Mexico Confirms New World Screwworm Case 70 miles from U.S. border
On Sunday, September 21, Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality organization confirmed a case of New World Screwworm (NWS) less than 70 miles from the U.S.- Mexico border, in Sabinas Hidalgo, Nuevo Leon. This is the most northern detection of NWS thus far, following a previous detection on July 9 in Veracruz, 370 miles south. This new detection in Sabinas Hidalgo is located near the region’s most heavily trafficked commercial roadways. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) USDA has been working alongside Mexico since July to detect and combat NWS both in Mexico and on the border. The U.S.- Mexico border still remains closed to cattle, bison and horse imports from Mexico, while the agencies continue to monitor for cases. For more information, please see the official USDA announcement.
Podcast on New World Screwworm – Overview and Update
The New World screwworm, a devastating parasite for livestock, poses a potential threat as it migrates north from Central America. In this ASI Research Update podcast, USDA Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Rosemary Sifford explains the history, impacts, and prevention strategies for producers. Learn how vigilance, monitoring, and innovative eradication methods can keep your flock safe.
Click Here to listen to the podcast.
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.
USDA to provide $1 billion to flood and wildfire-impacted livestock producers
On September 12, the USDA announced the availability of $1 billion in aid to livestock producers impacted by floods and wildfires through the Emergency Livestock Relief (ELRP) for 2023 and 2024 Flood and Wildfire (FW). The funding is intended to help offset increased supplemental feed costs due to a qualifying flood or wildfire in the calendar years 2023 and 2024. In order to streamline program delivery, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) has predetermined eligible counties with qualifying natural disasters for 2023 and 2024 and is not requiring producers who experienced loss to submit supporting documentation for floods and wildfires. Additional eligibility criteria are similar to that of the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). Through this funding, eligible producers can receive up to 60% of one month of feed costs for wildfire relief and three months for flood relief. The sign-up period is open now and will remain open until October 31, 2025. You can find the list of approved counties who experienced loss from 2023 and 2024 floods and wildfires, as well as more information regarding the application process here.
USDA Announces Newest Slate of Political Appointees
On September 19, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the newest group of appointees. These include appointees include:
- Samuel Berry was appointed as Chief Information Officer for the Department
- Ken Verheyen was appointed as Senior Advisor for the U.S. Forest Service
- Layne Bangerter was appointed as Senior Advisor for the U.S. Forest Service
- Monica Mason was appointed as Senior Advisor for the Rural Housing Service of Rural Development
- Steve Messeh was appointed as Director for the Center of Faith
- Ted Hanson was appointed as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration
- Joyce White was appointed as State Director for Georgia Rural Development
- Richard “Buddy” Nichols was appointed as State Executive Director for Hawaii Farm Service Agency
- Wade Lee was appointed as State Director for Hawaii Rural Development
- Mike Sexton was appointed as State Director for Iowa Rural Development
- Ronald Russell was appointed as State Director for Missouri Farm Service Agency
- Bill Warden was appointed as State Director for Montana Rural Development
You can find the official press release and additional details here.
Public Lands Council Holds Annual Meeting
Last week, members of ASI and their federal government relations team attended the Public Lands Council (PLC) Annual Meeting in Flagstaff, Arizona. There they discussed the political environment and were able to listen and interact with government officials such as U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schulz and BLM Senior Advisor Brenda Younkin. Additional meetings included conversations around public lands grazing, ESA reform, the NEPA process, general industry issues and even a range tour of a grazing allotment on USFS land outside Flagstaff. Outlook and conversations around public lands ranching and herding were generally hopeful, as PLC has secured many wins in the 119th Congress for the industry.
3-Point Plan to Support U.S. Agriculture
The Administration recently announced a new 3-point plan designed to strengthen agricultural exports and support U.S. farmers and ranchers. While some of the initiatives are new, others build on programs that the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) has used in the past to promote wool and pelts.
- America First Trade Promotion Program – A newly launched program that shares similarities with tools ASI has previously applied for to support international promotion and marketing of U.S. wool and pelts.
- T.R.U.M.P. Missions (Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers) – A new initiative designed to expand overseas marketing opportunities and create stronger reciprocity for U.S. products in global markets.
- Revitalize Export Finance Opportunities – This program was a tool last used in the late 1990s for wool exports, aimed at helping U.S. companies manage financing needs while developing new markets.
