As the U.S. Senate readies itself to deliberate on the Farm Bill next week, this is an excellent time to communicate with your Senate offices to voice your support of the sheep programs approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), in particular, endorses the increase in marketing loans for wool from $1.00 to $1.20, the re-establishment of the National Sheep Center, tax credits for companies developing medical products for sheep and a permanent fund for agriculture disaster assistance.

ASI is joining several agriculture organizations in a letter urging senators to support the disaster trust fund program. Each year, weather-related disasters occur in many communities across the country, yet farmers and ranchers may be forced to wait up to three years for assistance. A disaster trust fund program would ensure that a consistent and reliable implementation strategy is available for future weather-related disasters.

Another amendment that is supported by ASI is the authorization of a longstanding effort with the university systems to conduct research for the development of pharmaceutical products for sheep and minor species. Sen. John Barrasso (Wyo.) is sponsoring this amendment on behalf of the sheep industry.

"Sheep producers should be in touch with their Senate offices to urge support for the Farm Bill presented by the Senate Agriculture Committee and to oppose any amendments that could be presented to take funds away from the disaster trust fund," stated DA Harral, chairman of the ASI legislative council. "Additionally, I hope producers will ask their Senators to oppose any amendments that would ban horse export for slaughter."
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33

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