There will be no newsletter next week due to the ASI Annual Convention, January 27–31.
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.
House Congressional Dear Colleague Letter Submitted!
Last week, Congresswoman Celest Maloy (R-UT) submitted the “Dear Colleague” letter urging U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) 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. After a several week push through the holiday season, ASI’s membership mobilized 29 House members to sign and urge USTR and the administration to support the industry. In the wake of Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s (R-CA) passing, industry advocate Congresswoman Celest Maloy was happy to step forward and lead the letter in Rep. LaMalfa’s absence. This letter now joins the Senate version pushed by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) similarly addressing USTR.
Senate Ag Leadership Calls for Expanded Farm Assistance
On Friday, January 16, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) and Senate Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee Chairman and Ag Committee Member John Hoeven (R-ND) introduced a joint proposal calling for expanded farm assistance for struggling producers. This comes after a letter led by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) with over 55 signatories representing various national agricultural organizations urging Congress to deliver additional economic assistance for producers as the U.S. agricultural sector faces increased economic pressures. The proposal is centered around building on top of the already existing Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program currently being administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Key components listed in the proposal include:
- Expanded coverage for the FBA program
- Additional assistance for losses that exceed national averages
- Expanded support for specialty crop producers
- Assistance with sugar beet and cane growers
- Increased Farm Ownership and Operating Loan limits
You can find the press release from the Senate Agriculture Committee here.
ASI President Advocates for Sheep Industry at Farm Bureau Convention
Last week, ASI President Ben Lehfeldt traveled to Anaheim, California, for the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Annual Convention. This event served as a critical platform for ASI to strengthen its ties with the broader agricultural community and ensure the specific needs of sheep producers remain a top priority on the national stage.
During the convention, President Lehfeldt held productive meetings with members of the AFBF economic and legislative staff. These discussions focused heavily on the impact of lamb imports on domestic markets and the ongoing efforts to ensure a level playing field for American producers. Notably, policies were also brought forward and adopted regarding fair trade agreements for American lamb, H-2A labor, screwworm eradication, and more.
Click Here to Read More.
USDA Confirms No New World Screwworm in the U.S.
USDA officials confirmed this week that no New World Screwworm (NWS) cases or flies have been detected in the United States, despite inaccurate media reports.
While APHIS data show an increase in cases in parts of Mexico, the closest cases remain about 200 miles from the U.S. border. No NWS flies have been captured in U.S. traps, and USDA continues enhanced surveillance along the border.
Sterile flies are being dispersed in Mexico to prevent spread, and ongoing wildlife surveillance has examined more than 10,000 animals to date with no detections. The U.S.–Mexico border remains closed to cattle and horse movement at this time.
USDA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Livestock Guardian Dogs Bred in Colorado Could Be the Nonlethal Deterrent the USDA Has Been Looking For
Ranchers in Colorado are using locally bred livestock guardian dogs to protect sheep, goats, and calves from wolves and other predators. Breeds like Boz and Kangal are calm with livestock but fiercely protective, patrolling herds and alerting humans to danger.
Supported by the USDA and local programs, these dogs offer a nonlethal way to reduce livestock losses. Some programs even provide rapid-response or loaner teams to help ranchers try dogs without a long-term commitment.
Click Here to read the full article.
Wool LDP Payments Available
USDA Wool Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs) are currently available for wool shorn in 2025 and 2026. MALs provide producers with interim financing to meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices low. LDPs are payments made to producers who, although eligible to obtain a CCC loan, agree to forgo the loan in return for a payment on the eligible commodity.
2026 rates for graded wool have increased to $1.60 per pound and ungraded wool to $0.55 per pound.
MALs and LDPs are available until January 31 for wool shorn in 2025. Producers are also encouraged to begin working with their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office before wool is shorn. Producers must have beneficial interest (ownership) of the wool, among other eligibility requirements when receiving an MAL or LDP.
