF icon (16x16) (April 1999) considers the implications of the loss of National Wool Act programs on wool and mohair producers. The 1999 congressionally mandated study examines changes in the value and production of sheep, lamb, wool, and mohair at the national level and for two counties in Texas. (In 1993, Congress enacted legislation that phased out price support for wool and mohair in 1995. The 2002 Farm Act, however, added wool and mohair to the list of commodities eligible for marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments.)

The U.S. Sheep Industry (July 1990) examines production of lamb and lamb products, returns in the sheep industry, demand and marketing trends for lamb, and lamb imports.

Cotton and Wool Outlook, published nine times per year, provides updates on current market developments and their influence on the cotton and wool sectors, with data on production, consumption, prices, and trade.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistical Service, Livestock and Animals provides data on sheep and goat production, predator loss, number of farm operations, inventory, cold storage, wool and mohair, lamb crop, marketing, and prices.

Farm Service Agency provides assistance to lamb and mutton producers.

• Wool and Mohair Marketing Assistance Loan and Loan Deficiency Payment Program
• Ewe Lamb Replacement and Retention Program

Agricultural Marketing Service published information on yield and quality grades in United States Standards for Grades of Lamb, Yearling Mutton, and Mutton Carcasses. PDF icon (16x16)

National Agricultural Library, National Agricultural Library Digital Repository (NALDR) offers online browsing of historical ERS Agricultural Economic Reports and Agriculture Information Bulletins.

Universities

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illini SheepNet provides papers that discuss the economics of sheep operations, including cost management, prices and production, and grazing management.

Virginia Tech provides information on Sheep and Goat marketing and economics.

Last updated: Saturday, May 26, 2012

For more information contact: Keithly Jones