ASI Survey Results Available Online

The results to the 2009 American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) survey are now available for viewing. The Compendium of Research and Analysis by Producer Region and Flock Size can be accessed by going to the home page of the ASI Web site, www.sheepusa.org.

In late 2009, ASI conducted a survey of its membership. The survey was performed to gather information on sheep producers' plans and receive industry input for ways to strengthen sheep numbers. In addition, ASI was seeking information on expansion efforts and factors affecting expansion decisions based on producers' location and size of flock.

"Out of the 7,394 surveys distributed, 1,858 producer responses were returned, which far exceeds the typical survey return rate," remarked Peter Orwick, ASI executive director.

The survey was divided into three sections: Part I. Individual Sheep Production Information, which included sources of sheep industry news; Part II. Sheep Industry Expansion, which included marketing of lamb and wool and predator management; and Part III. Farm/Ranch Purchases, which included questions about care and health of flocks. A section on livestock protection was also integrated on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Wildlife Services, and that analysis will be available in the fall of 2010.

Two articles summarizing the data were printed in the Sheep Industry News and are available at the end of the document.