Kentucky Celebrates Lamb Month and Growing Sheep Industry

By Blake Jackson

Officials from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) joined leaders from the state’s sheep and lamb industry to mark February as Lamb Month in Kentucky.

The celebration took place at Sullivan University’s Lexington campus, where KDA Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Warren Beeler presented a signed proclamation and shared the American Lamb Board’s CurricuLamb educational resources with culinary students to highlight the value of American lamb in professional kitchens.

“Many Kentucky farmers chose to add sheep to diversify their livestock options. Packed with protein, lamb is a perfect lean meat,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said.

“But sheep are also an excellent source of milk and fiber as well. Every day, but this month in particular, we salute the value sheep and lamb add to our farms.”

Sheep production plays an important role nationwide, with about 5 million sheep raised by nearly 80,000 producers across the U.S. In Kentucky, more than 2,774 sheep producers manage approximately 74,000 head across the state’s 12 million acres of agricultural land, supplying high-quality products to consumers.

“Kentucky’s sheep industry continues to gain strong momentum, creating real opportunities for producers across the Commonwealth,” said Flemingsburg farmer Zack Schwartz, president of Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers.

“From small family farms to larger operations, sheep farmers are showing that our industry has a strong and sustainable future. Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers are working every day to meet the growing demand for high-quality American lamb products. Lamb has a long and proud history in our state, and we’re proud to carry that tradition forward.”

Kentucky once ranked among the nation’s leading sheep-producing states, with more than one million heads in the mid-1900s. While numbers declined over recent decades, coordinated efforts by producer organizations have helped rebuild flocks as farmers retain breeding stock.

Today, the sheep industry contributes more than $7 million annually to Kentucky’s agricultural economy. Although overall inventory dipped slightly in 2025, steady breeding ewe numbers point to long-term stability. Strong markets, rising retail demand, expanding grazing opportunities, and value-added wool products are expected to support continued growth.

Lamb Month encourages consumers to enjoy locally sourced lamb while recognizing the many benefits sheep provide, from nutritious meat to wool, milk, land management, and environmental stewardship.

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