ASI Awarded USDA Funding to Expand Global Markets for American Wool
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) has been selected to receive funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for Fiscal Year 2025 under the Quality Samples Program (QSP).

QSP is one of four competitive grant programs that ASI participates in each year to help develop new international markets for American wool. The program plays a critical role in introducing American wool to international buyers by allowing them to learn about the value of American wool and evaluate product quality through direct sampling.

“Foreign buyers can sample American wool to see how it processes with their equipment.” said ASI Executive Board, Julie Hansmire. “Also, QSP is used to find markets for coarser, and higher VM (vegetable matter) lots that have less demand in the United States.”

Through the QSP program, ASI has built lasting customer relationships that have resulted in the purchase of millions of pounds of American wool over time.

ASI does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, age, sex (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, disability, marital or familial status, political beliefs, parental status, receipt of public assistance, or protected genetic information.

Center for Agricultural Resilience Last Solar Grazing Workshop of 2025 – ASI Discount Codes
Our last solar grazing workshop is coming up October 20-22. We are discounting this and our other workshops focused on regenerative agriculture by $500. Additionally, we are offering the following discounts to ASI members:

• 10% off for members purchasing a single ticket (use code ASI10 at checkout)
• 20% off for members purchasing two tickets as partners within the same business (contact Dale Caldwell at 770-530-3961, directly before purchasing to receive this code)

Both discounts must be applied at the time of online purchase using a code, as we’re unable to issue refunds for discounts after payment is made.

Source: The Center for Agricultural Resilience (CFAR)

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.

H-2A Wage Rate Reforms Struck Down by Court
In a final ruling issued on Tuesday, August 28, a federal court in Louisiana struck down the Department of Labor’s 2023 rule on H-2A wage rate calculations. The rule, which was implemented under the Biden Administration, which required the use of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics’ Occupational Employee and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, established higher wage rates for jobs on the farm such as driving a truck or fixing a fence. In the wake of this decision, the Farm Labor Survey will no longer be factored in the OEWS wages when determining the Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

EPA Announces New Guidance to Prevent Vehicle Shutdowns from Diesel Exhaust Fluid Loss
On Monday, August 13, Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) Administration Lees Zeldin announced new guidance for machinery and equipment manufacturers regarding software in diesel-powered vehicles. This new recommendation will impact existing diesel-powered engines by updating software to prevent “sudden and severe power loss” from lack of diesel exhaust fluid. Similar regulations already exist for new diesel trucks, requiring engineering that avoids power loss. This guidance from EPA works to address longstanding issues with diesel exhaust fluid triggers, which reduce equipment speed and productivity in order to comply with Tier 4 emission standards. For more information, visit the EPA’s website.

USDA Extends Public Comment Period for Reorganization to September 30
Reported on Monday, September 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture extended the public comment period for its planned reorganization, which was originally announced July 24. The deadline for public comment was moved to September 30, 2025, from the original deadline of August 31, 2025. While this announcement was quietly made through an update to the USDA website, agency spokespersons have noted that the extension is to ensure that everyone interested in providing feedback is able. This extension follows significant pressure from lawmakers to extend the comment period to at least 60 days for ample stakeholder engagement. To submit a public comment, email [email protected].

The American Lamb Board Wraps Up a Sizzling Summer of Lambventures!
This summer, ALB recruited 12 party hosts to gather guests for a lambventures celebration with American Lamb and WOW, did our hosts deliver. From backyard grills to garden feasts, this summer was all about celebrating with friends, family, and flavorful American Lamb.  From lamb burgers to kabobs to smoked shoulders, the party hosts promoted the versatility of American Lamb for summer grilling.

Consumers were encouraged to visit the American Lamb Board’s consumer site to view and vote for their favorite Summer Lambventures parties.

There were two categories of party hosts: Amateur (home chefs) and Professional (food influencers), and the competition was fierce!

Amateur Category Winner:

Victoria Bell stole the show with her “Big Fat Greek Garden Party”—a vibrant, flavor-packed celebration that brought Mediterranean magic to the table.  She served Rosemary Citrus Grilled American Lamb Chops.

Pro Category Winner:

Maciek (@grillin_with_dad – 891 K followers) fired things up with “Lamb and Flame”—a backyard bash that sizzled with smoky goodness and serious grill skills.  His lamb dishes were Grilled American Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri and Slow Smoked Leg of Lamb.

“We loved seeing how each host fired up the grill, got creative, and showed off just how fun (and delicious!) cooking with American Lamb can be.” Said ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert.

We’re already counting down to next summer… who’s ready for more Lambventures?

Source: ALB