2010 ASI Convention Highlights

The final details of the upcoming American Sheep Industry Association (ASI)/National Lamb Feeders Association are being committed to paper. There is an impressive lineup of speakers and an unlimited number of industry relevant topics that will provide great information for individual operations.

Under Secretary Edward Avalos from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Marketing and Regulatory Programs will address the board of directors regarding the importance of wildlife services and stressing support for the scrapie eradication program.

Coming from Australia, Chris Wilcox, a respected wool analyst, will share the results of economic research, market intelligence and analysis and strategic assessment of key issues in the global wool industry.

There will be several speakers focusing on the impact animal rights groups are having on the agriculture community. Bruce Vincent, an international speaker from Montana, will explain how America is ready for a new vision of environmental stewardship and animal welfare, and it is a chance for producers to reintroduce the American consumer to the processes of animal agriculture.

Kay Johnson Smith, executive vice president of Animal Agriculture Alliance, will talk about the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in response to the animal rights activists' social movement.

Noelle Cockett, Ph.D., will discuss the advancement of genetic markers for parasite resistance in sheep; genomics applications for health and disease management will be addressed by Stephen White, Ph.D.; and Meg Oeller, DVM, will offer suggestions to producers on the process of getting new drugs for sheep introduced through the Minor Use Minor Species program.

Additional information is available by clicking on the Events tab on www.sheepusa.org.

Music City will offer much to do for attendees beyond the scheduled meetings. There is still time to register. Plan to attend!