Sheep Production by State 2026

Sheep production in the United States is an important part of the country’s agriculture sector, with several states contributing significantly to the overall output. The leading sheep-producing states include Texas, Wyoming, Utah, California, and South Dakota. These states benefit from a combination of favorable climate conditions, available land, and well-established agricultural infrastructure that supports the large-scale raising of sheep for meat and wool. Sheep are raised primarily for their meat (lamb and mutton) and wool, as well as for milk production in some regions, which has driven much of the industry’s growth.

In terms of global sheep production, the United States is not among the largest producers, as countries such as China, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom lead the way in sheep production. These countries have significantly higher output due to the importance of sheep in their respective agricultural sectors and favorable environmental conditions for sheep farming.