New Cuts Offered for Lamb Roast Purchases

August 3, 2007 -On Monday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) contacted American lamb processors inviting offers to sell frozen lamb products for use in federal food and nutrition programs. The announcement follows several months of discussions between the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), the National Meat Association, major lamb processors and USDA to amend the list of frozen lamb products available for sale to this program. USDA tested the lamb products and determined two new cuts met the specifications to be added to the list. In July, IMPS 233A, lamb leg, trotter off and IMPS 1207, lamb shoulder chop were added to the product list for sale to USDA.

"The inclusion of these two new cuts of lamb provides processors more opportunities to sell product to this program," stated Peter Orwick, executive director for ASI. "It helps the lamb processors to move additional inventory during non-peak seasons."

Offers had to be received by 1:30 p.m., CST, Friday, Aug. 3, 2007. Acceptances will be announced by midnight, Friday, Aug. 10, 2007.

This is the eighth announcement in the continuing lamb purchase program requested by ASI and approved by Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns in April 2006. The funding expires this fall so the announcement is very timely to benefit the lamb industry while funds are available.

Additional program information can be accessed at www.ams.usda.gov/lscp/otherredmeat/orm_purchaseinfo.htm.
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33

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