ASI Develops New World Screwworm Resource for U.S. Sheep Producers
With New World screwworm (NWS) now confirmed in the United States, ASI has developed a new producer resource to help sheep operations understand the threat and prepare accordingly.
The printable guide provides an overview of NWS, warning signs to watch for, actions producers should take now, and key contacts and resources. The guide also emphasizes the importance of establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), monitoring animals for wounds, maintaining treatment records, and understanding reporting procedures should an infestation be suspected.
In addition to the producer guide, ASI has made available a printable quick-reference chart containing current information on treatment options and veterinary considerations.
New World screwworm larvae feed on living tissue and can cause severe damage if left untreated. Rapid detection, reporting, and treatment are critical to protecting individual flocks and limiting spread.
Download the Resources:
ASI Continues Work on Five-Year Strategic Plan
The American Sheep Industry recently took another step in developing its next five-year strategic plan, by bringing together ASI officers and staff for a two-day planning workshop focused on the future direction of the organization and the sheep industry.
The workshop provided an opportunity to begin setting priorities, identify emerging challenges and opportunities, and discuss ways ASI can continue delivering value for sheep producers across the country. Discussions focused on strengthening the association’s role in advocacy, industry leadership, producer education and long-term industry growth.
The strategic planning process will continue in the coming months as producer leaders from across the country provide input to help shape ASI’s direction and ensure the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the U.S. sheep industry.
House Committee Advances Provisions to Strengthen Berry Amendment Compliance
The House Armed Services Committee recently approved its Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes several provisions aimed at strengthening compliance with the Berry Amendment’s requirement that the Department of Defense purchase 100 percent U.S.-made textiles and clothing.
The bill directs the Department of Defense to review Berry Amendment waiver usage, supplier verification practices and contracting strategies that support the domestic defense textile industry. Additional assessments would examine the Berry Amendment’s small purchase exception, flame-resistant textile production capacity and potential compliance issues related to Army service uniforms.
The Berry Amendment remains critically important to U.S. wool growers, with approximately 15-20 percent of the American wool clip utilized in military products. Strong enforcement helps maintain demand for U.S. wool, supports domestic manufacturing, and strengthens the supply chain that connects American agriculture to national defense.
The legislation now moves forward as Congress continues work on the FY 2027 NDAA.
ASI is working year-round to advance producer priorities across the country. Here’s what’s happening, what it means, and what’s next.
Senate EPW Holds Hearing on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Budget
On Wednesday, June 10, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works heard testimony from Brian Nesvik, Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife on the fiscal year 2027 President’s Budget request. During the hearing Republicans and Democrats agreed on the importance of effective wildlife conservation and the need for efficient agency operations. Republicans focused on expanding access to public lands, supporting conservation partnerships, streamlining Endangered Species Act (ESA) processes, and addressing impacts of litigation and invasive species. Democrats emphasized concerns over proposed budget cuts, staffing reductions, and the elimination of state and tribal wildlife grants, warning these could undermine endangered species protection and agency capacity. Other topics discussed included the Fish and Wildlife Service’s role in clean energy project reviews, partnerships to combat invasive species, and the status of specific grant programs and refuge management.
Secretary Rollins Testifies Before House and Senate Agriculture Committees
In the last week, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testified before both the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, respectively. Across both hearings, Rollins highlighted Administration efforts to support farmers through specialty crop assistance, respond to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), combat fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and address the recent detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico. In both chambers, members raised concerns about rising input costs, including fertilizer and fuel, and the economic strain facing producers. Lawmakers in both parties also underscored the importance of containing NWS and supporting state-level response efforts. Democrats pressed Rollins on USDA staffing reductions, including impacts on the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), as well as the effects of SNAP benefit losses and tariffs on farmers. Republicans emphasized reducing regulatory burdens, strengthening trade, increasing domestic fertilizer production, supporting foresters, and advancing year-round E15 legislation. Other topics discussed during the two hearings included disaster assistance, foreign ownership of farmland, research capacity, the Food for Peace program, the USDA Office of Seafood Policy, and conditions facing the cotton industry.
House Passes FY27 USDA-FDA Spending Bill
On Thursday, June 4, the House of Representatives passed H.R.8646 – the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act of 2027 by a narrow margin 213-210. There were 208 Republicans, 4 Democrats, and 1 Independent voted in favor of the bill. The Democrats who joined ranks with the majority of Republicans included Reps. Don Davis (D-NC), Vincente Gonzalez (D-TX), Adam Gray (D-CA), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-CA) who also voted for the bill in Committee. The FY27 bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $26.27 billion, which is $380 (1.4%) million below the FY26 enacted level. House Democrats claimed the legislation’s cuts to fruit and vegetable benefits under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children does not align with the Trump Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Republicans defended the bill, noting its boost to farmer-facing programs such as crop insurance and animal disease prevention efforts. As for the Senate Appropriations Committee, Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) is still gearing up to release and markup their version of the bill in the coming weeks after postponing the initial markup that was scheduled for June 4.
American Lamb Board: Summer is Lamb Season – Get Ready for Your Upcoming Marketing Events
Summer is one of the best times to introduce consumers to the great taste and versatility of American Lamb. Farmers markets, county fairs, festivals, and community events bring together shoppers who are eager to discover new foods, flavors, and cooking ideas. Learn More about the resources available at lambboard.com
Your weekly snapshot of key market rates and reports (U.S. and global) to help you stay ahead of pricing and demand shifts.
Wool Markets at Highest Point Since October 2018
Despite some setbacks in wool prices this week, the EMI is now at it’s highest point in nearly 8 years. Over the last week specifically, the EMI saw declines of -$0.07 to -$0.18 per pound clean in finer microns and changes of -$0.05 to +$0.01 in coarser microns.
About the EMI: The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) is the key benchmark index of Australian wool auction prices and is widely used as a global wool market indicator.
LDP Payments Available This Week
USDA Weekly Sheep, Lamb, & Wool Market Summary
The report is generally updated on Friday afternoon.