Together, these programs aim to support U.S. agriculture with resources to compete effectively in international markets.
Nester Hosiery Announces it will Acquire Assets of Fox River Mills, Relocate Manufacturing to North Carolina
Fox River Mills, a 125-year-old sock manufacturer in Osage, Iowa, will close on October 10, 2025, affecting 105 employees. The company, sold to a private equity firm in 2016, is known for its popular “Socktoberfest” annual sock sale. Following the acquisition, manufacturing operations will move to Nester’s headquarters in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Nester Hosiery plans to open a product development and customer service center in Osage and employ most of Fox River’s sales, marketing, and design staff.
Click Here to read more.
The Australian Wool Market
The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (AWEX-EMI) surged 109 cents higher this week as the wool market’s momentum continued to build. The EMI broke through the 1400-cent mark to close at 1453 cents, its highest point since June 2022. The weekly rise was the largest in six years and extended the rally to 10 straight weeks, equalling the longest unbeaten run (weekly) since 1987. National offerings remained steady with 29,773 bales put to auction. Prices lifted sharply from the opening lot on Tuesday and continued to climb as buyers chased quantity. By the close of the day, the market was generally 100 cents stronger than the previous week, driving the EMI 72 cents higher in its biggest single-day gain since January 2021. Wednesday’s sales followed the same pattern, beginning firmly and strengthening further as the day wore on. By the end of trade, it marked the 18th consecutive day of increases, with Merino fleece adding another 50 cents. The results of the week now have Fine Merino types (19 microns and finer) sitting at 2-year highs, while broader Merinos are at 5-year highs. Skirtings followed suit, lifting between 100 and 150 cents clean for the series. Crossbreds also enjoyed a strong week, closing 60 to 80 cents higher across both days to reach 5-year highs. Merino Cardings were more subdued, edging 10 cents higher. Sellers were keen to meet the rally, pushing the clearance rate to its strongest level in seven years. Looking ahead, offerings are forecast to lift to 35,260 bales across Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle next week.
Click Here for the ASI Conversion Chart – AWEX Prices to USD Per Pound.
Source: AWEX
Boston Lamb Jam Closes Out the 2025 Tour in Flavorful Style
The American Lamb Board’s 2025 Lamb Jam Tour wrapped up in delicious fashion with its final stop in Boston yesterday. Held at First Street Market, the event brought together the city’s top culinary talent to serve up eight mouthwatering lamb bites that wowed the crowd.
Guests sipped on wine from Iron Horse Vineyards, local craft beers, and signature cocktails from Weber Ranch, while enjoying live music, a caricature artist, and a lively photo booth. It was a true celebration of flavor, creativity, and community.
The night ended with the highly anticipated announcement of the 2025 Boston Lamb Jam Master: Chef Will Gilson of Amba took home the top prize with his Arayes (Ground Lamb Stuffed Pita) & Spiced tomato jam, pickled peppers, Amba sauce.
“The Boston event was a truly another unforgettable evening that highlighted the incredible versatility of American Lamb and celebrated the passionate farmers, ranchers, and chefs who bring it to life,” said Jeff Ebert, Chairman of the American Lamb Board.
Congratulations to the 2025 Winning Chefs from Each Market:
Atlanta: Chef Cam Floyd – Superica Dunwoody
Smoked + Braised Lamb Corn Cakes
Austin: Chef Sarah Heard – Foreign & Domestic
Braised Lamb Neck Ravioli
Washington, DC: Chef Rakesh Singh – Rasika West End
Goan Lamb Cutlet
San Francisco: Chef Jason Halverson – The Vault Steakhouse
Lamb & Truffle Sausage
Seattle: Chef Carter King – Revel
Crispy Lamb Bulgogi Dumplings with Cumin Chili Oil
Denver: Chef Ben Hildred – Two Hands
Lamb Spring Roll
Boston: Chef Will Gilson – Amba
Arayes & Spiced tomato jam, pickled peppers, Amba sauce
The seven winning chefs will now go on to celebrate American Lamb at a two-day educational retreat in Texas.
In celebration of the 2025 Lamb Jam Tour, we’re offering FREE Lamb Jam Tour T-shirts in all sizes—just email Rae at [email protected] with your size and mailing address to claim yours!
Source: ALB