BEN LEHFELDT, ASI President
It has been a whirlwind six months in the legislative process, with little time to catch our breath. Whether it is weathering a storm of layoffs throughout our ARS or USDA stations, or expediting an administrative message for the sheep industry to D.C. before the tide changes, life has been exciting for all of us trying to make positive change for the industry.
Where are we at? What can we do better? What can we do faster? All of these are important questions. Over the past six months, we have assembled several teams to concentrate on certain issues. The H2A Working Group has been very active early in the year, and it looks like ag worker labor reform may be an important topic taken up by legislators after the reconciliation process. This group is actively working with members of the Department of Labor, and I look forward to progress in this area. I am very thankful to all our state associations stepping up and helping generate messages that can help lead us to make a difference immediately. Peter and our Cornerstone team have been working hard to identify legitimate opportunities to slow lamb import pressures. We have been providing lamb company data to our Trade Representatives when negotiating the tariff structure. Along with direct negotiation with import countries, progress is still being made towards a potential trade case. We need some reprieve from this influx of imported lamb, and we are going to press every button we can to find a path to a “Fair” (not necessarily “Free”) lamb trade.
While this may be an optimistic time period to make progress on lamb imports, the wool trade has suffered from tariffs and, more specifically, the unpredictability of where, when, and how the tariffs may change next. It is hard to predict when predictability of the trade may return, but there has been a large focus on both domestic and international wool trade by your Wool Council, the officer team, and staff. There is continuing work being done identifying the needs of our domestic textile chain, identifying ways to provide value for coarser and off-wools in the market, and ranking short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term needs with funding sources.
I expect ASI to be delivering many Call-To-Actions over late summer and fall. We may have many chances to make small changes politically, and maybe even a chance to make a large change for the industry. The remainder of the “Farm Bill” will be an important vehicle to supply some of the sheep priorities, most notably the demand of ASI to provide the sheep industry with a risk protection product from RMA. In the absence of LRP-lamb, our entire industry is void of any risk protection product or futures market. Through the Farm Bill, we plan to legislatively require the RMA to provide a product that will give some level of stability. Our ASI lobbying firm has some examples of at least a starting point for what that product might look like, and this important directive has always been included in the House Ag Committee’s Farm Bill drafts.
Thank you to all our producer volunteers. All this potential progress ultimately is successful or unsuccessful based upon the impact of the volunteers throughout the ASI team. Please reach out to your Senators and Representatives – tell them your story and the sheep industry story of lamb and wool. I believe we have created a small wave of momentum in D.C., starting at our ASI fly-in, that needs to be maintained through action and aggressiveness. We have seen the fruits of our labor over the last months with certain Senators and Representatives reaching back, to our industry for what they can do to help. We need to fan those flames and keep the momentum moving forward.
Through July and into the first part of August, weekly lamb and mutton production has been averaging just over 2 million pounds per week. This is about on par with lamb and mutton production levels during the same time last year. Weekly lamb and yearling slaughter in July ranged from 32 to just over 34 thousand head per week, which was above year-ago levels by roughly 1,400 per head per week (5%). While the number of head slaughtered has been tracking above year-ago levels in recent weeks, this increase has been partially offset by dressed weights tracking lower than last year by more than -2% (2 lbs.) on average, leading to similar year-over-year production levels.
Lamb and mutton in cold storage was reported at just under 21 million pounds in June, a decline of -11.6%, or almost 2.8 million pounds, from a year ago. Each month in 2025 has reported inventory levels below a year ago and well below the five-year average. Lower levels of lamb and mutton in cold storage is a positive signal that inventory levels do not appear to be building, and demand is pulling product through the supply chain, which is price-supportive in the near term.
Lamb Price Update
Feeder lamb prices (60-90 lbs., 3-market average) continue to track seasonally lower through the summer months. In June, feeder lamb prices ranged from about $240 to just over $260 per cwt. Prices in July were between $220 to $240 per cwt with the first week of August reporting a price of $223.75 per cwt. A year ago, the price for the first week of August was $214 per cwt, and the five-year average (2019-2023) was $195 per cwt.
