Lamb Referendum Online

Lamb Referendum Onlineoting on the lamb referendum is underway at county Farm Service Agencies (FSA) around the country. There are several convenient ways to get your ballot voted and delivered to the offices during the month of February.

"In fact, sheep producers don't have to make a trip to the FSA office if they prefer to print a ballot off the Internet and send it in by mail or fax," commended Peter Orwick, executive director for the American Sheep Industry Association.

Producers, feeders, first handlers and exporters have the option of going to the local FSA office to obtain a ballot or they can go to the Internet to print a ballot. Ballots may be returned in person, by fax or by mail to the county FSA office. Completed and signed ballots, along with supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility, must be submitted on or before Feb. 27, 2009. Those engaged in the production, feeding or slaughter of lambs in 2008 are eligible to vote in this referendum.

To print the ballot online, go to www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketingprograms, click on the Lamb Referendum Information link, then click on the link "LS-86-1 - Lamb Referendum Ballot."

"ASI, the National Lamb Feeders Association and state sheep producer organizations across the country are actively supporting a yes vote to approve the referendum," concluded Orwick.