NASS to Begin Data Collection on Sheep Report

As reported in previous issues of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Weekly Newsletter, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be collecting data for the Sheep Inventory Survey. Conducted once a year in January, this survey provides critical inventory and production information.

"During the first two weeks in January, nearly 600 Oklahoma producers will be contacted to participate in the Sheep Inventory Survey," said Wilbert Hundl, Jr., director of the NASS Oklahoma Field Office. "This survey will provide the updated information on conditions, trends and inventories in the U.S. sheep industry for 2011."

"Accurate data on sheep inventory and production allows the USDA and the industry to be more responsive to the American and international public, increase consumer understanding and awareness and establish an appreciation for the benefits of U.S. sheep and their products," Hundl added.

For producers in all states, when contacted by a NASS field office, producers will be asked to provide information on the number of breeding and market sheep, lambs born during the previous year, as well as wool production and prices. For convenience, producers will have the option of responding to the survey by mail, telephone or online. A few producers will be contacted in person.

Peter Orwick, ASI executive director, commented, "I encourage all producers who are surveyed to take the time to respond in an effort to assure the highest level of validity of this important industry report."

Information provided by respondents is confidential by law. NASS safeguards the privacy of all survey responses ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

Results will be published in the Sheep and Goats Report, scheduled for release on Jan. 27.

Reprinted in part from The Edmond Sun