Slaughter lamb prices (national negotiated live) surged through June and into the first part of July, increasing from $161 per cwt to almost $200 per cwt. The first week of August reported the highest slaughter lamb price for the year, so far, at $204 per cwt. A year ago, the first week of August reported a price of $196 per cwt. Seasonally, slaughter lamb prices strengthen during the summer months and peak around July, so the price strength into August is noteworthy. Seasonally, slaughter lamb prices tend to moderate lower through the second half of the year, which will be an item to watch through August and into September.
Lamb and Mutton Trade Discussion
USDA released statistics through June, giving a mid-year perspective on trade flows. Through the first six months of the year, lamb imports totaled 147.4 million pounds, which is a decline of 6.2 million pounds (-4.0%) from the same period last year. Year-to-date declines were seen from both Australia and New Zealand. Imports from Australia totaled 108.1 million pounds through June, a decrease of 2.1 million pounds (-1.9%) from last year. Lamb imports from New Zealand decreased 3.4 million pounds (-8.2%) to 38.0 million pounds through the first six months. From January to June, Australia accounted for 73% of total lamb imports, and New Zealand accounted for 26%.
Lamb imports for May and June were 22.4 and 23.8 million pounds, respectively, which declined 5.7 and 4.6 million pounds, or -20.3% and -16.3%, from the prior year. Mutton imports in May were 816 thousand pounds, a decrease of nearly 3.0 million pounds (-78.5%), while imports of mutton in June were just over 1.0 million pounds, which corresponds to a decrease of 2.1 million pounds (-67.1%). The slowing of lamb and mutton imports in May and June is notable as it is not only reflective of seasonal patterns but also changing trade dynamics during those months. Moving into the second half of this year, if monthly lamb and mutton imports follow similar declines to May and June, then this could signal a slowing of shipments through the second half of the year.
Lamb exports through the first half of the year were 785 thousand pounds, an increase of 361 thousand pounds (+85.2%) from the same period in 2024. Lamb exports in May and June were both over 200 thousand pounds, which is significant because the last time lamb exports were above that level was December 2019 (239 million pounds). Mutton exports totaled just over 3.0 million pounds through the first six months of the year, an increase of 812 thousand pounds (+36.4%) from the previous year.
Wool Update
Wool prices in July, on a weekly basis, generally saw favorable improvement. The Australian Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose about +1.5% from June to July. Prices for 17- and 18-micron wool increased about +1% to +2% month over month while the 19-micron wool price decreased marginally less than -1% from June to July. Prices for 20- to 22-micron wool reported increases that ranged from +2% to nearly +3% in July when compared to June prices. Stronger price increases were seen for 25- to 32-micron wool ranging from +5% to more than +8% from June to July. Compared to a year ago, 17- to 22-micron wool prices in July increased about +1% to almost 9%, while 25- to 32-micron wool prices posted double-digits gains ranging from +13% to +23%. In July, the Australian Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) increased about +9% compared to a year ago.
Australian wool supplies have increased leading up to the mid-year auction recess. The number of bales offered in July ranged from 23,623 to 37,946, with the later number of bales offered came the last week of July. This was the highest weekly number of bales offered since the first week of May when it was reported at 40,295 bales. Compared to June, the number of bales offered in July was an increase of nearly +16%. Looking ahead, support for wool prices will be driven in part by global demand for wool, meaning exchange rates will also remain a factor. The Australian dollar has seen some weakening in recent weeks compared to a year ago, which is supportive for Australian wool prices.
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.
Travis W. Hoffman, Ph.D.
Dr. Travis Hoffman is employed at North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota as the Extension Sheep Specialist and Associate Professor and is based in Fargo, ND. His extension and research program has focused on management impacts on lamb retail yield, quality and value, and improving supply chain efforts from producer to consumer.
