Farm-to-Table: The Journey of American Lamb

More and more people are looking to make smarter, more ethical food choices, and American lamb fits the bill perfectly. Not only is it delicious, but it's also raised sustainably right here in the USA. Let’s talk about how supporting local lamb farmers helps everyone, why American lamb is a standout choice, and how we can all pitch in to make our food system better.

How does supporting local lamb farmers benefit the community and the environment?

1. When you buy local lamb, you’re not just getting a great product—you’re also supporting family farms. There are over 80,000 family farmers across the country raising American lamb, and by choosing their products, you’re helping them stay in business and keep their traditions alive​. This means stronger local economies and a tighter-knit community.
2. Environmentally, local lamb farmers promote good stewardship of the land. Sheep graze on various grasses and plants, which helps keep the land healthy. Their grazing helps return nutrients to the soil, reduces erosion, and encourages the growth of native plants​.
3. Plus, sheep are great for innovative practices like solar grazing. They help manage vegetation around solar panels, which supports renewable energy without the need for harmful herbicides​.

What makes American lamb a superior choice compared to imported lamb?

One big reason is freshness. Lamb from places like Australia and New Zealand travels up to 10,000 miles to get here. That’s a long journey, and it affects the meat’s quality. American lamb, on the other hand, is much fresher because it’s raised locally​. This farm-to-table approach means you get lamb that is much fresher as there are family farmers and ranchers in almost every state.

The flavor of American lamb is also premium. Thanks to their diet of high-quality grasses and forage, the meat is tender and flavorful. Ethical lamb farming practices ensure that there are no artificial growth hormones used in American lamb production. 

All American lamb is either USDA-inspected for wholesomeness and quality or inspected by state systems that meet federal standards. The USDA has five quality grades for lamb, and more than 90% of American lamb grades USDA Choice or Prime​. This means you’re getting a premium product with every purchase.

Additionally, American lamb offers better value. On the bone, American lamb yields more meat than imported lamb. Forty percent of lamb eaters prefer American lamb, rating it high for flavor, quality, and tenderness​.

How can we reduce the carbon footprint, strengthen the supply chain, and enhance food security?

By choosing local lamb, we can cut down on the carbon emissions associated with long-distance transportation. This means less fuel consumption and fewer greenhouse gasses. Local lamb doesn’t need to travel far to get to your plate, making it a greener choice​.