Sheep numbers have been increasing steadily since 1995, even as the numbers of farms are dropping. There are 4500 registered sheep producers in Ontario. The average flock size on Ontario farms is approximately 66 animals with the largest farms being 500 to 1000 animals. The Canadian wool market continues to decline due to factors in the world market.
Sheep live in barns, barnyards or on pasture.
Even though sheep have wool, they need shelter in the winter. Sheep are kept together in groups in pens in the barn. They have room to move around their pen and feed is brought to them. Sheep may also be kept in groups called flocks on pastures. Farmers work with animal nutritionists and veterinarians to keep sheep healthy and to manage animal health problems.