An energized crowd of sheep enthusiasts traveled to Moscow, Idaho, for the American Lamb Summit on July 23-25, hosted by the University of Idaho. The gathering showed that a positive look forward is key for tackling industry issues and preparing producers for future success.
The lamb summit, hosted by the American Lamb Board, has been held in Colorado, Michigan, and now Idaho to allow fellow producers and industry experts to network and to learn production strategies and innovations.
“The summit was a great opportunity to engage with veteran lamb producers and industry leaders while also welcoming new producers,” says Jeff Ebert, chair of the American Lamb Board. “It’s encouraging to see such a diverse group of industry leaders from across the country all share an excitement about the future of the American lamb industry.”
The conference theme was “Increasing the American Lamb Industry’s Competitiveness.” While this scope is broad, self-reflection and perseverance for improvement are increasingly paramount for this industry’s survival and growth.
The U.S. sheep inventory showed an increase recently, and ewe numbers and regional growth shifting from west to east have led to optimism. A stabilization of U.S. inventory is encouraging, as this is the first year of increased numbers since 2016. In exciting news, U.S. lamb consumption was up to 1.3 pounds per person per year for 2024 — a 14% increase from a year ago.
Lamb Quality
Lamb merchandised at retail is a $895 million business. According to Midan Marketing, 67% of survey respondents reported eating lamb in 2024, and 20% increased their lamb consumption. Data showed a 12.2% increase in product sales (lb.) and 5.2% value ($) increase year over year in 2024. Further, eating satisfaction is widely known as our primary selling point. A total of 64% of respondents stated that taste and flavor are the reasons they like lamb.
Maggie O’Quinn of Midan Marketing says that our largest consumer market growth segment is among the “connected trendsetters” who enjoy meat as their main dish, yet experiment with specialty entrees and have eclectic tastes for all proteins.
According to colleagues from Kroger and Sysco, the American lamb industry must focus on its strengths to compete internationally. It should be expected to provide consistency, and to constantly make consumer-preferred lamb as it relates to quality, size and price. Retailers know that consumers who purchase lamb have higher receipt totals, so it is important to improve availability. Further, our industry is making progress on the convenience of retail-ready, marinated and minimum-preparation items for the busy U.S. consumer.
Production Efficiency
On Wednesday evening, small-group breakout discussions hosted by industry leaders allowed for more targeted conversation. Highlighted topics included grazing systems, targeted grazing, genetic selection, nutrition strategies, direct marketing, production efficiencies, record keeping, animal health and carcass quality. This was a great opportunity to ask questions to experts in a variety of supply chain areas.
Production efficiencies were explored through producer panels and speakers, triggering discussion among attendees. Targeted grazing, aligning production expectations with operational resources and scaling up to meet market demand were common themes from invited sheep producers.
Thursday was filled with interactive learning: an educational pasture walk with Woody Lane, pasture management consultant; ram breeding soundness and ewe artificial insemination demonstrations at the University of Idaho Sheep Center; and a lamb sausage-making demonstration at the meat science laboratory.
Scott Bowdridge, a West Virginia University professor, related his research to the audience by stressing that genetic selection for improved parasite immunity may impact greater animal health attributes, including colostrum production and antibody response. As sheep health can be managed and selected, the continued efforts offer intrigue and excitement for the future.
Take-home Messages
A panel of industry experts (Dan Lippert, Linda Martiny, Greg Ahart and Reed Anderson), moderated by Travis Hoffman, provided insights and analysis of the American lamb supply chain.
Our 2014 Lamb Industry Roadmap, funded by the ALB, identified four key pathways to success: 1) product characteristics, 2) demand creation, 3) productivity improvement and 4) industry collaboration. Our colleagues addressed the big issues, including seasonality and volatility, value-based pricing, a shifting marketplace, direct marketing and international competition.
