2005 ASI Spring Trip Huge Success

June 2005 -- Nearly 60 American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) producer leaders from 22 states blanketed the Hill this week to represent the collective interests of the American sheep industry. Visiting the offices of their senators and representatives, members were given the opportunity to talk about the industries top issues.

Some of the topics discussed include: 1) the re-authorization of the Mandatory Price Reporting Act, which expires October 2005; 2) support for the development of a Livestock Risk Protection (lamb price insurance) program for sheep; 3) consideration of the AgJOBS legislation as it relates to sheep; and 4) approval of appropriations funding for the continued operations of the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, increased funding to Wildlife Services for predation-management programs for livestock and scrapie eradication.

Issues throughout the industry vary depending on location and size; however, some things remain consistent across all operations. This annual event for producer leaders from the ASI provides a chance to reveal the industry?s united efforts to federal policy makers.