Many Midwestern states have seen sheep numbers hold steady or slightly increase even as national sheep numbers have seen a gradual decline. Producers and Extension livestock specialists say young people see sheep as a way to get into agriculture or expand their existing operations.
When Lynn Fahrmeier got married in the 1990s, he was looking for ways to grow his diversified family farm near Wellington, Missouri, to help support his growing household. He needed to generate income on the farm so he and his wife, Donna, would not have to get an off-farm job.
Many Midwestern states have seen sheep numbers hold steady or slightly increase even as national sheep numbers have seen a gradual decline. Producers and Extension livestock specialists say young people see sheep as a way to get into agriculture or expand their existing operations.