March 19, 2026
Apply Now for the Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship
Applications are open for the American Sheep Industry Association’s annual Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship. The deadline to apply is May 31 and the recipient will be announced in July. The $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to one graduate level (MS or Ph.D.) student who is attending school in the United States.
The scholarship was developed to drive advancement in the American sheep industry, through either wool or lamb research. Applicants must be a graduate student involved in sheep and/or wool research in such areas as animal science, agriculture economics or veterinary medicine with proof of graduate school acceptance. Applicants must also be a United States citizen, present two letters of reference and complete the application.
AWC Shares Shearing Story with Consumers
In honor of shearing season, the American Wool Council is sharing a one-minute video on its consumer-facing Experience Wool channel to show how wool is removed from sheep and to address common misconceptions about the shearing process.
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 Ag Holds Hearing Promoting Domestic Production of U.S. Grown Products
Last week, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing titled, “Increasing Domestic Production of U.S.-Grown Agricultural Products.” Featuring testimony from various leaders of agricultural trade associations. Republicans and Democrats agreed on the need to support American farmers facing financial stress and rising input costs. Republicans focused on expanding domestic and international markets, reducing regulatory burdens, and supporting biofuels and the Buy American Cotton Act to boost profitability. Democrats emphasized strengthening nutrition and specialty crop programs, making E15 fuel permanent and year-round, addressing ag labor shortages, and ensuring equitable aid distribution. Other topics discussed included the impact of tariffs, global conflicts, farm labor reform, antitrust enforcement, and the importance of research and nutrition policy in supporting the agricultural sector’s long-term resilience.
Full Witness List + Full Hearing Here
USDA Awards $26.8 Million to Local Agriculture Market Program
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed $26.8 million to grant projects through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) in an effort to support the connection between farmers and regional markets. The funding for LAMP includes $11.1 million for 43 projects in the Farmers Market Promotion Program, $11.1 million for 37 projects in the Local Food Promotion Program, and $4.7 million for 7 partnerships in the Regional Food System Partnerships. LAMP’s grant programs, funded by the 2018 Farm Bill, are administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and require a 25% cost share of federal funds.
Wool Market Pulls Back After Reaching Five-Year High
After climbing to its highest point since June 2019 last week, the Australian Wool Exchange (the global market indicator) reported lost momentum in the latest selling series. Wool prices weakened across all micron categories this week, with the Eastern Market Indicator falling 26 cents.
Click Here for the ASI Conversion Chart – AWEX Prices to USD Per Pound.
Source: AWEX