December 28, 2006
December 29, 2006 - As the year draws to an end, the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) thought it appropriate to list what we consider the top seven events of 2006 for the U.S. sheep industry. They are:
1. The second year-on-year increase in U.S. sheep numbers since 1987 and 1988.
2. There are now more sheep operations in the United States than hog operations.
3. Approval of a 27 state pilot project for Livestock Risk Protection-Lamb, which will allow producers and feeders an opportunity to purchase insurance to protect them against unexpected declines in lamb prices.
4. ASI was the recipient of a $100,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service's Conservation Technical Assistant Program to execute its two-year project entitled, "Bio-control of Invasive Plants Using Sheep and Goats."
5. The American Wool Trust was extended for two years, which will provide funding for ASI wool programs through 2010.
6. Market lamb prices rebounded in the second half of the year after a rough winter market for slaughter lambs. Many point to the current strength of the U.S. sheep industry to be able to regain prices after such a significant collapse.
7. USDA approved a $5 million lamb roast purchase program.
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