Find answers to some common questions about New Mexico Hair Sheep Producers below.
Photo Courtesy of Running M Farms and Ranches
Membership Benefits
By becoming a member, you gain access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and discounts on products and events. Join our community today to enhance your sheep farming experience.
Product Sales
We specialize in New Mexico Lamb meats from numerous producers around the state, including USDA-processed, custom-cut, and Hallal-certified
Educational Resources
Access a wealth of educational materials, articles, and guides to improve your sheep farming practices. Stay informed about the latest industry trends and best sustainable practices.
Why Lamb Meat?
What is the cost of your lamb meat?
Direct To Consumer Pricing
These are the prices you can expect to see when you see us at the farmers markets or events, and for special orders, a minimum of 10-pound order for delivery in Albuquerque, Los Lunas, Belen, Truth or Consequences, and Las Cruces areas. Expect a 2-week delivery time frame, due to processing and order fulfillment times.
Feel free to email us with an order or questions, and we will walk you through it.
(We also offer wholesale pricing to business operations with proof of an active business license)
Why are you priced so high compared to New Zealand Lamb in Walmart?
this data comes from https://www.mylifeelsewhere.com/cost-of-living/united-states/new-zealand
In addition to these facts, one must also consider that raising any livestock in New Mexico's arid high desert climate comes with added cost, because you cannot expect to get quality yield on animals if you are not supplementing them. The typical farmer ideally would sell their 8-month-old sheep for at least $300 in order to break even, especially if they have no pasture or have to supplement the feed. New Zealand is GREEN. They really don't need to supplement feed when raising livestock.
When you also add in the USDA Processing fees of $145/head of animal, plus the cost of supporting the producer raising the animal, we are all just breaking even, and actually, New Mexico Hair Sheep Producers operates in a not-for-profit model, so everything that we do, we do for free, and make an average profit of 16% or less on our sales. All sales go directly back into the company, helping pay for transport, processing, animal purchasing, electricity for freezers, freezers themselves, and all licenses, insurance, and advertising costs.
Let us not also forget that corporations in America, like the big box stores, are not focused on sustainability for the farmers, but instead are focusing on their profit margin, and their marketability to the consumers when considering their pricing.
At least when you buy a product from us, we can tell you exactly who the farmer or rancher is, where their farm is located, what their practices are, and every purchase helps the majority throughout New Mexico, rather than one single producer.
And we absolutely guarantee you will NEVER encounter lab-grown lamb meat.
New Zealand lamb typically comes from sheep that are raised for their wool and tends to have a very gamey flavor.
It's also important to consider that America's sheep eat the vegetation we encounter daily. Just as buying local honey can help alleviate allergies, consuming animals that are exposed to the same environmental factors as we are may also assist in reducing allergy symptoms.
Perhaps this is one reason why Americans experience so many allergies now—due in part to the imported foods we consume from other countries.
"How do you even cook lamb?"
Great question—and the answer is simple: treat lamb just like any other meat you already love to cook!
Whether you're a grill master, a skillet fan, or a slow-cooker pro, lamb fits right in. Here's how:
🔥 Grilling?
If you love grilling steaks, you'll love lamb chops and riblets.
The light fat on lamb crisps up beautifully with just a little salt, pepper, and maybe some garlic or paprika.
Throw them on a medium-high grill for 3–5 minutes per side, and you've got a tender, flavorful meal with a perfect charred crust.
🍳 Pan-Frying?
Lamb loin chops cook just like pork chops—only with more flavor!
Heat a skillet with a bit of butter, garlic, and salt. Sear them on high heat for 3–5 minutes per side, and enjoy a juicy, quick dinner that’s far from ordinary.
🥣 Stews & Braises?
Lamb stew meat is perfect for hearty, nutrient-dense dishes.
Try it in a New Mexico green chile stew with potatoes, onions, garlic, and roasted green chile.
Simmer it low and slow for a few hours, and you’ll have a warming, comforting dish that fills your home with delicious smells.
🍔 Ground Lamb?
Ground lamb is incredibly versatile!
From lamb burgers to meatballs and tacos—our favorite way is using it in homemade gyros.
Spiced with cumin, garlic, oregano, and topped with tzatziki, it’s a Mediterranean dream on a plate.
🌮 Craving Birria?
For a bold twist on a favorite, try making birria with a square-cut lamb shoulder roast.
Cook it low and slow with red chile until it shreds easily, then tuck it into tacos and top with peach mango salsa for the perfect sweet-and-savory bite.
Cooking lamb isn’t complicated—it’s just delicious.
Try swapping lamb into your favorite recipes, and see how easily it fits into your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, American lamb brings bold flavor and tender texture to every dish.