- March 2016
- President’s Notes
- 2016 ASI Convention
- The Strength of a United Voice
- State Execs Benefit from Media Training
- Award Winners Recognized
- Producer Panel Praises EBVs
- PERC Hears Survey Results
- Tips on Preparing for VFD
- Providing Consistent, Quality Lamb
- Let’s Grow Sets New Priorities
- Allotment Records Are Important
- Legislative Council Busy in 2015
- Next Generation Makes Plans
- Arizona Ag Tour
- Optimism For Wool Industry
- Make It With Wool Winners
- Working Dog Liability Insurance
- Seeking Young Producer for Tri-Lamb
- Wolf Testifies on Behalf of Sheep
- Sheep Inventory Up Again
- Use NSIP Data To Improve Lambing Rates
- Market Report
PERC Hears Survey Results
The more things change, the more they stay the same. The old adage seems to apply to the sheep industry, according to a survey conducted by Larry Miller, Ph.D., which he subsequently presented to the Production, Education and Research Council in Scottsdale.
The survey included producers, feeders, packers and wool processors and buyers. Results were similar to those found in other surveys conducted in the last seven years, said Miller.
“It is important to recognize demographic differences when implementing priorities for research and educational resources,” he said. “Producer priorities and challenges vary by demographic groups, such as geographic regions and flock size, but there are many similarities.”
Issues such as labor and flock health were important regardless of geographic location, for instance. The labor issue, however, was less of a concern for smaller flocks. Just as there are some differences based on flock size, there are differences based on location. Western producers listed government regulation, as a challenge, while the issue was rarely mentioned by producers in the East.
The council heard presentations from Maggie Highland, DVM, and Brett Taylor, Ph.D., and dealt with several policy issues related mostly to animal health.