5 countries that have the most and largest sheep farms in the world

Based on the information available, here are five countries with a significant number of sheep and details about their sheep farming industries:

1. China

With the largest sheep population in the world, estimated at around 194 million in 2025, China's sheep farming is a significant part of its agricultural sector. The industry focuses on meat, wool, and milk production, driven by a growing domestic demand. Regions like Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang are key sheep-rearing areas, benefiting from vast grazing lands. China employs a mix of traditional and modern farming techniques. The country is also the world's largest producer of wool, with an estimated production of 356,200 tonnes in 2022. This substantial production supports its large textile industry. Despite this, China is also a major importer of wool, highlighting the high demand within the country. Sheep farming provides employment for millions and contributes significantly to the local economies of the producing regions. The diverse climate across China allows for the rearing of various sheep breeds suited to different environments, ensuring a consistent supply of sheep products for both domestic and international markets.

2. India

India holds the second-largest sheep population globally, with approximately 75.3 million sheep. Sheep farming in India is primarily small-scale and plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of rural communities. Sheep are raised for meat, wool, and milk, with indigenous breeds known for their productivity in the local climate. Major sheep farming hubs include states like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. While the industry is largely traditional, there is increasing attention on improving veterinary services and marketing infrastructure for value-added products. The demand for sheep meat and wool is rising, presenting opportunities for growth and exports. India's wool production was around 36,400 tonnes in 2022. The sector supports many farmers through traditional husbandry practices and contributes to the rural economy. Efforts to modernize and enhance productivity are ongoing to meet the increasing demand for sheep products.

3. Australia

Australia is renowned for its extensive sheep farming operations, supported by vast grazing lands. While its sheep population of around 70.2 million places it third globally, Australia is a major player in the wool market, particularly for its high-quality Merino wool. In 2022, Australia produced approximately 328,000 tonnes of wool, making it the second-largest wool producer globally and the largest exporter. Besides wool, Australia also produces significant quantities of lamb and mutton for both domestic consumption and export. The sheep industry is a key contributor to the Australian agricultural economy, with efficient farming practices and advanced breeding programs ensuring the production of top-quality wool and meat. All regions except the Northern Territory are actively involved in wool production, benefiting from a climate that supports the prized Australian Merino sheep.

4. Iran

Iran has a long history of sheep farming, which is deeply integrated into its economy and culture. With an estimated 55.6 million sheep, the country ranks fourth in terms of sheep population. Indigenous breeds, such as the fat-tailed sheep, are well-adapted to Iran's diverse climate and terrain. Sheep farming is largely based on traditional practices, but there has been government support for breed improvement to enhance productivity. The primary focus of sheep production in Iran is for domestic consumption of meat, milk, and wool. Iran's wool production was around 54,400 tonnes in 2022. Sheep farming is an integral part of the rural economy, particularly in regions like Khorasan and Fars, where it supports many communities.

5. Nigeria

Nigeria has a significant sheep population, estimated at around 50.3 million. Sheep farming is a crucial part of the agricultural sector, primarily providing meat and other products for local markets. The arid and semi-arid northern states are particularly suitable for sheep rearing, where traditional farming practices are common. While not a major wool producer on a global scale, sheep farming is an essential source of livelihood for many rural communities in Nigeria. The industry benefits from traditional knowledge passed down through generations, allowing it to thrive in the local environment.

Regarding the largest sheep farms:

The Rawlinna Station in Western Australia is considered the world's largest single sheep property, covering an immense area of 1,046,323 hectares (over one million hectares). It has a carrying capacity of around 87,421 sheep. Predominantly raising Merino sheep, the farm is a significant producer of high-quality wool. Recently, in March 2025, it was acquired by the UK-based Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC), which aims to further develop the station's sheep and wool production. The farm features a 400 km boundary exclusion fence to protect the sheep from wild dogs and employs modern agricultural technologies to manage its vast operations.