2007-2008 Budgets Get Approval

August 31, 2007 - The American Sheep Industry Association's (ASI) Board of Directors unanimously approved the association's fiscal year 2007-2008 wool budget and membership budget via mailed ballots this week. The budget proposals had been recommended by the ASI American Wool Council and the executive board during their July meetings.

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

Through the market and product research, ASI will continue to explore market opportunities for wool and maintain a strong emphasis on developing U.S.-made wool products for military uses in which new products continue to move along the military chain to be utilized in the field by soldiers. Direct-marketing activities with international wool buyers will continue to be funded in the upcoming fiscal year as well as the quality improvement program.

Market information and analysis for the sheep industry, quality-assurance, sheep-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 $1.3 million 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 contract with Meyers and Associates lobbying firm in Washington, D.C., for ASI legislative action on behalf of the sheep industry.

"As is evident by the board of director's vote, the industry is supportive of ASI's direction for the coming year," said Burdell Johnson, president of ASI. "We look forward to working through the key issues and opportunities of the nation's sheep industry in 2008."
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33

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