“Interest in sheep and goat data continues to grow with increased diversification in agriculture and consumer demands,” said NASS NC State Statistician Dee Webb. “The Sheep and Goat Survey gives producers the opportunity to report the latest information on conditions and trends in the industry.” 

     NC operators surveyed will be asked to provide information about their sheep and goat inventories, counts of lambs and kids born during 2021, and production and prices received for wool and mohair. In NC, NASS will contact about 495 operations to request their responses to the survey. 

“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. The information can also help create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and goats and their needed products,” added Webb. 

To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding online, by telephone or by mail. The results of this survey will be available in aggregate form only, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified, as required by federal law.  

            As with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is kept confidential, as required by federal law. Used for statistical purposes only, the information is not published in identifiable form. All NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov/Publications/. For more information, call the NASS NC Field Office at 919-707-3333.