A committee of experts will prepare a report based on a study of the economic development and current status of the U.S. sheep industry. The study will examine the structure of the industry, including the nature of the businesses in the industry, the production and marketing systems used in each sector, and the challenges of disease, predation, sheep biology, and genetic resources on production efficiency and competitiveness. The study will examine each product and service sector of the industry in detail, including meat, wool, live animals, pelts, milk, other byproducts, and supporting businesses, and describe the influence of regulation, product pricing, market demand patterns and projections, and international trade issues affecting commercial activities. The study will also explore the role of land stewardship in sheep production. The committee's report will summarize the findings of the study and identify major accomplishments of the past and challenges to the industry in the future. However, the committee will not make recommendations related to policy issues, such as regulatory matters, industry support, or international trade.The project is sponsored by the Economic Research Service, U.S. Department of AgricultureThe start date for the project is 7/15/2006A report will be issued at the end of the project in approximately 18 months.Update 3-3-08: The project duration has been extended. The report is expected to be issued by 8/30/08.