7 Farm Facts About Wool

Sheep are produced in all 50 states across the nation and, according to a 2016 study, over 25 million pounds of wool are produced annually in the United States.

• U.S. sheep producers traditionally harvest wool during the spring months.
• More than half of American-produced wool is shorn and sold during April, May and June.
• On average each shorn sheep produces 7.2 pounds of greasy wool.
• One pound of wool can make up to 10 miles of yarn.
• Baseballs contain wool, rubber or cork, and horsehide or cowhide. There are 150 yards (450 feet) of wool yarn in one baseball. 
• Texas is the leading producer of wool nationwide.
• One of the biggest consumers of domestic wool production is the United States military.

Wise up on wool with these articles about sheep and alpaca farms across the U.S.:

• Illinois Alpaca Farms Give a Feel for Fiber
• Winning Wool for Ohio Sheep Industry
• How New Mexico Sheep Ranchers Advance with Traditional Techniques
• The Lost Art of Sheepherding in Utah

Sources: American Sheep Industry Association, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Agricultural Marketing Resource Center