Washington State University

Washington State University (WSU) Extension Sheep Production and Management Courses   An increase in sheep profitability, the number of small farms, and the use of sheep for natural resource management, increased the number of sheep operations in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) by six percent from 2002 to 2007.  The PNW region has a diverse and bountiful agricultural industry, which provides an excellent opportunity for the number of sheep produced in the region to expand.  The opportunity for future expansion of sheep numbers and operations can only be achieved and sustained by developing knowledgeable producers and a skilled workforce.  Educational outreach programs for sheep producers, stakeholders and the workforce need to support recruitment, education, training, and retention of quality individuals within all segments of the sheep industry.