New Sheep Center Nominations Requested

Nominations to the sheep center must be received by the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) by Sept. 15 to be considered.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified ASI that it is seeking candidates for the new National Sheep Industry Improvement Center board.

Since all nominations must be submitted through an eligible national organization whose membership consists primarily of active sheep producers, ASI is encouraging interested individuals to contact Peter Orwick, porwick@sheepusa.org, to request information. Board members will be appointed by the secretary of agriculture.

The board will consist of nine members -- seven voting and two non-voting. Four of the members must be producers, two should have expertise in finance and management and one should have expertise in marketing lamb, wool, goat or goat products. The non-voting seats will be held by USDA employees.

ASI secured authorization of the sheep center in the 2008 Farm Bill with $1 million available for use as soon as the board is established. The goal of the center will be to strengthen the sheep industry in America.

Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33