Approximately how many sheep operations are there in the U.S.?

The number of sheep operations in the U.S. has been estimated to be around 60,000, which reflects a significant industry dedicated to sheep farming. This figure encompasses a variety of farming practices and scales, including both large commercial operations and smaller, family-run farms. Such a number indicates a diverse landscape in sheep production, where different breeds and farming methods are utilized for various purposes, such as wool production, meat, and milk. Understanding the scale of operations helps in assessing the overall impact of sheep farming on the agricultural economy and can influence policies, best practices, and educational resources available to farmers in the industry.