ASI Wants to Hear from You!

The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is committed to understanding what matters most to our members, and your input is key. We’re inviting you to share your thoughts on ASI’s communications so we can improve how we deliver the information you need.

What topics are most important to you? How can we better keep you informed and engaged?

Your feedback will directly influence how ASI communicates with members and stakeholders across the industry. The survey takes just 2 minutes to complete, and all responses are confidential.

Make your voice heard and help strengthen communication across the American sheep industry. The survey will be available for your completion until  August 15.

Click Here to Complete the Survey.

 

Legislative Update from Washington, D.C.

The American Sheep Industry Association’s lobbying firm – Cornerstone Government Affairs – offered an update this week on legislative issues in our nation’s capital.

Senate Confirms USDA Trade Under Secretary Luke Lindberg
On Saturday, August 2, the full Senate voted to confirm Luke Lindberg to be the next U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA). In this role, he will be responsible for advising Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and other USDA officials on trade issues, as well as running point for the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and U.S. Codex Office. Previously, he was the Chief Executive Officer of South Dakota Trade, a public–private partnership focused on expanding international market access for South Dakota’s agricultural exporters. He also served as Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the U.S. Export-Import Bank during the first Trump Administration. Lindberg now joins Secretary Brooke Rollins, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, and General Counsel Tyler Clarkson as the only USDA nominees to clear the Senate confirmation process thus far. After the August Recess, the Senate will resume session and look to continue confirming USDA nominees that remain in the queue.

USDA Opens Public Comment Period on Department Wide Reorganization Plan
On Friday, August 1, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the launch of a 30-day public comment period for stakeholders to share feedback regarding the Department’s large-scale reorganization plan. This comes after the Secretary’s memorandum on July 24, 2025, that outlined the intent and direction behind the Department’s plan to relocate USDA employees within the Washington D.C. area across five regional hubs and the Senate Agriculture Committee’s hearing featuring Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden’s testimony on the matter. The comment period is open through August 26, 2025, and stakeholders interested in submitting comments can do so by emailing [email protected].

DOL Temporarily Suspends H-2A Certification Fee Collection
Last week, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced intent to pause fee collections from employers using the H-2A farmworker visa program. DOL said the suspension is due to a transition to an electronic payment system. Current practices require employers who participate in H-2A to mail physical money orders and checks as payment. DOL collects up to $1,000 per temporary agricultural labor certification. DOL said it will use the suspension period to upgrade their technology and coordinate the new system with the Treasury Department. The suspension is supposed to be temporary, and its temporary status will go into effect 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register. The 30 days also allows for invoices with due dates before the suspension to be paid. You can find the official regulatory filing regarding the temporary suspension of H-2A fees here.

 

ASI Provides Grants to Shearers

For the fourth consecutive year, ASI has provided grants totaling $15,000 to developing shearers. Seeing the large and continuing need for more shearers across the U.S. for both large and small sheep operations, the ASI Wool Council created the Developing Shearer & Mentor grant program to incentivize the development of domestic shearers.

The 2025 grant ran from January through June and was given to 8 developing shearers who sheared in 18 states from Maryland, to North Dakota, to Kansas, to Oregon. Two of their mentors were also provided grants to compensate for equipment, instruction and jobs given to students. Developing shearers utilized the funds for equipment and supplies including handpieces, combs, cutters, and a wool packer.

“This program has been an absolute blessing that has helped me to finish the transition from being a wrangler/wool packer that got to shear at certain jobs, to a full-time shearer that can now operate independently. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone involved who made this program possible and I look forward to continuing my career as a full-time shearer.”, said grant recipient Katie Pierce.

 

Seattle Lamb Jam Event Sets Sail

Seattle Lamb Jam set sail on July 30 aboard The HIYU, a floating ferry boat that brought the magic of Lamb Jam to Lake Union. Guests enjoyed a scenic evening with stunning views, lively music, and incredible lamb bites from seven of Seattle’s top chefs.

A big congratulations to our 2025 Seattle Lamb Jam Master, Chef Carter King of Revel, who impressed both attendees and judges with his Crispy Lamb Bulgogi Dumplings with Cumin Chili Oil—a bold and unforgettable bite!

The ferry was filled with good vibes, thanks to craft cocktails from Weber Ranch, pours from Iron Horse Vineyards, a caricature artist, and beautiful scenery.

Seattle was another sold-out success on the 2025 Lamb Jam tour, which visits seven key markets. With only two events remaining, tickets are selling fast. Make plans to attend one of the final Lamb Jam events in Denver on Aug. 20 or Boston on Sept. 24. Tickets are available online at americanlamb.com/lamb-jam.

“The 2025 Lamb Jam tour has been a huge success so far with multiple sold-out events,” says ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert. “It’s exciting to see so much interest in developing and enjoying delicious American Lamb dishes from some amazing chefs across the country.”

Lamb Jam supports World Central Kitchen with part of the proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales going directly to the organization, helping to provide meals to those in need and responding to humanitarian, climate, and community crises.

Source: ALB

 

University Holds Rafter 7 Ram and Ewe Sale in Eureka, Nevada, September 13

The University of Nevada, Reno will host its annual Rafter 7 Ram & Ewe Sale on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Eureka County Fairgrounds. The sale will feature more than 200 Rafter 7 Merino sheep—known for their superfine wool and adaptability to harsh, arid climates—including a select group of 30 purebred Merino ewes. The event begins with animal inspection at 8 a.m., followed by a complimentary lamb lunch at noon, with the sale kicking off at 1 p.m. Buyers can attend in person or participate through a virtual sale platform. Sale catalogs with detailed performance and wool data will be available online and mailed out in late August. On-site veterinary support will be provided for buyers who need health certificates for transport. For more information, visit naes.unr.edu/rafter-7-merino-sheep.

Source: Nevada Today

 

Video of the Week

Research remains a critical component in keeping farmers and ranchers profitable and in business. For sheep producers, the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho is still the hub for that valuable research and information.

During the 2025 American Lamb Summit in Moscow, ID one of the presenters was Dr. Bret Taylor from the U.S Sheep Experiment Station. He talked about some of their research regarding recapturing and discovering ewe value in western range systems.

Click Here to watch the video.