Sheep
Kentucky's Sheep Industry
When measured in 2025, there were approximately 72,000 head, down 3,000 head (4%) from the previous year's estimate. As of 2022, there are 2,744 farms raising this animal, ranking it 23rd in the nation for sheep inventory. Wool sales were reported at $59,000 in 2023, and the total annual revenue for Kentucky sheep in 2024 is $7 million.
While we typically think of sheep as producing wool, they are also raised for milk and meat (mutton and lamb)! Mutton barbeque is predominately served in Western Kentucky, with Owensboro and the international barbeque festival being “Mutton Central.”
Top sheep counties in Kentucky (per 2017 Census):
Hart
Mercer
Pulaski
Warren
Breckenridge
Source: National Agriculture Statistics Service and Economic Research Commission
Related Articles & Web Sites
Wool. Meat. Milk.
Like goats, sheep are a versatile commodity we enjoy in Kentucky. To learn more, contact the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office by clicking the button below!
