AMS Announces Lamb Shoulder Chop Invitation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released the third invitation of 2009 to American lamb companies to sell lamb products for use in federal food and nutrition programs. The offer applies to lamb shoulder chops.

The American Sheep Industry Association (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.

"The balance of approximately $1 million is available to commit until the end of September, and if this bid opportunity is fully successful, the entire amount will be obligated," commented Glen Fisher (Texas), ASI president. "USDA secured 288,000 pounds of boneless lamb in the first two lamb purchases and additional purchases ought to help address the softer lamb prices we currently see at the farm and ranch gate."

Offers must be received by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service before 1:30 p.m., CDT, Friday, Sept. 11. Acceptances will be announced by midnight, Friday, Sept. 21. Shipments will be made in four periods between Nov. 1, 2009, and Jan. 15, 2010.

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

Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33