Our Path Forward

At New Mexico Hair Sheep Producers, we believe in building a future where hair sheep production is both sustainable and profitable for producers across the state. This page highlights the heart of our work today, how we support ranchers, where our products are making an impact, and why partners choose to work with us.

Why Us: Retailers, restaurants, and agencies choose NMHSP because every purchase supports multiple ranchers at once. This cooperative approach ensures that dollars stretch further, creating the greatest impact for producers, families, and communities.

It also celebrates our early achievements and outlines the goals that will guide us in the years ahead. Together, these efforts reflect not only what we do, but the lasting difference we are creating for New Mexico’s producers, communities, and local food systems.

What We Do

We provide a complete pathway for producers:

Purchasing: NMHSP buys butcher-ready, grass-fed, hormone and antibiotic-free hair sheep lambs (75–120 lbs) at $5/lb hanging weight.
Processing: Lambs are transported to USDA processors by Producers, ensuring less stress on the animals.
Distribution: Meat is distributed to farmers' markets, restaurants, grocery stores, and senior centers across New Mexico.

This cycle ensures that ranchers earn a living, processors stay busy, and communities have access to fresh, sustainably and ethically local lamb.

Where We Are Today

In less than a year, we have:

Partnered with 8 farms statewide
Purchased 153 lambs, returning $55,000 directly to producers
Processed 10,000 pounds of lamb meat
Distributed to local outlets including Roots Café, Polk’s Folly Farms, Toucan Market, Desert Spoon Food Hub, Prickly Pear Co-Op, BomVida Farms, Navajo Nations Senior Centers, and more
Reinvested profits into insurance, logistics, and marketing to build long-term stability

Achievements

Wholesale distribution to senior centers, including Navajo Nation, and Laguna Rainbow Center
Sales success at farmers markets and statewide events (e.g., Homegrown Las Cruces)
Membership in NMDA’s Taste the Tradition / Grown with Tradition program
Certified as a New Mexico Homegrown Producer
Grant applications submitted to expand freezer space and sales points
Engagement with legislators, food banks, and food hubs to advocate for lamb in New Mexico’s food system
Awardee of the 2025 New Mexico Grown Golden Chile Blossom Award

Future Goals for 2025

Looking ahead, NMHSP is focused on growth and outreach:

Expand retail and wholesale markets across the state
Partner with senior centers to provide a consistent lamb supply
Value-added products such as tallow creams and hides
Outreach & Education at community events, legislative sessions, and food system gatherings