Lamb Purchase Invite Announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an invitation today to American lamb companies to sell lamb products for use in federal food and nutrition programs. The offer applies to lamb leg roasts.

"Because of the lamb purchase program in 2008, the lamb market was better able to weather the record high costs of lamb production during the year," commented Glen Fisher (Texas), ASI president. "We commend the agency for its timing in announcing this invitation to sell lamb products."

Producers, feeders and processors support the necessity of the program since there is no doubt that lamb prices are not immune to the troubled economic conditions and the impacts on food purchases by consumers.

ASI encouraged an announcement of the authorization to spend a minimum of an additional $2 million in section 32 funds through calendar year 2009 to provide the industry with more confidence, something that is needed for a good market.

Offers must be received by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service before 1:30 p.m., CDT, Friday, July 24. Acceptances will be announced by midnight, Friday, July 31. Shipments will be made between Sept. 16 and Sept. 30.

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

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