2025 in Review: American Lamb Board publishes latest data on the state of the lamb industry  

On April 9, the American Lamb Board (ALB) published highlights from the latest Sheep Industry Review and Quarter Four Retail Report, which shows the U.S. lamb industry wrapped up 2025 on solid footing, supported by resilient consumer demand, premium market positioning and more opportunities for growth.

Demand

According to ALB, demand was a bright spot in the data, as lamb maintained “premium” status throughout 2025, despite consumers having to navigate a volatile economy.

In fact, despite higher prices, consumers still showed willingness to purchase high-quality meat products – especially lamb.

“Retail performance reflects this strength, with total lamb dollar sales increasing 7.4 percent year-over-year,” ALB notes.

Another key highlight from the 2025 data was the continued momentum behind locally-sourced American lamb specifically. 

ALB points out domestic product outpaced the overall category with dollar sales rising 9.4 percent and volume increasing 5.9 percent. 

“This is a clear indication of the growing preference for American-raised lamb,” the board writes. “This momentum reinforces the importance of origin, quality and the strong connection consumers feel to American agriculture.”

Supply 

While demand remained strong, ALB’s report shows tight supply continued to be a limiting factor. 

In 2025, the total U.S. sheep and lamb inventory was reported at 4.99 million head, with production posting a modest 0.4 percent increase. 

Additionally, the inventory of frozen product remained historically low, supporting strong pricing across the market. 

At the same time, imports – while down from 2024 – were the second-highest on record, highlighting their ongoing role in meeting domestic demand. 

“Strong prices are a positive signal of demand, but tight supply alone does not create a stable or growing market,” ALB states. “As consumer interest in lamb continues to expand, there is a clear opportunity for U.S. producers to capture more market share.”

The board continues, “With demand momentum already in place, the focus moving forward is not just on maintaining price strength but building a more resilient, growing supply to position the U.S. lamb industry for long-term success.”

Overall, ALB believes strategically growing the national flock and increasing production will help strengthen market stability over time, reduce reliance on imports, ensure consistent availability for retailers and foodservice partners and support the continued growth of American lamb’s market share.

Price and market trends

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, price trends throughout the year reflected the aforementioned strong demand for lamb and ongoing market adjustments.

At this time last year, feeder lamb prices remained steady, particularly for lighter-weight lambs, while slaughter lamb prices varied across the U.S. 

The National Negotiated Live Slaughter Lamb Price averaged $170 per hundredweight (cwt) in the first quarter of 2025, which was below the previous year but still indicative of solid market support. Lightweight slaughter lambs saw stronger gains, averaging $245 per cwt, up from 2024 levels.

Wholesale prices were more of a mixed bag, with the National Lamb Cutout Value slightly below year-ago levels, while some cuts such as shoulders held steady or improved and others – like loins and certain rack categories – struggled.

In 2025, retail performance highlighted consumers’ growing interest in versatile, easy-to-prepare lamb products. Ground lamb led category growth with a 13 percent increase in dollar sales and a 7.5 percent rise in volume.

ALB says these trends suggest consumers are integrating lamb into routine, everyday cooking, instead of just consuming it on holidays or special occasions.

In the U.S., ALB reports growth was seen across major markets, with standout performances in several key regions.

“Markets like Denver and Houston led dollar growth, demonstrating the expanding reach and appeal of lamb nationwide,” ALB states.

Beyond domestic markets, exports were also strong in 2025. 

ALB notes U.S. lamb export volumes increased 44 percent year-to-date, reaching their highest levels in more than a decade. Export value also climbed significantly, reflecting robust international demand. 

“This continued growth in exports provides additional support and opportunity for the industry moving forward,” ALB says.

Looking ahead

As the industry moves into the second quarter of 2026, ALB says the outlook remains positive. 

“Strong consumer de-mand, growing market share for American lamb and expanding product versatility all point to continued opportunity,” the board writes.

“As we look at the momentum in 2025, it’s clear demand for American lamb remains strong and continues to grow,” adds ALB Chairman David Fisher. “From retail performance to export growth, our industry is well-positioned to build on this success and connect with consumers in new and meaningful ways.”

Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.