Fifth Lamb Meat Bid Announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released an invitation this week to American lamb companies to sell lamb products for use in federal food and nutrition programs. The offer applies to lamb shoulder chops.

Offers must be received by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) before 1:30 p.m., CST, Friday, Feb. 20, 2009. Acceptances will be announced by midnight, Friday, Feb. 27, 2009. Shipments will be made between April 16 and April 30, 2009.

"This is a timely announcement for a lamb purchase, particularly for shoulder, as companies begin planning for Easter Passover, which has a heavier focus on leg of lamb," commented Glen Fisher, president of the American Sheep Industry Association. "AMS has purchased more than $1.5 million in lamb products of the $2 million lamb purchase program secured this year to assist lamb producers with tough economic conditions."

Additional program information can be accessed at www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateR&page=ORMAnnouncementPage2.