A decade later, our experts gave our industry-wide implementation a C+ grade. We are making progress, but there is room for improvement through reproduction, genetics, health, nutrition and product quality.
The American Lamb Board and previous co-sponsor Premier 1 originally initiated the American Lamb Summit to ask the tough questions and work together as an industry for a prosperous journey forward.
This year’s ALB-sponsored summit offered networking opportunities for people with a shared passion and a chance to learn from our industry’s finest. Forward thinking on improving production efficiencies and product quality across our supply chain is imperative as we use smart solutions to build stronger flocks and elevate U.S. lamb.
Let’s look forward to the 2027 American Lamb Summit, and let’s build to increase the American Lamb industry’s competitiveness. Visit LambBoard.com/lamb-summit for speaker presentations and updates on future events.
Lee Jarvis, 92, passed away July 25, 2025. Born Leon Evans Jarvis, February 9, 1933 in Palmyra, Utah to Joseph Leon and Anna Lucilla Hansen Jarvis. He attended Spanish Fork schools and graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1951. He married Joan Hansen in the Manti LDS Temple April 2, 1953. Six children joined their family over the next seven years. Followed by 21 grandkids, 70 great grandkids and six, soon to be eight, great-great grandkids! Survivors include his children, Vicki (Dale) Jackson, Sherri (Richard) Pitts, Cathi Jarvis, Mark (Linda) Jarvis, Matt (Sandra) Jarvis, Jill (Mark) Olsen. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Paul and Shirl Jarvis and three sisters Mary Jarvis, Mae Hansen and Jean Jarvis, and granddaughter Jenny Marie Olsen.
Lee loved the life he created; family, sheep and farming. He raised Registered Suffolk and Columbia Sheep. He attended numerous shows and sold rams throughout the United States. He made many life-long friends through the various sheep organizations he was involved in. He served in leadership positions in the County Farm Bureau, Registered Sheep Breeders, Suffolk Sheep Association, Columbia Sheep Breeders Association, Utah Wool Growers, American Sheep Industry, Utah State Fair Board and several livestock show committees. He received numerous awards and recognitions for his service to the sheep industry. He owned a ranch in Soda Springs, Idaho where he spent his summers with Joan, herding the sheep. He welcomed family and friends at any time. He especially enjoyed the last week of June when several generations gathered at the ranch for the weekend. Everyone looked forward to the bacon, eggs, and pancakes cooked to perfection.
Jessy Shanks
Extension Specialist
Small Ruminant and Youth Programs
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Teaser rams have been in use for many years, but due to the increasing use of advanced reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer, they have become a topic of conversation among sheep producers. A teaser ram is a vasectomized male that still has his testicles, along with the accompanying hormones and attitude, but essentially shoots blanks when it comes to ejaculation. Why would this male be of any use to a sheep producer? There are a few reasons why they can be useful, but they may not work for everyone.
Sheep are known for their seasonally polyestrous pattern of reproductive behavior, meaning they experience multiple estrous cycles during one season of the year. Sheep are primarily short-day breeders, so this season is in the fall for most breeds, although there are a few exceptions. Due to their seasonality, sheep often start to cycle when daylight begins to decrease, but this can be hastened a bit by introducing a ram.
We call this the “ram effect” which simply means that when a ram is introduced, usually a novel male that they have not seen before and have not had close contact with, females will start to cycle because they are stimulated by pheromones produced by the ram. It is important that the females are kept away from any male sheep for at least a month prior to this introduction in order for the ram effect to be strongest, and yes this includes ram lambs. Once the novel ram is introduced some females will immediately start to cycle and some will start to cycle later, but these are often “silent heats” meaning they show no outward signs of being in heat.
A teaser ram can help by stimulating ewes to come into heat and then actually mounting them. However, if the vasectomy was performed correctly, he will not be able to cause any pregnancies due to there being no sperm in his ejaculate. By introducing the teaser ram, the producer knows which females are cycling and the fertile ram does not have to do all this work to initiate cyclicity. Most research indicates that the fertile ram can be introduced 17–23 days after introduction of the teaser ram; then, the fertile ram can breed the females. In short, the teaser ram does all the work, but the fertile ram comes in and can hopefully provide a tighter breeding and lambing window.
