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ASI Leads Coalition Support for Wildlife Services

The American Sheep Industry Association sent its annual letter of support for Wildlife Services to congressional leaders this week. More than 200 agriculture and trade associations signed on to call for continued funding of the program.

“Wildlife causes more than $12.8 billion in damage each year to natural resources, public infrastructures, private property and agriculture,” read the letter to committee leaders in the Senate. A similar letter was also submitted to U.S. House committee heads. “USDA Wildlife Services works to prevent, minimize or manage this damage and to protect human health and safety from conflicts with wildlife. Wildlife damage to U.S. livestock, aquaculture, small grains, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products has been estimated to reach nearly $1 billion annually. Wildlife predators cause more than $232 million in death loss to livestock; field crop losses due to wildlife total $619 million annually; losses to vegetables, fruits and nuts total $146 million annually; and 70 percent of catfish farmers incur wildlife-related damage. As a result, WS is an essential program to U.S. agriculture.

“WS assists farmers and ranchers in 50 states and three territories to reduce the impact of predators on their animals, protecting 9.5 million head of cattle, 5.1 million head of sheep, and 55 million head of other livestock in 340,000 direct control actions. In FY22, WS provided more than 20,800 technical assistance activities that enabled 6,180 livestock producers to implement improved husbandry and methods such as use of guard animals, exclusion, fencing and predator dispersal. These activities included 19 predator management workshops attended by more than 3,000 individuals from 14 states, dispersal of 121,310 double-crested cormorants, removal of 1,195 cormorants at aquaculture facilities in 22 states to protect farmed fish from avian depredation. The industry is worth $1.5 billion nationally (per National Marine Fisheries Service).

“WS supported USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Services’ emergency response efforts to animal diseases, natural disasters, and hazardous spills. In FY22, WS deployed 123 personnel on 267 deployments for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and African Swine Fever. WS personnel have physically deployed to assist 18 states in response to HPAI. WS responded to the ASF detection on the island of Hispaniola and have removed 3,754 feral swine and have sampled 2,431 for ASF on Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. The National Wildlife Disease Program also coordinated sample collection and evaluation or assisted state agencies with many other diseases in wildlife to include SARS-CoV-2, plague, tularemia, leptospirosis, rabies, chronic wasting disease and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus. In collaboration with state wildlife agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and tribes, WS addresses livestock depredation and protects human health and safety related to wolves and grizzly bears.”

It has been WS’s cooperative nature that has allowed it to accomplish all of the above listed programs (and more) and has made it the most cost effective and efficient program in the federal government in the areas of wildlife damage management and public health and safety.

Click Here for the Senate Version of the letter.

Click Here for the House Version of the letter.

 

NWRC Accomplishments Report Available

The 2022 National Wildlife Research Center Accomplishments Report is now available.

Catch up on the latest news related to Wildlife Services’ National Wildlife Research Center and wildlife damage management research, including comprehensive summaries of the following topics:

  • Fertility Control in Wildlife
  • Supporting Wildlife Disease Research and Surveillance
  • Technology Transfer and New Tools

Source: NWRC

 

Nominations Needed for American Lamb Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking nominations for two producer positions on the American Lamb Board beginning in early 2024. The American Sheep Industry Association is certified to nominate individuals to serve on the board and is seeking nominations by April 24 to forward to USDA/AMS.

The upcoming vacancies for producers include one position for a producer with 100 or less lambs (Region I, producer Sally Scholle is not eligible for reappointment) and one position for a producer with greater than 500 lambs (Region II, producer David McEwen is eligible for reappointment). One producer must be from Region I. 

AMS’ policy is that diversity of the boards it oversees should reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. Throughout the full nomination process, the industry must conduct extensive outreach, paying particular attention to reaching underserved communities, and consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.

USDA/AMS requires two nominations for each open position. Nominations – including the application and agreement to serve forms – must be submitted by April 24 to ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick at peter@sheepusa.org.

Click Here to learn more and for links to the necessary forms.

 

Nominations Needed for National Sheep Industry Improvement Center

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service is seeking nominations for two producer positions and one vacancy for a person with expertise in marketing on the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center beginning in early 2024. The American Sheep Industry Association is certified to nominate individuals to serve on the board and is seeking nominations by April 24 to forward to USDA/AMS.

This year, three vacant positions will occur for the 2024 Board. There are two vacancies for a sheep producer and one vacancy for a person with expertise in marketing. Jeremy Geske and Brenda Reau are not eligible for reappointment as producers and Steve Lewis is not eligible for reappointment as an expert in marketing.

