Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The ASI office will be closed on Thursday, December 25, and there will be no newsletter that day.
ASI and State Associations Mobilize Industry as Dec. 19 Deadline Nears on Lamb Import Issue
As highlighted in last week’s update, the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) has been actively working to advance both House and Senate “Dear Colleague” letters. These letters call on members of Congress to urge the U.S. Trade Representative to support the U.S. International Trade Commission in initiating a global safeguard investigation into lamb meat imports under Sections 201–202 of the Trade Act of 1974.
This initiative stems from significant market losses caused by foreign lamb imports flooding domestic markets. The House letter is being led by Western Caucus Chairman Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), while the Senate letter is spearheaded by Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT).
The sheep industry is making a strong push to secure signatures before tomorrow’s December 19th deadline for both letters. ASI, Cornerstone staff, and state associations have worked together to coordinate with producers and reach out to members of Congress who have championed or been an ally to the industry and urged their support for our initiative and the letter. While this outreach has been critical and effective, your producer and constituent voices matter most. We need producers to contact their members of Congress TODAY and request their support for this effort.
How to Act:
Everything you need to take action, including an email template, the House Dear Colleague letter, the Senate Dear Colleague letter, and additional resources, are available here: https://www.sheepusa.org/issues/asi-trade-case
- Use ASI’s Call to Action materials to guide your outreach.
- Find your member of Congress [here].
- For assistance, contact our DC policy team:
- Macey Hammerstrom: [email protected]
- Sarah Rosasco: [email protected]
For additional questions, reach out to ASI staff. Together, we can protect the future of the U.S. sheep industry.
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 Announces Mexico Agrees to Meet 1944 Water Treaty Obligations
On Friday, December 12, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the U.S. and Mexico reached an agreement regarding the two countries’ 1944 Water Treaty obligations and Mexico will now repay the outstanding water deficit the country owes Texas. Mexico has agreed to release 202,000-acre feet of water to the U.S. with deliveries as soon as December 15, 2026, and timeliness of delivery has been reportedly convened and understood by Mexico. Looking ahead, the U.S. and Mexico are currently in negotiations to finalize a plan by the end of January 2026. You can read the official press release here.
USDA Announces New Regenerative Pilot Program
On Wednesday, December 10, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced a $700 million Regenerative Pilot Program to help American farmers and ranchers adopt practices that improve soil health, enhance water quality, and boost long-term agricultural productivity. Administered by the Natural Resources Conversation Service (NRCS), this new Regenerative Pilot Program delivers a streamlined, outcome-based conservation model—empowering producers to plan and implement whole-farm regenerative practices through a single application. Organizations interested in partnering with USDA-NRCS on the Regenerative Pilot Program can do so by emailing [email protected] for more information. You can read more on the announcement here.
LaMalfa, Boebert Praise Passage of Legislation Delisting Gray Wolf
The U.S. House passed H.R. 845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act, by a 211–204 vote. The bill would delist gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act and return management authority to the states. Supporters say wolf populations have recovered and that state-led management will better address conflicts with livestock and rural communities.
Click Here to read more.
ASI Research Update Podcast: Understanding Polio in Sheep and Goats
Dr. Richard Earhart, small ruminant extension specialist at Michigan State University, joins host Jake Thorne on the ASI Research Update Podcast to discuss polioencephalomalacia (polio), a challenging neurologic condition affecting sheep and goats. In the episode, Dr. Earhart explains what polio is, common risk factors including diet changes and sulfur intake, early warning signs producers should watch for, and practical steps to reduce risk through nutrition and management. He also emphasizes the importance of early detection and having thiamine on hand, as prompt treatment can lead to full recovery in most cases.
With just two weeks remaining until the registration deadline, now is the time to secure your spot at the convention. Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of full access to educational sessions, networking opportunities, and industry updates.
Click Here to listen to the podcast on SoundCloud.
Click Here to listen to the podcast on Spotify.
Join Us in Reno for the ASI Annual Convention!
With just two weeks remaining until the registration deadline, now is the time to secure your spot. Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of full access to educational sessions, networking opportunities, and industry updates.
REIMAGINE WOOL Digital Poster Contest
The deadline is almost here! You have just days left to submit your vision for the future of underutilized wool (>25 micron) in the REIMAGINE WOOL Digital Poster Contest!
Don’t miss your chance to:
- Win the $$$1,000 Grand Prize!
- Gain valuable networking opportunities with the American Wool Council.
- Make a tangible impact by envisioning new uses for American wool
This is your final opportunity to submit a design that inspires a new product, process, or market for sustainable American fiber. Entries are due by January 1, 2025. Find more at www.sheepusa.org/reimagine-wool-digital-poster-contest
Australian Wool Market
The final sale week of 2025 has concluded in unspectacular fashion which can be considered positive when all things are considered. The EMI started the week at 1542 and after two days of selling closed out the year at 1541. The West Australian Indicator also showed minimal change closing at 1715c increasing by 3c for their 1-day sale held on Tuesday. Generally speaking, all microns and qualities throughout changed marginally, this particular sale week has a habit of being volatile as the 3 week recess interrupts sales and movement of wool and reduces liquidity for many participants. Premiums and discounts are continually changing along with the quality of available offerings and multiple factors decide the eventual price of wool. Merino fleece position of break or what some known as POBM (Position Of Break Middle) is one of many
measurements that buyers and mills specify in their orders, at this time of the year the mid break starts to increase affecting CVH (Coefficient of Variation of Hauter) which measures the
variation in Hauter length in wool once processed into top, staple strength or Nkt(Newtons per Kilotex) is also an important factor. Low CVH provides a strong and more even yarn, with a CVH less than 50% signifying are more even yarn, while over 50% provides more variability in yarn quality. Additional premiums remain available to clips accredited to animal welfare programs for those lots that are NM/CM (Non Mulesed/Ceased Muled) in both merino and crossbred wools with the correct measurements individual mills specify.On behalf of all of us at the Australian Wool Exchange we wish you and your friends and families a wonderful Christmas and prosperous new year.
Click Here for the ASI Conversion Chart – AWEX Prices to USD Per Pound.
Source: Awax
2025 Annual Report: Progress, Innovation, and Momentum
In 2025, the American Lamb Board (ALB) continued its mission to grow consumer demand, expand strategic partnerships, and invest in research and education to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of American Lamb.
Across marketing, research, education, and industry outreach, ALB programs reached consumers, retail and foodservice customers, and influencers nationwide—while providing new tools and opportunities for producers.
Key Highlights:
- Grow Consumer Demand: Lamb Jam, seasonal campaigns, recipes and cooking classes, retail promotions, events, and social media engagement
- Improve Product Quality & Consistency: Suspended Fresh research, industry engagement, and education
- Increase Productivity & Year-Round Supply: Targeted grazing workshops, Lamb Summit, best practice guides, and the Emissions Calculator
- Expand Checkoff Engagement: Newsletters, social media, industry resources, and reports
“Demand continues to rise, and our next challenge is clear: expanding domestic supply to meet this growing interest. This is an exciting time to be part of the industry, and we have every reason to be proud of how far we’ve come—and optimistic about the opportunities ahead,” says ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert.
Through these combined programs, ALB is building momentum across demand, supply, quality, and stewardship to secure a stronger, more competitive future for American Lamb.
Visit lambboard.com for the full FY 2025 Annual Report.
Source: ALB