🐑 Why We Raise Lamb Here in Michigan — And Why American Lamb Matters
A Little Closer to Home
Lately, the headlines about rising lamb imports have been hard to ignore. As farmers, it’s not just an industry number — it’s personal. Every time imports climb, it hits closer to home for family farms like ours in Michigan trying to make an honest living raising animals the right way.
At Weaver Acres, every lamb starts right here on our land. We know their mothers, their personalities, and what it takes to raise them with care and respect. That connection — from farm to dinner plate — is what makes farm-raised lamb special, and it’s something worth protecting.
What’s Really Happening in the Lamb Industry
According to the American Sheep Industry Association, lamb imports have surged almost 45% since 2020. Today, about 70% of the lamb sold in the U.S. is imported.
That means most store-bought lamb doesn’t come from American farms anymore. For small producers who value quality, sustainability, and transparency, that’s a tough reality. Imported meat can be cheaper, but it rarely carries the same care or connection that comes from knowing your farmer.
How It Feels on Our Farm
When people talk about “the lamb industry,” they’re talking about families like ours — the ones up at dawn checking ewes, balancing feed costs, and hoping for healthy lambing seasons.
When imported lamb floods the market, it can feel like all that work gets overlooked. It’s not just business — it’s heritage. Our grandparents built this life; our kids are learning it now. We’re not trying to be the biggest — just to do it right.
Why Buying American Lamb Matters
Choosing American-raised lamb isn’t only about geography — it’s about values:
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🧑🌾 You’re supporting family farms that care about every animal they raise.
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🥩 You’re choosing quality and freshness, with lamb that’s flavorful and traceable.
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🌾 You’re helping sustain rural communities — feed stores, processors, and butchers who keep local agriculture strong.
When you order whole or half lamb from Weaver Acres, you know exactly where it came from — and who raised it.
💡 Looking to try Michigan-raised lamb?
Explore our website or reach out for custom orders!
How You Can Make a Difference
If you’ve ever wondered whether buying local really matters — it does. Every order helps small farms survive and grow.
Here’s how you can help support American lamb:
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Buy direct from farms you trust.
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Ask questions about how and where your meat is raised.
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Share the story — talk about why U.S.-raised lamb matters.
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Cook it, love it, and tag us on Instagram @themittenshepherd — your posts help keep local farms visible.
A Note from Our Family
We’re proud to raise lambs we’d feed our own family — because we do.
When you choose Weaver Acres, you’re not just buying meat; you’re investing in the future of American agriculture.
Thank you for caring where your food comes from, for supporting small farms, and for believing that how something is raised still matters.
