USDA launches centralized New World Screwworm website
USDA is launching a unified New World Screwworm (NWS) website to centralize information on the government’s “aggressive, whole-of-government response” to the parasitic flies. While NWS has not crossed into the United States, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service estimates that a contemporary outbreak of the devastating parasitic fly would cost cattle producers $732 million per year in Texas alone, with an overall economic toll of $1.8 billion in the state. USDA’s Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public.
Click Here to read the full article.
Ralph Lauren Unveils Team USA Uniforms Featuring Shaniko Wool
Ralph Lauren unveiled the official Team USA uniforms on the NBC Today Show, proudly announcing that the uniforms are crafted and manufactured in factories across the United States. We’re also excited to share that Shaniko Wool Company was highlighted as one of Ralph Lauren’s partners on their official website for the 2026 Olympic collection.
Click Here to view the full collection on the Ralph Lauren website.
Australian Wool Market
A positive week for the wool market with majority of merino MPG’s gaining ground and not any particular micron range more in favor than the other, other than the broader merino microns now exceeding their previous peak back in early October and the finer microns having some more work to do to reach the last peak. By the close of the sale week 23 the EMI sat at 1521, up 17c for the week posting a gain of 6c on day 1 and adding another 11c today, In US$ terms the EMI went back over the ten dollars mark up 23c to 1,001. While merino fleece showed moderate rises overall, merino pieces generally increased over and above their fleece counterparts showing improved demand for those end products. Buyers were willing to bid strongly for those lots carrying fleece like measurement but also shorter types showing little or no processing faults like jowl & non scourable color. The cooler seasonal conditions have slowed the onset of increased grass seed (vegetable matter) for many wool growing areas which have narrowed premiums & discounts for V.M for now. Crossbred fleece MPG’s had a quiet week with minimal changes, all overseas buyers remain active with supply set increase as we enter the main supply period for crossbred wool. The Merino Carding Indicator (MCI) also gained with all qualities improving throughout the week. Season to date sale offerings are 4.9% lower when compared to the same time last season, while AWTA testing volumes are some 14% below during the same period indicating a further run down in grower held stocks. Next week’s sale (week 24), the 2nd last sale of 2025 is rostered at over 41,000 bales with all 3 centers operating over Tuesday & Wednesday.
Click Here for the ASI Conversion Chart – AWEX Prices to USD Per Pound.
Source: AWEX
2024 NAHMS Sheep Study Webinar
On December 16 at 6:00 pm MST, ASI will host a webinar entitled The State of the Flock: The NAHMS Sheep 2024 Study. The presenters include CSU-NAHMS Cooperative Co-Investigator Alyson Wiedenheft, DVM, MS and veterinary epidemiologist, Natalie Urie, DVM, MPH, who is well known to ASI. The program will include a study overview, an update on both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study, and finally a presentation on the biologic’s findings. There will be time for questions and answers as well. Information on how to sign up for the webinar will become available soon.
MSU Birth Management for Sheep & Goats – January Program
The MSU Small Ruminant Team is offering a Birth Management for Sheep & Goats program this January. It includes four online sessions (Jan 6, 13, 20, 27) from 7–9 p.m. Eastern, plus an optional in-person workshop on Jan 31, 12–4 p.m., at the MSU Sheep Teaching & Research Center.
Please email Mike Metzger at [email protected] with any questions.
Click Here for more information.
Feast It Forward Giveaway Is LIVE!
The American Lamb Board is excited to share a new seasonal promotion designed to help drive consumers to restaurants that proudly feature American Lamb — and to highlight the hard work of our US sheep producers.
This year, we’ve launched the Feast It Forward Giveaway, giving consumers the chance to win a gift card to their favorite restaurant serving American Lamb. It’s a holiday incentive that keeps American Lamb top-of-mind during one of the busiest dining seasons of the year.
How the Giveaway Works
Participants can enter by:
- Visiting our Holiday Headquarters at Americanlamb.com
- Nominating their favorite restaurant that serves American Lamb
- Submitting their entry — it’s that simple
Winners will be announced at the end of December.
Supporting Holiday Demand for American Lamb
To further inspire home cooks and elevate holiday lamb sales, our Holiday Headquarters offers a suite of resources, including:
- Premium holiday recipes featuring racks, roasts, and appetizers
- Engaging holiday cooking classes
- Step-by-step carving and roasting guides
- Creative leftover ideas to maximize value
“The Feast It Forward Giveaway is more than a fun holiday promotion — it’s a celebration of the chefs, restaurants, and producers who bring the American Lamb experience to life. Our sheep producers work tirelessly year-round, and this campaign helps ensure their dedication is recognized at the peak of the holiday season. We’re proud to support the restaurants that champion American Lamb and to give consumers another reason to enjoy it at their favorite local spots” said ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert.
Source: ALB