contents

• Background
• Trade
• Market outlook
• Policy

newsletter
Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook provides a monthly analysis of current developments in the livestock and poultry industry, providing data on animal numbers, meat and egg production, prices, trade, and net returns. Sheep and lamb are featured commodities four to six times a year.

recommended readings
U.S. 2003 and 2004 Livestock and Poultry Trade Influenced by Animal Disease and Trade Restrictions discusses how animal diseases and disease-related trade restrictions have influenced trade in animal products in the past few years, with an emphasis on 2003 and forecasts for 2004. Disease outbreaks and related trade restrictions have slowed previously expected high growth in many U.S. animal product exports, with U.S. beef exports most affected.

Trends in the U.S. Sheep Industry chronicles significant historical and economic developments from both market and policy perspectives and examines prospects for the industry's future. Issues related to both sheep meat and wool production are discussed.

Interstate Livestock Movements analyzes livestock marketing patterns. As part of the overall meat production system, livestock movements affect profits for livestock owners, what consumers pay at the supermarket and restaurant, and potential for spread of animal diseases.

Economic Impact of the Elimination of the Wool Act considers the implications of the loss of National Wool Act programs on wool and mohair producers. The 1999 Congressionally mandated study examines changes in the value and production of sheep, lamb, wool, and mohair at the national level and for two counties in Texas. (In 1993, Congress enacted legislation that phased out price support for wool and mohair in 1995. The 2002 Farm Act, however, added wool and mohair to the list of commodities eligible for marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments.)

Cotton and Wool Outlook, published 10 times per year, provides updates on current market developments and their influence on the cotton and wool sectors, with data on production, consumption, prices, and trade.

recommended data product
Retail Scanner Prices for Meat contains monthly average retail price data for selected cuts of beef, pork, poultry, lamb, and veal, based on electronic supermarket scanner data.

related links
USDA National Agricultural Statistical Service, Reports by Commodity provides data on sheep and goat production, predator loss, number of farm operations, inventory, cold storage, wool and mohair, lamb crop, marketing, and prices.

USDA Farm Service Agency, Lamb Meat Adjustment Assistance Program Fact Sheet presents information on the 4-year program to help producers compete with foreign competitors in the U.S. market. USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has additional information on the program.

Foreign Agricultural Trade of the United States (FATUS) is a database of U.S. agricultural exports and imports, by commodity, with all countries and regions of the world.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illini SheepNet provides papers that discuss the economics of sheep operations, including cost management, prices and production, and grazing management.

University of Nebraska, Yield Grades and Quality Grades for Lamb Carcasses discusses yield and quality grades and their importance to producers.

Virginia Tech provides information on sheep marketing and economics.

for more information, contact: Keithly Jones
web administration: webadmin@ers.usda.gov
page updated: August 23, 2004