AMS’ policy is that diversity of the boards it oversees should reflect the diversity of their industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. Throughout the full nomination process, the industry must conduct extensive outreach, paying particular attention to reaching underserved communities, and consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.

USDA/AMS requires two nominations for each open position. Nominations – including the application and agreement to serve forms – must be submitted by April 24 to ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick at peter@sheepusa.org.

Click Here to learn more and for links to the necessary forms.

 

Australian Wool Market Falls Compounded by Currency Exchange

The Australian wool market fell for the second consecutive series, with the weaker buyer sentiment evident during last week’s sales carrying forward.

Last week, the losses were minimal due in part to the weakening Australian dollar. Without the fall in the AUD, the market retractions would have been more significant. This series, currency movements were of no benefit to the market as the AUD increased in USD terms compared to the previous week, which compounded the effect on the falling market.

From the opening lot of the series, it was evident that the market was in sharp decline. In the Eastern centers by the end of day, the individual Micron Price Guides had fallen by between 6 and 99 cents. When news of these losses reached the West, many sellers opted out of the market, pushing the overall withdrawn percentage to 17.9 percent. The market continued to fall and in Fremantle the MPGs lost between 45 and 61 cents. The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator fell by 31 cents for the day – the largest daily fall in the EMI since August.

The second day the market continued to fall but to a lesser extent, with some positive movements and signs evident, particularly in the West (selling last) where there was a noticeable rally late in the day. By the end of the day in the East, the MPG movements for Merino fleece ranged between +3 and -45 cents, while in the West the movements were minimal, ranging between +5 and -14 cents. The sharp losses pushed the clearance down across the country, as sellers were not prepared to accept the prices on offer. The national passed-in rate climbed to 19.3 percent. This was 6.3 percent more than in the previous series, which also recorded losses.

Next week’s national offering is forecast to be similar as there are currently 46,274 bales rostered.

Source: AWEX

 

Weather Delays California Shearing School

The University of California Cooperative Extension Shearing School originally scheduled for March has been moved to April 10-14 due to extreme weather in the state.

As a result of the change, the school is reopening registration. The class is limited to 28 students, and less than 10 spots remained as of mid-March.

Click Here for more information.

Source: UCCE

 

ASI Submits Comments on Forest Grazing

The American Sheep Industry Association submitted comments last week to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest concerning the Notice to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (84 FR 22432) – Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest; Washington; Forest Plan Amendment for Planning and Management of Domestic Sheep and Goat Grazing Within the Range of Bighorn Sheep.

“ASI has supported appropriations language as cited in the Federal Register notice, specifically directing the Forest Service and other land management agencies to use the best scientific understanding of pathogen transmission in cooperation with the USDA Agricultural Research Service to guide decisions to ensure both the health of the domestic sheep industry and state bighorn sheep herds. ASI believes that bighorn sheep conservation and the legacy of domestic sheep operations are mutually compatible and that land management planning should recognize the role of each in underpinning our rural economies.

“Pathogen transmission and the potential resultant disease is a complex issue. While the notice cites scientific research supporting a relationship between disease in bighorn sheep and contact with domestic sheep or goats when in close proximity, that does not represent the entirety of scientific understanding on the topic. On review of modeling the risk of pneumonia epizootics in bighorn sheep, it was concluded that factors associated with risk of pneumonia epizootics are complex and may not always be from the most obvious sources (Sells et al. 2015). Similarly, looking at mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in wildlife species beyond subfamily caprinae, these pathogens were documented in species that also frequently occupy overlapping habitat as bighorn sheep including; moose, caribou, mule deer, white-tailed deer, bison, cattle and antelope (Highland et al. 2018). ASI greatly appreciates the agency’s efforts in engaging research and researchers, such as its sister agency, ARS, which have special expertise in animal diseases.

“ASI also appreciates and supports plan direction that would allow for updated versions of the current risk of contact modeling tool. ASI has long held that the current risk of contact modeling tool is flawed in its efficacy, not adapted to varied landscapes, frequently used without necessary and corresponding telemetry data, fails to account for existing physical and temporal contact mitigation, and overly relies on strict adherence to the precautionary principal. ASI strongly supports the inclusion of other factors mentioned in the notice including topography, temporal separation and herd characteristics among others to ensure forest-wide range management.

“Finally, ASI supports the consideration of other current and potential measures used to discourage interaction between wildlife and livestock including; the use of livestock protection dogs, experienced sheepherders, efforts to reduce straying, electronic GPS data, and communication and coordination between sheep producers and agency staff. Pathogen transmission is a two-way street and sheep producers strive to minimize contact with wildlife on a daily basis.”

Click Here to learn more or to submit comments of your own by April 3.

