Sheep producers report slightly higher losses in 2009

Wolves blamed for 1,200 losses; coyotes still caused most damage of predators

By CAROL RYAN DUMAS
Capital Press

Idaho sheep producers lost an estimated 28,000 head of sheep and lambs from all causes, valued at $3.84 million, in 2009.

That's an increase from 2008 losses of 26,000 head, valued at $3.50 million, but a decrease from 2007, which saw losses of 34,000 head, valued at $4.66 million.

Losses fluctuate up or down about 8 percent year to year, said Stan Boyd, executive director of Idaho Wool Growers Association.

"It's high. We don't like that, but I don't know that it's really out of line. Nothing I can think of made the numbers spike," he said.

He added he hadn't heard of any radical events, such as a snowstorm, that would have caused the increase.

Losses to predators were down by 2,500, but losses from lambing complications were up 1,800, and losses to other causes -- accidents, fire, starvation or dehydration -- were up 2,100.

The increase in losses to lambing complication would be a factor of weather or the age of the ewe, Boyd said.

Predator losses accounted for 8,100, or 28.9 percent, of losses for the year worth a value of $1.11 million. Coyotes did the most predator damage, at 5,400 head. Losses from coyotes alone were valued at $740,000.

Losses to wolves came in second, claiming 1,200, valued at $164,000. Losses to wolves were up 500 from 2008 and up 700 from 2007.

"We've gone from zero 15 years ago to whatever it is now, so that's been a real concern," he said. "While other predator issues have been there, losses to wolves we didn't experience 15 years ago," before reintroduction.

Dogs claimed 400 head, valued at $55,000, while bears claimed 300 head, valued at $41,000. Cougars killed 300 head, valued at $41,000. Losses from other and unknown predators, including bobcats and eagles, accounted for an additional 500 head.

Non-predator losses accounted for 19,900 sheep worth $2.73 million. Disease claimed 4,900 head, valued at $671,000. Lambing complications claimed 3,700; weather killed 2,500 head; old age killed 1,700, poison killed 400 head, and 100 were killed by being on their back.

Other causes such as accidents, fire, starvation and dehydration caused an additional 2,800 deaths, while unknown causes claimed 3,800 head, valued at $521,000.

On the whole, however, Idaho's sheep numbers grew by 5 percent in 2009, totaling 220,000 head, up 10,000 head from 2008. Idaho wool production in 2009 totaled 1.79 million pounds, up 4 percent from last year. The number of sheep shorn, at 190,000 head, was up 6 percent from a year ago.

"It's a matter of the markets; prices came up on both lamb and wool," Boyd said.

Declining numbers worldwide led to stronger markets, which enticed Idaho growers to get in the business or rebuild herds, he said.

On the national front, inventories -- at 5.63 million head -- were down 2 percent in 2009. Shorn wool production in the United States was 30.9 million pounds, down 6 percent from 2008. Sheep and lambs shorn totaled 4.20 million head, down 5 percent.

Link

NASS Idaho field office: www.nass.usda.gov/id