Wool Trust Budget Gets Unanimous Approval

September 1, 2006 - The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Board of Directors unanimously approved the association's fiscal year 2006-2007 Wool Trust budget via mailed ballots this week. The budget proposal had been recommended by the ASI American Wool Council and the executive board during their July meeting.

The $2,250,000 budget provides program and services that will improve the viability of the sheep industry and addresses the Wool Trust objectives.

Through the market research and promotions program, ASI will continue to explore market opportunities for wool and maintain a strong emphasis on developing U.S.-made wool products for military uses. Direct-marketing activities with international wool buyers will continue to be funded in the upcoming fiscal year as well as the quality improvement program, which will work on continuous improvement in the shearing segment of the industry.

Market information and analysis for the sheep industry, quality-assurance, animal-health and trade services are crucial components of the budget along with producer communications.

In addition, ASI has matching funds allocated to continue to apply for more than $900,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agricultural Service, funds that will be used to promote U.S. wool and pelts internationally.

Board members also approved the proposed ASI Fund II Budget for the coming year. This budget is responsible for legislative and membership services. The budget continues the new staff position in Washington, D.C., for the ASI Resource Management Program which allows ASI to further address key issues of the sheep industry, such as predator control, public- and private-land use, endangered species and wildlife interaction issues across the country. The additional expenses will be supported through a 20-percent dues increase previously approved by the board of directors.

"As is evident by the board of director's vote, the industry is supportive of ASI's services," said Paul Frischknecht, president of ASI. "We look forward to tackling the key issues and opportunities of the nation's sheep industry in 2007."
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33

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