 

Fibershed’s 2022 Carbon Farm Fund Report

Last year was a groundbreaking year for Climate Beneficial fiber systems. Since its inception, Fibershed has been working to advance the adoption of carbon farming practices, which move carbon from the atmosphere into plant life and soil ecosystems.

When implemented in agriculture, carbon farming practices can help restore balance to the Earth’s climate, build resilience to drought and naturally increase agricultural productivity. Through the years, Fibershed has grounded this work in a local and regional network of producers – building relationships, capacity, education and support to scale its impact. In 2022, Fibershed saw these efforts flourish into a remarkable expansion.

Regionally, interest in carbon farming grew dramatically with a simultaneous increase in demand for technical and financial support to implement practices. In 2022, Fibershed awarded more than $120,000 to 29 producers to fund their carbon farming projects. Nationally, Fibershed experienced first-of-its-kind support for climate-smart agriculture with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s commitment of $3.1 billion to support a diverse range of farmers and ranchers to leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production. Fibershed and its partners at the National Center for Appropriate Technology, Carbon Cycle Institute, Colorado State University, New York Textile Lab and Seed2Shirt were proud to be among the recipients and will work to scale the Climate Beneficial Program in four regions throughout the United States.

Fibershed’s 2022 Carbon Farm Fund Report describes this progress and the steps it is taking to meet the growing need among producers for technical support and financial assistance. Fibershed is optimistic about the future of natural fiber systems, and poised to continue modeling the immense benefits of carbon farming practices while advocating for equitable systems to scale their adoption.

Source: Fibershed

 

Power of Meat Research Released

Anne Marie Roerink from 210 Analytics presented the latest Power of Meat Study – a consumer study on meat usage, attitudes and trends – last week at the Annual Meat Conference in Dallas.

This 18th annual study reflects on another unusual year, disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and supply chain challenges. Leveraging the long trendlines, the 2023 study aims to understand how and what changed in shoppers’ perceptions, attitudes and behaviors of meat consumption, buying and preparation. According to the report, in 2022, meat sales soared 5.7 percent versus a year ago and almost 87 percent of all home-prepared dinners featured meat/poultry. Also, 98.3 percent of shoppers make retail purchases of meat.

The POM report puts 2022 U.S. retail lamb sales – domestic and imported – at $530 million, 1.4 percent less than 2021 but an increase of 34.8 percent compared to pre-COVID sales in 2019. For retail lamb volume, 2022 was 56 million pounds, 7 percent less than 2021 but 11 percent more than 2019, based on IRI retail scanner data. In 2022, two U.S. regions experienced lamb dollar sales growth – the South Central and Southeast. In particular, the South Central has seen demand for lamb surge with dollar sales growing 12.2 percent between 2021 and 2022.

Inflation is a major issue for the entire meat industry. Consumers spent at least 25 percent more on food in 2022 than in 2019, according to IRI data. Economic conditions are prompting 76 percent of Americans to change what groceries they purchase, says POM.

According to the POM report “50 percent of meat eaters purchase meat and poultry for use over the next few days. When buying more to freeze, 66 percent re-portion the meat/poultry and 40 percent pre-cook some of it prior to freezing. The total package price rose in importance versus prior years, but overall shoppers emphasize value – quality hand-in-hand with price. Price plays a much more important role among younger meat eaters whereas Boomers emphasize quality and appearance.”

Because the meaning of value shifts among consumers, the research suggests that retailers provide solutions that deliver across major value components: price (such as specials on staples like ground meats), meal planning inspiration (especially online) and convenience (such as fresh meat and sides packaged together).

“American lamb’s premium price has been an ongoing concern for consumers. We work hard at delivering messages about its overall value that appeal to our target consumer segments,” says ALB Chairman Peter Camino.

While the majority of Americans consider themselves meat eaters and believe that meat and poultry belong in a healthy, balanced lifestyle, 33 percent are actively trying to consume less meat and poultry. The main reason is price, followed by concerns over the healthfulness of eating red meat, the use of antibiotics, hormones and chemicals and the effect of animal agriculture on the planet. Those looking to reduce their consumption are focused on portion size much more so than eating meatless meals. Less than 6 percent of meat eaters expect they will eliminate some or all meat/poultry this year, according to POM.

For more information on the 2023 Power of Meat research, contact rae@americanlamb.com.

Source: ALB

 

Video of the Week

The National Center for Appropriate Technology’s AgriSolar Clearinghouse premiered its short film The Solar Shepherd during the 2023 Solar Farm Summit in Chicago. The film showcases a family-owned farm in central Massachusetts that’s raising sheep and solar energy on the same piece of land.

Click Here to watch the video.

Source: Morning Ag Clips

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