Teaser rams are utilized often in artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) programs because they can detect heat in females by marking them (if equipped with a ram harness or another form of marking paint). This way the veterinarian performing these procedures can be assured that the synchronization protocol worked and the females are indeed in heat prior to performing AI or ET. These programs can be successful without the use of a teaser ram, but most producers find them to be helpful when a teaser is detecting heat for you.
A teaser ram is created by removing a section of the vas deferens to prevent sperm transport. This allows the teaser to act, smell and perform just like a fertile ram, but he is not capable of ejaculating sperm. It is important to note that the teaser will need time to heal from this relatively simple procedure, which is performed by a veterinarian under general anesthesia. He should be recovered and ready to work a few weeks before you actually need to use him. It is also worth mentioning that a quick semen check is beneficial to make sure the teaser is indeed shooting blanks and cannot get any females pregnant. That would be a bad day if your “teaser” was actually fertile and ended up breeding all your females who were set up for an AI or ET protocol!
Teaser rams, like other advanced reproductive techniques, are just a tool to help bring your females into heat sooner and hopefully in a tighter timeframe than with natural breeding by itself. They are not a requirement, and they might not work well for everyone. Some of the drawbacks to utilizing teaser rams would be the actual surgery. Both the cost to perform it and the task of finding someone qualified to do it can be hard to justify for some people needing a teaser ram quickly. Producers do sell teaser rams from time to time but be cautious because this male may not have impregnated females, but he certainly has performed the act of breeding them and may be transmitting disease without your knowledge.
Only purchase from someone you know has healthy animals that you can trust. If you already have your females around males, then utilizing a teaser ram may not benefit your flock much due to the females already being exposed to male pheromones. Teaser rams still act like rams! This cannot be overstated as these males can still be aggressive and have just as much attitude as their fertile counterparts. Treat teaser rams just like your fertile rams in terms of housing them in solid structures and/or within well maintained fences. Teaser rams also need to have good teeth, vision, structure and be healthy with a high libido. A few sheep breeds that make good teasers include hair breeds, Suffolk, Dorset and Finn Sheep.
The goal of utilizing teaser rams is to tighten up your breeding window and therefore your lambing window as well. Good planning is essential to using teaser rams successfully, as well as doing your research and asking questions. Have this conversation with fellow producers, your veterinarian, or an Extension professional in your state to help you decide if using a teaser ram could benefit your operation.
Liz Wilder
Executive Director
Idaho Wool Growers Association
The Idaho State Ram Sale, now in its 104th year, stands as a cornerstone event in the sheep industry. Hosted by the Idaho Wool Growers Association, on July 12th at the Twin Falls County Fairgrounds in Filer, Idaho, the sale draws buyers from across the west. This annual sale showcased a wide selection of high-quality rams from breeders from six western states, offering an opportunity for sheep enthusiasts and ranchers to enhance their flocks with exclusive genetics.
In total, 141 rams were sold with an overall sale average of $625.89.
“While prices were softer than anticipated, the Idaho Wool Growers Association thanks its buyers and consignors who help make this sale possible,” said Liz Wilder, Executive Director, “At the time of the sale on July 12th, lambs in Idaho were not yet under contract and prices were still in negotiation, leading to market uncertainty. The timing of how this played out is reflected in our averages. Typically, by the time the Idaho State Ram Sale rolls around, enough lambs are under contract to give buyers a floor to base their buying decisions off of. Unfortunately, this year, our sale was about 3 days too early.”
Expanding To New Markets
The Idaho State Ram Sale brought together buyers and consignors to celebrate the rich heritage of sheep production in the west. From Columbias, to Rambouillets, Suffolks to Crossbreds, and yearlings to lambs the sale provided an unparalleled opportunity for buyers to buy well rounded rams with great genes. With the ability to buy in person and online, the sale provided the opportunity for interstate collaboration and a wider buyer base.
