Sheep farming is a vital and growing sector in agriculture, valued for its versatility and economic potential. Sheep provide meat, milk, and wool, and their adaptability to diverse climates and grazing conditions makes them a sustainable choice for many farmers.
Over the past decade, shifting consumer preferences have increased demand for sheep meat, driving the industry's expansion.
Sheep are found worldwide, but Asia and Africa host the largest sheep-farming regions. However, the countries with the highest sheep populations are not always the top meat producers, as technological differences significantly affect productivity.
In this article, we highlight the five countries with the highest levels of sheep production.
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China leads the world in sheep production for meat, wool, and milk. With approximately 175 million sheep, it has the largest sheep population globally.
As China’s economy has grown, so has its livestock industry, largely due to changing consumer preferences and increasing demand for sheep meat because of its nutritional value.
The country’s sheep industry blends traditional and modern farming methods, with major production hubs in regions such as Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. As China’s economy continues to expand, its sheep population and production levels are also increasing.
Australia, home to around 75 million sheep, is one of the largest sheep-producing countries. Its vast grazing lands support extensive sheep farming operations.
Australia’s sheep industry is primarily known for wool production, particularly from Merino sheep. However, the country also produces significant quantities of lamb and mutton for both domestic consumption and export, making sheep farming a key contributor to its agricultural economy.
India ranks among the top sheep-producing countries, with an estimated 54 million sheep raised for meat and wool. Sheep farming plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods, with many farmers relying on traditional husbandry practices and indigenous breeds known for their productivity.
There is room to strengthen the marketing infrastructure for value-added products, while veterinary services are improving and demand for sheep meat and wool is rising, creating significant opportunities for growth and exports.
New Zealand has the fourth-largest sheep population, but production has been declining in recent years.
Initially, the country’s sheep industry focused on wool production for export to the United Kingdom, along with meat for local consumption. Today, with approximately 25.3 million sheep, the industry has shifted toward milk production due to rising demand for sheep milk as an alternative to cow’s milk.
New Zealand's sheep farming is known for its pasture-based systems and sustainable practices, ensuring the welfare of both animals and the environment.
Iran has a long history of sheep farming, which plays a significant role in its economy and culture. The country is home to indigenous sheep breeds, such as the fat-tailed breed, which are well-suited to Iran’s climate and terrain.
Sheep farming in Iran is largely based on traditional practices, but government support for breed improvement has helped boost productivity. Most of Iran’s sheep production is intended for domestic consumption.
These five countries play a crucial role in global sheep production, supplying meat, wool, and milk to meet increasing demand. From China’s vast flocks to Australia’s renowned wool industry, each nation has unique strengths and challenges. As global demand for sheep products continues to rise, these countries will remain key players in shaping the future of sheep farming.
References
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6- https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/sheep-population-by-country acessed in 24-02-2025