Title

Lamb Trade and Economics Webinar

Date(s)
- Central
AddToCalendar
Add to Calendar 2026-03-18 19:00:00 2026-03-18 20:30:00 Lamb Trade and Economics Webinar North Dakota State University Extension and the University of Minnesota Extension will host an International Lamb Trade and Economics webinar on Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m. The webinar will feature two speakers from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), the trade association that is responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry. The speakers will provide a summary of international lamb trade in 2025 and opportunities for future success in 2026 and provide analysis on global trade to both domestic and international stakeholders. USMEF Speakers Jessica Spreitzer, director of trade analysisCourtney Heller, director of export servicesBackgroundIn 2025, lamb muscle cut exports totaled 2,765 metric tons, up 38% and the highest since 2013.In December 2025, exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts exports were down 10% in inventory, but increased 11% in value, with growth driven primarily by Mexico and the Bahamas. Export value climbed 29% to $15.2 million, the highest value since 2014. Shipments posted strong year-over-year growth in Mexico, Canada, Central America, and Trinidad and Tobago. Mexico’s demand continues to expand to a wider range of items, including underutilized cuts from the breast and shoulder (USMEF).USDA trade data summarized by Livestock Marketing Information Center reported that lamb imports were down 6 million pounds (-2% AUS; -3% NZ; -2% Total) to 303 million pounds in 2025. In 2025, Australia accounted for 75% of total U.S. lamb imports while New Zealand accounted for 24%.“Our domestic lamb consumption is growing by quantity and value,” says Travis Hoffman, sheep specialist for NDSU Extension and UMN Extension. “Yet, our lamb industry hinges on markets at a global level, and imports and exports affect our producers.”Participants will learn about how what happens on our local sheep operation is truly affected by larger global lamb marketing,” says Brenda Miller, UMN Extension livestock educator.Who Should AttendFarmersRanchers4-H membersAgriculture business professionals who work with farmers Those interested in goats or sheep are invited to attendRegistrationPre-registration is required. Register at: z.umn.edu/GSTradeA Zoom link will be emailed to participants upon registrationThose unable to attend the live session will receive the recording via email Online NDSU Agriculture no-reply@ndsu.edu America/Chicago public
Location
Location:
Online
Registration
Event Registration
Body
lamb in a pen

North Dakota State University Extension and the University of Minnesota Extension will host an International Lamb Trade and Economics webinar on Thursday, March 18 at 7 p.m.

The webinar will feature two speakers from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), the trade association that is responsible for developing international markets for the U.S. red meat industry. The speakers will provide a summary of international lamb trade in 2025 and opportunities for future success in 2026 and provide analysis on global trade to both domestic and international stakeholders.

USMEF Speakers

  • Jessica Spreitzer, director of trade analysis
  • Courtney Heller, director of export services

Background

  • In 2025, lamb muscle cut exports totaled 2,765 metric tons, up 38% and the highest since 2013.
  • In December 2025, exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts exports were down 10% in inventory, but increased 11% in value, with growth driven primarily by Mexico and the Bahamas.
  • Export value climbed 29% to $15.2 million, the highest value since 2014.
  • Shipments posted strong year-over-year growth in Mexico, Canada, Central America, and Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Mexico’s demand continues to expand to a wider range of items, including underutilized cuts from the breast and shoulder (USMEF).
  • USDA trade data summarized by Livestock Marketing Information Center reported that lamb imports were down 6 million pounds (-2% AUS; -3% NZ; -2% Total) to 303 million pounds in 2025.
  • In 2025, Australia accounted for 75% of total U.S. lamb imports while New Zealand accounted for 24%.

“Our domestic lamb consumption is growing by quantity and value,” says Travis Hoffman, sheep specialist for NDSU Extension and UMN Extension. “Yet, our lamb industry hinges on markets at a global level, and imports and exports affect our producers.”

Participants will learn about how what happens on our local sheep operation is truly affected by larger global lamb marketing,” says Brenda Miller, UMN Extension livestock educator.

Who Should Attend

  • Farmers
  • Ranchers
  • 4-H members
  • Agriculture business professionals who work with farmers
  • Those interested in goats or sheep are invited to attend

Registration

  • Pre-registration is required.
  • Register at: z.umn.edu/GSTrade
  • A Zoom link will be emailed to participants upon registration
  • Those unable to attend the live session will receive the recording via email
Contact Information

Contact Information

Travis Hoffman
travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu
701-231-2222

Requests for accommodations related to disability should be made to the event contact person at least two weeks in advance of the event.