Market Failure Threatens Sheep Farmers and National Food Security
The United States sheep industry is facing a crisis. R CALF USA explains that the market for lamb has grown over the past decade, but American sheep production has not kept up. This is a clear sign of market failure — when supply and demand no longer work together as they should in a healthy market.
From 2012 to 2023, lamb consumption in the U.S. grew by over 40%, but domestic production fell by nearly 17%. A balanced market would have seen American farmers producing more sheep to meet demand, but instead, imports filled the gap.
This has pushed the American sheep industry to the edge. Sheep numbers are at a historic low, sheep farmers are disappearing, and local packing plants are running far below capacity. This hurts rural communities, jobs, and the national economy.
R CALF USA has formally asked the government to act. They want the U.S. Commerce Secretary to review the sheep market and reduce harmful imports that have weakened the industry. They propose a 10-year plan to slowly cut imports while helping American farmers grow again.
To support this, they ask for a tariff of $1.25 per pound on imported lamb — especially from Australia, whose sheep industry is booming at America’s cost. Between 2020 and 2022, Australia added more sheep than the entire U.S. sheep population.
R CALF USA calls on Americans to support local farmers. They urge people to contact lawmakers and ask for support of their plan.