National lamb packer Superior Farms of Davis announced Oct. 22 that is has entered into an agreement to purchase Iowa Lamb Co.
According to Superior Farms spokeswoman Angela Gentry, the purchase of the packing plant will help all lamb producers by allowing Superior Farms to be more efficient and focus on stimulating demand for lamb.
Annual lamb sales in the U.S. total only 1 percent of all fresh meat sales, but the industry contributes $1.4 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Demand for lamb dropped 10 percent in 2009 and sheep numbers have also dropped, from 11.1 million head in 1990 to 5.6 million. Shorter supplies of lamb, along with higher feed costs, have caused prices to increase.
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