LRP for Sheep Industry

September 24, 2004 -- The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) strongly supports the approval of a Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) pilot program for the U.S. sheep industry and encourages full consideration for approval of this program. This was the message sent by ASI to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in advance of its October submission of the proposed program.

ASI funded a program development effort in 2004 in conjunction with the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. The proposal will be submitted to USDA on Oct. 1, 2004. The extensive LRP-Lamb proposal includes focus group review and input from a sheep insurance taskforce as well as remarks from leading economists and insurance experts.

The lamb industry does not currently have any risk-management tools available. It is envisioned that a successful LRP for lamb will provide sheep producers a much needed risk-management option and strengthen the entire industry with a measure of protection against price volatility.

"There is a lot of enthusiasm for this program in the sheep industry, particularly in those states familiar with the pilot program for feeder and slaughter cattle and swine," commented Guy Flora, ASI president.

ASI is asking state sheep associations and interested leaders to also submit letters of support to USDA for implementation of a pilot LRP-Lamb program. Information on the proposal and the address for letters of support can be obtained from the ASI office.

Staff contact: Peter Orwick and Paul Rodgers, 303-771-3500