Rams went to buyers in 8 western states, including, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Montana, and South Dakota. Since the implementation of the online video auction in 2022, rams have sold across the United States, from the San Juan Islands in Washington State to West Virginia. Prior to the sale, over 400 catalogs were mailed to 27 states. This coast-to-coast reach reflects on the keen interest and unique genetics seedstock producers in the west provide.
At this year’s sale, all suffolk stud rams were registered with the United Suffolk Sheep Association. In doing so, this opened the market for purebred Suffolk producers wanting registered rams for their flocks to buy out of the sale.
“The online video auction, and additional marketing efforts, has allowed the Idaho State Ram Sale to expand its reach and further showcase the important role it plays in providing value for sheep producers not only in Idaho, but the United States,” said Wilder, “Our goal is to continue to find ways to add value, expand our reach, and increase the bottom line of sheep producers in all levels of production.”
The Suffolk Sale of the West
What is known as the “Suffolk Sale of the West”, the Idaho State Ram Sale pays tribute to the state’s history and continued use of utilizing the Suffolk ram as a premier terminal sire. The Suffolk ram is a staple in the Idaho sheep herd as it adds desirable carcass characteristics, muscle traits, and weight on lambs.
The Suffolk breed is historic to Idaho, having made their appearance in the western states in 1919. Three ewe and two rams landed in Moscow, Idaho at the University of Idaho and quickly impressed Idaho sheepman. Today, over 100 years later, it is estimated that over 50% of western range lambs harvested in the United States have some degree of Suffolk influence.
The Idaho State Ram Sale for the past 104 years has driven this standard and continues to do so, by fostering previous markets and delving into new ones.
“The Idaho State Ram Sale, and any state ram sale, provides an unparalleled service to producers by serving as a conduit between buyers and sellers. The sale connects producers of all flocks sizes with market opportunities, networking, and further expansion,” said Wilder, “Regardless of flock size, buyers and sellers are able to engage in the industry and further their market access by engaging in state ram sales.”
July 12, 2025, marked the 104th year of the Idaho State Ram Sale, and the Idaho Wool Growers would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the buyers and consignors who continue to make this sale possible. The continued support and participation have helped establish the sale as a key event in the sheep industry, promoting excellence and fostering valuable connections.
Dr. Rosie Busch
Dr. Bret McNabb
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
As we prepare for the upcoming breeding season, the health and fertility of our rams deserve careful attention. Rams may make up a small fraction of the flock, but they carry the weight of its reproductive success. A single infertile or infected ram can quietly derail a lambing season, making proactive health management essential.
At the heart of this effort are two tools that work together: the breeding soundness exam (BSE) and Brucella ovis testing. Together, they offer a reliable way to ensure your ram battery is ready for the work ahead.
Beyond Looks: What a Breeding Soundness Exam Tells You
A breeding soundness exam is more than a quick glance at body condition or a confident gait across the pasture. It’s a thorough assessment designed to answer one critical question: Can this ram settle ewes?
Ideally performed six to eight weeks before breeding turnout, a BSE begins with a full physical exam. The veterinarian will evaluate the ram’s general health, musculoskeletal soundness, body condition, vision, and even his teeth. Healthy rams should have a body condition score between 3 and 4 on a 5-point scale and be free of lameness or injury, particularly to the head and neck—common trouble spots in group-housed rams prone to fighting.
Special attention is given to the reproductive tract. The external genitalia are examined for abnormalities like scrotal hernias, pizzle rot, or abscesses. The testes, epididymis, and spermatic cords are palpated for symmetry, tone, and the presence of granulomas or masses. A scrotal circumference measurement gives insight into sperm production potential—mature rams should measure at least 33 centimeters. Mature rams with a small scrotal circumference, or an abnormal scrotal palpation, should be removed from the breeding flock.
