Since Easter and Passover were recently celebrated, people’s thoughts this time of year turn to lamb.  Domestic lamb consumption usually rises this time of year, according to Lisa Surber, executive director of the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association.  Surber says like with many other meats, COVID had a role in the marketing of lamb.  Surber says lamb is a popular meat at white-table restaurants and with the cruise industry.  However, both of which were adversely affected by the COVID-19 virus.  The South Dakota Sheep Growers Association official says sheep producers saw an increase of domestic lamb consumption during the COVID era.  She says lamb started to appear at grocery store’s meat counters.

Surber says since COVID, domestic lamb consumption has retreated somewhat.  She says the United States is a net importer of lamb meat products, with the greatest consumer demand of lamb going to the ethnic demographics.