For more information, visit your local FSA Office or visit https://www.sheepusa.org/market-info/wool-ldp.
The Australian wool market
The Australian wool market has continued to trend higher, adding further increases to the large rises on offer during the previous selling series. Last week’s strong gains encouraged
more sellers to the market. There was a total of 43,497 bales available to the trade, this was the largest national offering since the corresponding sale of the previous season (Week 30). Despite the larger than normal offering buyer sentiment was buoyant, with many predicting a solid market. On the opening day, the market defied expectations, recording further rises across all sectors. By the end of the day the daily report was a welcome sea of green, with all published Micron Price Guides (MPGs) posting rises. In the merino fleece types, these
gains were between 16 and 42 cents. With all sectors positive, the EMI rose by 35 cents, over the previous three selling days the EMI gained 142 cents, a 9.2% lift. On the second day
buyer activity was more cautious, with the market generally consolidating the rises of the previous day, with some small gains in the merino fleece sector on offer. With little movement in the other sectors, the EMI finished the day 6 cents higher. The EMI finished the week at 1,689 cents, a 41-cent lift. The crossbreds had a very strong week, recording the largest rises in percentage terms. This is best highlighted if we focus on the Southern MPGs. The gains were all recorded on the first day, with 28-micron rising by 43 cents, an increase of 6.3%. The 30.0-micron MPG added 37 cents, a 6.2% increase. The rise of these MPGs across the previous twelve months has also been impressive. Since the corresponding sale of last year, the 28- and 30-micron MPGs have increased by 77.6% and 78.4% respectively. Next week’s sale days change to Wednesday/Thursday to accommodate the Monday Australia Day Public holiday.
Click Here for the ASI Conversion Chart – AWEX Prices to USD Per Pound.
Source: AWAX
The American Lamb Board Welcomes New Leadership to Advance the Future of U.S. Lamb
The American Lamb Board (ALB) is pleased to share U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new appointments to the Board. These leaders, representing diverse sectors of the American lamb supply chain, bring valuable experience and insight to help guide the Board’s work to build demand, strengthen industry collaboration, and champion American lamb.
The newly appointed members are:
- Lee Bruner, Whitehall, Mont. – Producer (100 head or less head)
- Garrett Julian, Kemmerer, Wyo. – Producer (Greater than 500 head)
- Tucker West, Crawfordville, Ga. – At Large Feeder
- Karissa A. Isaacs, Carr, Colo. – First Handler, reappointed for a second term.
These members will be sworn in at the of ALB’s annual meeting on January 28.
As a national, industry-funded research and promotion board, ALB depends on the dedication and vision of industry leaders. The newly appointed members will join ongoing efforts to support the American lamb industry through promotion, education, innovation and research.
The 13-member American Lamb Board includes six producers, three feeders, three first handlers, and one seedstock producer. Two producers must own 100 or fewer head of lambs annually, one must own 101 to 500, and three must own more than 500. Among the feeders, at least one must feed fewer than 5,000 head annually and at least one must feed more than 5,000.
Three current ALB board members have served their two consecutive 3 year terms and will be retiring after the January meeting: Don Hawk (OH), Gary Visintainer (CO), and current Chairman Jeff Ebert (KS). Thank you to these outgoing members and officers for their service. Outgoing Chairman Jeff Ebert, a passionate advocate for American lamb and for the producers and feeders who make this industry possible, reflected on this transition:
“It has been an honor to serve as chairman of the American Lamb Board and to work alongside so many dedicated producers, feeders, and industry partners,” said outgoing Chairman Jeff Ebert. “The American lamb community is resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to delivering a high-quality product. I’m confident that this new group of leaders will continue to build on the progress we’ve made—expanding demand, strengthening our industry, and ensuring that American lamb has a bright future in the marketplace.”
For more information about the American Lamb Board’s programs and leadership, including details about joining the board and member selection, please visit our website, lambboard.com.
Source: ALB