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

“Interest in sheep and goat data continues to grow with increased diversification in agriculture and consumer demands,” said Dan Lofthus, state statistician of the NASS Minnesota Field Office. “The 'Sheep & Goat' report gives producers the opportunity to report the latest information on conditions and trends in the industry.”

Surveyed operators will be asked to provide information about their sheep and goat inventories, counts of lambs and kids born during 2018 and production of and prices received for wool and mohair.

“Accurate data on sheep and goat inventory as well as wool production is a significant decision-making tool for USDA and the industry to be more responsive to domestic and international markets and consumer needs,” Lofthus said. “The information can also help create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and goats and their needed products.”

To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS said it offers the option of responding online, by telephone, by mail or in 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 operation or producer can be identified.

NASS will publish the survey results Jan. 31, 2019, in the "Sheep & Goat" report.