News

Michigan sheep industry poised for growth

A sheep producer says Michigan’s proximity to consumers and mild climate makes it ideal for growth.

“Detroit has the largest Muslim population in the United States and they eat lamb about as often as American’s eat hamburger.”

Dale Thorne with the American Lamb Board tells Brownfield the state’s industry has access to quality forages for winter feeding and farmland that’s not suited for crop production.  “There’s a lot of grass that’s available in Michigan.  Land that really couldn’t be utilized for crop production—we can graze sheep on those acres and make them more productive.”

He says many young producers have also entered the business in the last decade providing slow but steady growth that’s getting recognized on an international level.

Thorne raises 1,100 ewes with his two sons in Hannover in Southeast Michigan. The farm was part of the recent Tri-Lamb Tour between the U.S., Australia and New Zealand which spotlighted Michigan’s off-season lambing operations.

AUDIO: Interview with Dale Thorne

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published.


 

Stay Up to Date

Subscribe for our newsletter today and receive relevant news straight to your inbox!