Semen is collected either by electroejaculation or artificial vagina and analyzed under a microscope. Both the sperm motility and sperm morphology (sperm shape) are important for fertility. Good fertility is marked by at least 30% progressive motility and fewer than 30% abnormal sperm cells. While libido—the ram’s actual desire to breed—is not measured directly, factors like age, nutrition, and social hierarchy all influence this critical trait. Keeping detailed records on previous breeding performance can help fill in the gaps.
It’s worth noting that young rams are often sold before reaching sexual maturity. While they may not yet produce semen for analysis, a physical exam can still reveal congenital defects such as penile or scrotal abnormalities that could affect future fertility.
The Silent Threat: Brucella ovis
While structural soundness and semen quality are essential, infectious disease status is just as critical—and Brucella ovis is one of the most important pathogens to rule out. This bacterium causes epididymitis in rams, causing poor quality semen and, in some cases, can lead to abortion, stillbirth, or weak lambs in ewes. It is a significant cause of reduced conception rates and decreased lambing percentages, especially in multi-sire flocks.
Brucella ovis spreads primarily through venereal transmission. Rams become infected when they breed ewes that were previously covered by another infected ram, often during the same heat cycle. Ram-to-ram transmission is also common during the non-breeding season through mounting behavior and preputial licking. Infected rams may not show clinical signs for weeks, and fewer than half will develop palpable lesions in the epididymis. That means palpation alone is a poor screening tool.
Thankfully, there is a reliable diagnostic test. A blood-based ELISA developed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories detects antibodies with approximately 97% sensitivity. It is most useful when performed on the entire ram battery before breeding season. Rams that test positive should be isolated immediately and either culled, castrated, or, in very limited cases, retested and to confirm infection status using semen PCR.
If fewer than five percent of rams test positive, these animals can be reevaluated in two to four weeks. All rams that were exposed to positives should be retested after 30 to 45 days to ensure they haven’t seroconverted during the incubation period. Repeat testing after the breeding season is also advisable, particularly in flocks that are actively managing this disease.
One often overlooked aspect of B. ovis control is the role of teaser rams. These animals, commonly used to stimulate estrus in ewes, may be vasectomized but still retain their accessory sex glands. If these glands become infected, teaser rams can shed the bacteria in their seminal fluid during mounting. While they may not cause pregnancy, they can absolutely transmit disease. For that reason, teaser rams should be tested and managed just as carefully as intact breeders.
Feeding and Other Keys to Success
Ram fertility is also dependent on good nutrition. Trace minerals like selenium, zinc, and copper are essential for spermatogenesis and hormone production. Diets that are too heavy in grain or alfalfa can disrupt the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and lead to urolithiasis, especially in winter when water intake tends to drop. Rams need free-choice access to clean water, loose salt and mineral, and enough energy to maintain good condition through the breeding season.
Biosecurity is another pillar of reproductive success. Rams should be quarantined upon arrival, and routine testing and monitoring for B. ovis, caseous lymphadenitis, Small Ruminant Lentivirus (also known as OPP), sore mouth, and abortion pathogens should be part of every flock’s protocol. Keeping detailed records—scrotal measurements, semen evaluations, disease testing, and breeding performance—allows producers to make informed decisions when selecting sires.
A Season Too Valuable to Leave to Chance
Monitoring throughout the breeding season can be aided by the use of breeding harnesses on rams, using different color markers to show individual ram activity. Pregnancy diagnosis, either through ultrasound exams or blood-based pregnancy tests, are the true measure of reproductive success. Unfortunately, reproductive failure isn’t always obvious until it’s too late. A flock ultrasounded for pregnancy 60 days post-breeding might reveal open ewes, but by then, time and opportunity may have been lost. Pre-breeding exams and disease testing offer a chance to identify problems and make changes before the season begins.
