By Blake Jackson
Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Jonathan Shell, marked February as Lamb Month in the state with a proclamation celebrating the contributions of Kentucky’s sheep and lamb producers.
“The last several years many Kentucky farmers have chosen to add sheep to diversify their livestock options,” said Commissioner Shell. “Packed with protein, lamb is the perfect lean meat for the dinner table. But it provides more than meat, sheep are 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.”
Across the United States, approximately 5 million sheep are raised by around 80,000 farmers and ranchers. In Kentucky, there are 75,000 sheep and lamb, spread across 2,774 producers.
This represents a 7.1 percent increase in just one year. Kentucky boasts over 12 million acres of agricultural land, and these producers are committed to producing top-quality products for consumers.
“Kentucky's sheep numbers continue to grow each year because more consumers are trying something different with lamb on their plates,” said Harry Frederick, president of the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and a sheep producer from Tompkinsville.
“We have sheep producers working hard to provide delicious, safe lamb to customers from Pikeville to Owensboro. Our abundant grass and steady markets have allowed producers to expand their operations and provide more lamb. We encourage families to make lamb a regular part of their lives.”
Kentucky’s sheep production dates back decades, with numbers peaking at over a million sheep in the mid-1900s.
While the industry saw a decline over the past 40 years, it is now rebounding, thanks to the support of associations like the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and the American Sheep Industry Association.
The sheep industry in Kentucky adds over $7 million in revenue to the state’s agriculture economy. For 2024, market lambs and sheep saw a 7 percent increase, including a record high for market lamb inventory.
With growing consumer demand, retail sales, and grazing opportunities, Kentucky’s sheep industry is expected to continue thriving.
February highlights the versatility of sheep and lamb. Besides providing protein, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins, lamb is also a source of iron and riboflavin.
Sheep contribute milk, wool fiber, and lanolin, which is used in skincare products. Additionally, they help manage weeds, promote healthy forests, and reduce wildfire risks.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ppampicture
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy, Livestock, Goats & Sheep