Ohio runs short on shepherds
COLUMBUS — Ohio is looking for a few good shepherds.
A growing demand for domestic lamb, sheep and wool is fueling an urgent call by the American Sheep Industry Association and the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association for more Ohioans to get into the sheep-herding business, and for existing producers to expand their flocks.
The cause is the confluence of the decline in sheep imports from Australia and New Zealand caused by drought and the increase in the number of Americans, particularly immigrants, who consume lamb as a primary protein.
Contributing factors include requirements by the U.S. military to purchase only domestic wool for military uniforms, and a move by The Kroger Co. and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. to sell more domestic lamb in their stores, said Peter Orwick, executive director of the American Sheep Industry Association.
Lamb and wool prices are at record highs, and the market for ewes is strong. But there is concern among growers nationwide that the U.S. sheep flock is not large enough to keep up with the demand, he said
http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20111107/NEWS01/111107002/Ohio-runs-short-shepherds?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p
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