SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will measure sheep and goat inventories, including lambs and kids, as well as wool and mohair production utilizing the nationwide Sheep and Goat Survey starting in December 2020.
“Interest in sheep and goat data continues to grow with increased diversification in agriculture and consumer demands,” said Mark Schleusener, Illinois State Statistician. “The Sheep and Goat Survey gives producers the opportunity to report the latest information on conditions and trends in the industry.”
Beginning in late December, more than 400 Illinois operators will be asked to provide detailed information about their sheep and goat inventories, counts of lambs and kids born during 2020, plus production and prices received for wool and mohair.
“Accurate data on sheep and goat production is a critical decision-making tool for USDA and the industry. These survey results will enable them to be more responsive to domestic and international markets and consumer needs,” stated Schleusener. “The information can also help create public appreciation for the many benefits of U.S. sheep and goats and their products. This year, there are some additional questions on death loss. Those survey results will be used by APHIS, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, to report on the overall herd health of sheep and lambs in the US.”
To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding via the Internet, mail, or a telephone interview with a NASS representative.
As is the case with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes results in aggregate form only, ensuring that no individual producer or operation can be identified.
The January Sheep and Goat report will be released in January 2021. This and all NASS reports are available online at USDA – National Agricultural Statistics Service – Publications. For more information call the NASS Heartland Regional Field Office at 800-551-1014, or reach out via e-mail at nassrfohlr@usda.gov.
— USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
For more articles out of Illinois, click here.