The AVS Sheep Production program serves approximately 2500 farmers and ranchers in the states of Idaho and Washington. Idaho has the highest total acreage of wilderness and public lands of any state except Alaska. Much of this land is unsuitable for any type of agriculture except livestock grazing. This type of land is the home of Idaho´s large sheep bands. By contrast, the Washington sheep industry is based upon the farm flock. A number of years ago, U of I and WSU signed reciprocal Memoranda of Understanding agreeing to maximize resources. Washington State University agreed to maintain a swine unit, as well as research and educational programs in swine for both states. The U of I agreed to maintain the sheep programs and a sheep production facility. Through the U of I Sheep Research and Teaching Unit in Moscow, and the Caine Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Caldwell, the AVS Department conducts research and educational programs in the areas of range flock-, farm flock-, and feedlot-nutrition, flock- and feedlot-health management, range-band and farm-flock production practices, reproductive physiology, and sustainable management and production practices. In addition, scientists and educators maintain active collaboration with the United States Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho, and the USDA Animal Disease Research Unit in Pullman, Washington.

Clientele served include Idaho and Washington range-band and farm-flock owners, feedlot owners, meat packers, students, allied industries, youth, and extension.