Top 10 Sheep Stories of 2007

January 4, 2007 - As we move into a new year, there is cause to review and reflect on the events from the previous year. Although it is difficult to pick just 10 top sheep industry-related stories from 2007, following is our attempt to do so.

Farm Bill passes the U.S. House and Senate. Sheep related provisions included in each version include an increase in the rate for the wool loan deficiency program and reauthorization of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. Several additional sheep provisions are possible as Congress finalizes one Farm Bill in 2008 for approval and signature of the President.

Disaster assistance support. In May, Congress passed the supplemental spending bill that provided about $3 billion for agriculture disaster assistance for losses in 2005, 2006 or 2007.

LRP-Lamb became a reality. Livestock Risk Protection-Lamb (LRP-Lamb) insurance went on sale Sept. 17. Sheep producers, for the first time, have available to them a product that is designed to insure against unexpected declines in market prices of slaughter lambs. The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) created an industry-owned insurance agency, Food and Fiber Risk Managers (FFRM), to help the LRP-Lamb pilot program succeed as well as strengthen the association. FFRM can be reached at 877-957-8006.

Targeted Grazing Handbook offered. Targeted Grazing: A natural approach to vegetation management and landscape enhancement, a handbook that promotes livestock grazing to manage vegetation became available in hard copy, CD version or online.

USDA purchased lamb roasts. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) purchased lamb from processors to assist in moving additional inventory during non-peak seasons for use in the federal food and nutrition programs.

ASI defends USSES. ASI supports the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station against a lawsuit filed by anti-livestock groups. The station is the only range facility solely dedicated to research needs of sheep.

Senator Thomas passes. The sheep industry lost a great friend when Sen. Craig Thomas (Wyo.) lost his battle with cancer in June.

Breeding sheep move into Canada. The border opened for U.S. sheep producers to sell breeding sheep into Canada.

Scrapie requirements met. In 2007, all 50 states met the requirements for consistent-state status as it relates to the National Scrapie Eradication Program allowing them to move breeding sheep or goats to other states with minimal restrictions.

Canada lifts bluetongue testing. The government of Canada lifted its bluetongue testing requirement for feeder sheep being imported into Canada in April.

Wolves move off endangered list. In February, U.S. Fish and Wildlife announced the removal of the western Great Lakes population of gray wolves from the federal list of threatened and endangered species and proposed to remove the northern Rocky Mountain population of gray wolves from the list.

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