Promoting and advocating for New York's sheep industry
About the Empire Sheep Producers Association
The purpose of the Empire Sheep Producers Association is to inform consumers and educate youth and farmers on the New York State sheep industry, exchange and provide information, educational and marketing materials for the furtherance of this purpose and conduct all business to enhance sheep, sheep milk, and wool enterprises in New York State.
We help support several statewide sheep shows and fiber festivals, including the NY Sheep and Wool Festival (Rhinebeck), the NY Fiber Trail, and the Northeast Fiber Exchange (NEFX) wool warehouse.
2026 Wool Center at NY State Fair
LocalFiber Initiative (LFI), a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Central NY, whose mission is to promote the use of natural fiber and support small fiber farmers, is collaborating with ESPA in 2026 to coordinate the NY State Fair Wool Center programming. Activities will again include the operation of a wool shop. Over 25 members have registered to participate in the Wool Center.
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Resources for NYS Sheep Producers
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NYS Shearer Directory
Click Here to access a current list of Shearers Active in New York State & the Northeast U.S.
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Cornell Sheep Program
Information about sheep, wool, sheep milk, production, and marketing in the northeastern United States. The Cornell Sheep program website is designed to help farmers take advantage of the opportunity to develop or expand sheep farms in the region.
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American Sheep Industry Association
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is the national organization representing the interests of more than 100,000 sheep producers located throughout the U.S. From East to West, pasture-based flocks to range operations, ASI works to represent the interests of all producers.
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Cornell Sheep and Goat Listserv
The purpose of the Cornell SheepGoatManagement List server is to ask about and exchange information about sheep and goat management. You can join the list for free.
