Abstract: Development of characteristic industries can well promote local economic development.Tan sheep industry is a well-known characteristic industry in Huanxian County of Gansu province，which brings greater benefits to local area.Current development status of Huanxian Tan sheep industry was introduced through questionnaire surveys，including four aspects: rudiment of development of feeding herbivores and livestock in Huanxian county has been formed；breeding methods of Tan sheep were half grazing，half house feeding and house feeding； breeding has a long history；farmers were optimistic about development prospect of Tan sheep industry and continue to breed high.At the same time，it was found that there were also different aspects of development of Tan sheep industry in Huanxian County: traditional sales methods still occupied a large proportion；shortage of reserve forces for industrial development; lack of capital and technical support for industrial development; lack of endogenous power for industrial development.In view of problems existing in industrial development，relevant countermeasures and suggestions were put forward in order to promote local economic development.