By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension and the University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension are organizing an educational webinar focused on international lamb trade and market trends. The event will take place on March 18 at 7 p.m. and will provide valuable information for people involved in the sheep and goat industries.
Farmers, ranchers, 4-H members, agricultural business professionals, and anyone interested in livestock production are encouraged to attend the online event. The webinar aims to help participants better understand how global markets influence the U.S. lamb industry.
“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.”
The webinar will feature two speakers from the U.S. Meat Export Federation, a trade association that works to expand international markets for the U.S. red meat industry. The speakers will share important insights about global lamb trade and future market trends.
Jessica Spreitzer, director of trade analysis, and Courtney Heller, director of export services, will present an overview of international lamb trade during 2025. They will also highlight potential opportunities for U.S. lamb producers in 2026. Both experts analyze global trade data and provide market information to industry stakeholders across the United States and other countries.
During the webinar, participants will learn how global trade patterns influence local sheep farming operations and market conditions.
“Participants will learn how global lamb marketing affects what happens on our local sheep operations,” says Brenda Miller, UMN Extension livestock educator.
The webinar will be hosted online through Zoom. Registration is required for those who wish to attend. After registration, participants will receive a Zoom link by email that will allow them to join the live session.
Individuals who are unable to attend the live event will still be able to benefit from the information shared. A recording of the webinar will be sent to registered participants by email.
People interested in learning more about global lamb trade and its impact on local agriculture are encouraged to participate in the session.
For additional information, contact Miller at nels4220@umn.edu or Hoffman at travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu.
Photo Credit: istock-globalp
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Goats & Sheep