ASI Meets with USDA Secretary Vilsack

American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) President Glen Fisher (Texas) discussed sheep industry priorities this week with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

"We appreciate the secretary's time to review the status of the sheep industry in the United States as well as related projects underway at the department," relayed Fisher. "The section 32 request for lamb meat purchases is being analyzed, hopefully for an April decision, and the new sheep center is on track for rule development this spring. The secretary also mentioned animal identification and views on the Farm Bill."

Undersecretary Edward Avalos also met with ASI representatives regarding the meat purchases and the sheep center as well as the department's role with Mandatory Price Reporting for livestock.

Fisher concluded, "He is encouraged with the progress of each of these three priorities that are in the department's hands."