One Week Remaining to Vote

Just one week remains to cast your vote in favor of the American lamb referendum. The lamb check-off funds the programs of the American Lamb Board, which have proven beneficial for U.S. sheep producers.

There are several convenient ways to get your ballot voted and delivered. Producers, feeders, first handlers and exporters have the option of going to the local Farm Service Agency (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."

"It is very important that producers take the time to vote yes," commented Burdell Johnson, past president for the American Sheep Industry Association. "As producers, there are issues within the sheep industry that we ourselves can not control; however, this vote is entirely our decision and our responsibility."