BC Sheep & Lamb Industry Overview 

• There are approximately 1,865 sheep farms in British Columbia. Farms in the 2001 census reported having 83,300 sheep and lamb
  
  
• The farm gate value of BC's sheep industry is estimated at approximately 7-8 million dollars which generates roughly 12 million dollars in economic impact to the province.
  
  
• BC produces 15-20% of its lamb requirement. 
  
  
• The average size of a sheep farm is around 45 sheep and lamb.
  
  
• The majority (40%) of the sheep industry in 2001 was located on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Fraser Valley. The Thompson Okanagan raised 25%, the Peace region 15%, the Cariboo region produced 11% with the remainder of production spread throughout the province. 
  
  
• Around 81 thousand sheep and lambs are slaughtered each year.
  
  
• Sheep and lamb prices fluctuate according to supply and demand. On average a 45kg live lamb may sell for about $125 to $150. 
  
  
• Sheep milk is a minor commodity 
  
  
• About 10,000-20,000 sheep are used annually to control weeds in forested land.