USDA Surveying Sheep and Goat Operations

Starting in late December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will measure sheep and goat inventories and wool and mohair production during a nationwide survey.
 
Operators surveyed will be asked to provide information about their sheep and goat inventories, counts of lambs and kids born during 2016, and production and prices received for wool and mohair.
 
“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,” said King Whetstone, Northeast regional director of the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

“The information can also help create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and goats and their needed products,” said Whetstone.
 
To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, the statistics service offers the option of responding online, by telephone, mail, or a personal interview with a local representative.
 
The statistics service safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes only state- and national-level data in aggregate, ensuring that no individual producer or operation can be identified.
 
Survey results will be published Jan. 31 in the Sheep and Goats report. This and all statistics service reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. 

For more information, call the Northeastern Regional Field Office at (800) 498-1518.