We Need Your Input: ASI Launches Process for 5-Year Strategic Plan
Under the leadership of new Executive Director Mike Michener, ASI is developing a five-year strategic plan and is seeking direct input from U.S. sheep producers to ensure the organization’s priorities reflect real-world industry needs.
Producer input is a critical part of this process. ASI is encouraging sheep producers from all segments and regions to participate so the plan reflects a broad range of perspectives across the industry.
To make it easy to share feedback, ASI has launched a short online survey where producers are asked to weigh in on three key questions:
- Top priorities ASI should focus on over the next five years
- The single biggest challenge or threat facing their operation or the sheep industry
- One action ASI could take to create meaningful impact
Responses can be brief, bullet points or short phrases are encouraged.
Share Your Input Here
ASI Secures $600,000 in New USDA Trade Promotion Funding for Wool Industry
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) has secured $600,000 in funding through the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) under the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP). The AFTPP is a competitive, cost-share program designed to help U.S. agricultural organizations develop and diversify export markets through targeted marketing and promotion activities. The program supports initiatives that build demand, strengthen trade relationships and open new opportunities for U.S. commodities overseas.
“This investment reflects ASI’s ongoing commitment to making sure the U.S. wool industry remains competitive in the global marketplace,” said Ben Lehfeldt, ASI president. “Programs like AFTPP are critically important because they allow us to build demand for American wool, develop new markets, and ensure our producers have long-term opportunities for growth.”
Through the AFTPP funding, ASI will implement targeted international marketing and promotion efforts aimed at increasing global awareness of American wool and expanding market access.
ASI Seeks Nominations for American Lamb Board and Sheep Center on Behalf of USDA
American Lamb Board Openings
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is seeking nominees to fill three positions on the American Lamb Board, as current members’ terms will expire in early 2026.
ASI is encouraging sheep producers, first handlers, and seedstock members to apply to be placed on a nominating slate for USDA Secretary Rollins to consider appointing a director on our lamb checkoff board. ASI is now gathering nominations for the following open positions:
• One producer with more than 500 lambs
• One Seedstock member
• One first handler
The large-scale (>500 lambs) producer must be from Region II (west of the Mississippi River).
The current directors whose terms are ending include David McEwen (MT), Carlos Barba (IL), and Michael Duff (ID), all of whom are term limited. ASI must submit at least two nominees for each of these three seats.
National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board Openings
In addition, ASI is seeking nominations for two producer directors and a director with experience in finance and management to serve three-year terms on the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC) Board of Directors. Patricia Sanville (MD), Randy Tunby (MT), and Barry Savage (MA) currently hold these seats. ASI is accepting NSIIC nominations through June 26, 2026, ahead of the USDA’s submission deadline of June 29, 2026.
Click Here for Both the ALB and NSIIC Nomination Forms
ASI Webinar to Spotlight 2026 Wool Market Trends for Sheep Producers
A new educational webinar will provide sheep producers with a fast-paced update on current wool markets and how shifting demand is influencing value across the supply chain. Designed with practical, producer-focused insight, the program highlights how wool moves through key processing systems, what quality factors matter most to buyers, and what is driving pricing in 2026.
Webinar: 2026 Wool Market Update: What Producers Need to Know
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 5:00pm MDT
Location: Click Here for Zoom Link
Key topics include:
- How American wool moves through the supply chain and where value is created
- What processors and manufacturers are demanding in today’s wool clips
- Current 2026 market conditions and pricing trends affecting producer returns
- Regional updates on what wool types are selling best in both Western and Eastern markets
- Where producers can access reliable, up-to-date wool price information
This webinar brings together industry expertise to give producers a clearer view of current market forces and the information needed to make more informed wool marketing decisions.
Superior Farms Leader Rick Stott Announces Retirement
Superior Farms announced that President & CEO Rick Stott will retire after 15 years of leadership, during which Superior Farms remained an ASI Industry Partner and a steady force for the American lamb sector. Stott also played a meaningful leadership role in the Stop the Ban campaign in response to Denver’s proposition 309, helping highlight the far-reaching impacts such efforts can have on sheep producers and the broader livestock industry. Shane MacKenzie, Executive Vice President of Operations, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective upon Stott’s retirement.
Read the press release.
ASI Joins Farm Bill Letter
More than 330 agricultural organizations, including the American Sheep Industry Association, representing farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses in all 50 states, are urging the U.S. House to move quickly on Farm Bill 2.0, following the House Agriculture Committee’s bipartisan 34-17 vote to advance the package in early March. Led by the Farm Credit Council, the coalition sent a letter to House leadership and all members calling for timely, bipartisan action to deliver long-term certainty for U.S. agriculture amid rising input costs, supply chain disruptions, and continued market uncertainty.
Read the Press Release
Read the letter
House Rules Looking to Consider Farm Bill Next Week
On April 16, the House Committee on Rules noticed the beginning of the amendment process for H.R. 7567 – the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. In the announcement, the Rules Committee indicated plans to tentatively consider the House farm bill the week of April 27. Before the bill can be considered on the floor through regular order, it must first be taken up and passed out of the House Rules Committee.
Secretary Rollins Testifies Before House Ag Appropriations
On April 16, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies regarding the President’s FY27 Budget for USDA. Throughout the hearing, Republicans and Democrats agreed on the importance of ensuring access to healthy food options, potential negative effects from Farm Service Agency (FSA) cuts, and supporting American farmers and rural communities. Republicans focused on modernizing agricultural programs, promoting industry competition domestically, ensuring fair trade internationally, and addressing the foreign ownership of U.S. farmland. Democrats emphasized the negative impacts of proposed USDA budget cuts on nutrition, rural development, and food security programs, highlighting risks to vulnerable populations. Other topics discussed included disaster relief, research security, regenerative agriculture, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), specialty crop support, and the implementation of new dietary guidelines and food safety measures.
House Ag Appropriations Holds Forest Service Budget Hearing
On April 16, The U.S. Forest Service Chief, Tom Shulz, testified on the fiscal year 2027 President’s budget request before the House Appropriations Subcommittee. He spoke to the Department’s aggressive action over the last year to mitigate wildfires, using active forest management to protect communities and forest land. Both Republicans and Democrats raised concerns over the recently announced reorganization and potential elimination or displacement of resources ahead of fire season. Republicans focused on the Department’s plan to mitigate wildfires given the dry conditions ahead of this year’s fire season. Democrats emphasized the risks of budget cuts, the elimination of state and private forestry programs, environmental monitoring programs, and the shifting of federal responsibilities to states and universities. Other topics discussed included research station closures, timber harvesting, the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service hiring practices.
House Interior Appropriations Holds Hearing on the Department of the Interior Budget
On April 20, Secretary Doug Burgum testified to the House Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior, and Environment on the Presidential Budget Request for Fiscal Year 27 (FY27) for the Department of the Interior (DOI). Secretary Burgum testified on the success of the Department, and its focus on energy, public lands management, and deregulation. Republicans focused on boosting domestic energy production, streamlining regulations, and enhancing agency efficiency, while also emphasizing U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) consolidation and investment in critical minerals. Democrats heavily criticized the Trump Administration’s support for oil and gas over solar and wind energy, and proposed budget cuts to conservation and tribal programs. Other topics discussed included the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), support for tribal communities, and Endangered Species Act (ESA) reforms.