Lamb and wool are in high demand right now and this demand is expected to increase. This is good news for lamb and wool producers. Very good news. The question being asked is whether or not the United States can continue to meet this demand?
This year alone two US grocery stores, Super Wal-Mart and Kroger made a commitment to carry American Lamb in the near future. This is huge news considering most carry New Zealand lamb right now.
I'm happy to share with you that the U.S. military is the largest domestic consumer of wool. Pretty cool, eh?
I feel this is truly a step in the right direction. Wool and lamb producers want American lamb at the fingertips of consumers. What better place for this than at your local market? Availability is crucial for industry growth. This obviously goes for all products.
In reality, American anything filling up our grocery store shelves is a good thing, but I'm okay with baby steps. ;)
With the growing demand in both the lamb and wool industry the American Sheep Industry has asked all sheep producers to grow their flock.
They've launched a campaign called twoPLUS. I won’t go into all the strategies released to help producers do this, but there are three main goals in mind.
1. Increase the size of your operation by two ewes per operation or by two ewes per 100 by 2014.
2. Increase the average birthrate per ewe to two lambs per year.
3. Increase the harvested lamb crop by 2 percent - from 108 percent to 110 percent.
I think the twoPLUS campaign is a great industry effort. Thanks ASI!
With that being said, next time you are at the grocery store and want to make something different for dinner pick up some lamb and try this recipe! Then come back here and tell me how much you loved it!
Sources: American Sheep Industry and Grow Our Flock
5 comments:
Wow this is such a great post. I had no idea that the lamb being sold at the grocery was not from the U.S.A.! I am glad to hear that it soon will be though. Really like your blog!!
Congrats on your progress and starting the new campaign. What great news for your ranch! Also how cool that your Mom and brother are graduating. What a fun accomplishment to celebrate.
Very cool! I agree, anything american is a step in the right direction and it has to be great for y'all.
Totally agree with buying American whenever possible and this is awesome news for your efforts.
Wheee!
We use wool all the time, my hubby is in the military(only buys the dress pants with wool) and we both prefer to knit with wool(its more versatile and lets be honest how cute is a guy in a wool sweater) we plan to get a small farm when he retires and he really wants to raise sheep...He eats meat and would take lamb over anything, best meat ever in his book (i'm not a meat eater) i guess we really do love sheep,Sheepaholics!?? good for you for raising more awareness!!
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