In today’s environment—where feed is expensive, labor is limited, and market timing matters—no producer can afford suboptimal fertility. A sound, disease-free ram battery is one of the most valuable assets on your operation. Whether you manage a small flock or a large commercial outfit, investing in pre-breeding health pays dividends in conception rates, lamb crop uniformity, and long-term genetic gain.
For help developing a ram evaluation protocol or interpreting B. ovis test results, reach out to your local veterinarian or contact us at UC Davis.
On July 14, the Colorado Lamb Council hosted the Lamb in the Rockies Tour for the American Master Chefs Order (AMCO), giving top chefs a chance to see Colorado lamb production up close and meet the people who raise it. The goal was to highlight the care that goes into producing high-quality lamb and the important role sheep play in the environment, from controlling weeds to improving rangelands.
Four chefs took part in the tour: Certified Master Chef Robert Mancuso from Chefs Warehouse in California, president of the AMCO Education Fund; Executive Chef Paul Liptak of Bellair Country Club in Florida; Sr. Executive Chef Paul Jensen of Big Sky Resort in Tennessee and a member of the ACF Culinary Team USA; and Certified Master Chef J. Kevin Walker, Director of Food, Service & Clubhouse Operations and president of AMCO. Currently, there are only 81 Certified Master Chefs (CMC) in the United States.
The day began in Montrose, Colorado, with a scenic hour-and-a-half drive into the San Juan Mountains. The first stop was at the top of Lizard Head Pass, where the Coke Oven Summit allotment provided a view of lambs and ewes grazing in the high country. John Field, president of the Colorado Wool Growers Association, spoke about the role of the Forest Service in managing grazing lands.
At the meeting, Garth Nelson, a range conservationist with the U.S. Forest Service, explained, “The Forest Service has a multiple-use mandate, and part of that is providing grazing permits in areas where forest plans allow for grazing.” He added that his work focuses on coordinating with ranchers to ensure grazing is done in a sustainable way.
Nelson also described efforts to manage conflicts between grazing operations and increasing recreation use, such as hiking and biking. “We put up signs in areas where operators need to move sheep and trucks, making sure campers don’t set up in the wrong spots. We manage a lot of conflicts on bike and hiking trails to keep things running smoothly,” he said.
The next stop was at the Trail allotment, where conversation turned to the challenges faced in lamb production, including predators, and competition from imported lamb.
The final stop of the day was at Saltado Creek for a Colorado lamb lunch at Etchart’s sheep camp. Prepared by the Nick and Karen Maneotis, the meal offered the perfect chance to enjoy the lamb featured throughout the day’s discussions.
“My time on the lamb tour was truly memorable. Seeing the sheep grazing in such open, beautiful pastures and meeting the farmers who raise them gave me a deep appreciation for the care, skill, and passion behind American lamb production. Getting to know the people who dedicate themselves to this work was as inspiring as it was educational.
I was equally impressed by the professionalism and efficiency of the operations — every step was clearly driven by a commitment to quality. Cooking with the exceptional lamb products provided was a highlight for me and for AMCO; the flavors, textures, and consistency were outstanding, and it was a privilege to showcase them in our dishes. This experience has only strengthened my admiration for the Colorado Lamb and the people who make it thrive.”
— Chef J. Kevin Walker, CMC and President, American
Master Chefs Order
The 2025 Colorado Wool Growers Association Convention began the day after the tour in Montrose. The same chefs who joined the tour prepared the opening reception dinner, bringing fresh inspiration and firsthand knowledge of Colorado lamb to the table. Next year’s convention will mark the 100th anniversary of the Colorado Wool Growers Association — a milestone that will celebrate a century of dedication to Colorado’s sheep industry.
Pictured below ( L to R): Garth Nelson, Steve Raftopoulos, Ernie Etchart, Gary Visintainer, Robert Mancuso, Kevin Walker, Lonnie Deal, John Field, Renee Deal, Paul Jensen, Paul Liptak, and Marc Newman.
