Starting later in December, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will measure sheep inventories and wool production during a nationwide survey.

"Interest in sheep and goat data continues to grow with increased diversification in agriculture and consumer demands,"  NASS northeastern regional director King Whetstone said. "The 'Sheep & Goat' survey gives producers the opportunity to report the latest information on conditions and trends in the industry."

Operators surveyed will be asked to provide information about their sheep inventories, counts of lambs born during 2016 and production and prices received for wool.

Credit: Digital Vision

Accurate data on sheep inventory and production are significant for decision-making for USDA and the industry to be more responsive to domestic and international markets and consumer needs. The collected data have a direct impact on the industry as well as all producers and help to create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and its products.

To make it as easy as possible to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding online, by telephone, mail or a personal interview with a local NASS representative. NASS 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.

NASS will publish the survey results Jan. 31, 2017, in the "Sheep & Goats" report.