March 5, 2026
ASI is working year-round to advance producer priorities across the country. Here’s what’s happening, what it means, and what’s next.
ASI Organizes D.C. Fly-In
Approximately 50 sheep producers and state leaders from across the country traveled to Washington, D.C., this week for ASI’s annual Spring Trip, meeting with policymakers and federal agencies to advocate for priorities important to the domestic sheep industry.
During the fly-in, ASI leadership and members met with key congressional offices, including meetings with staff for the House Agriculture Committee majority and minority, as well as Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) and staff for Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Conversations focused on issues critical to sheep producers, including risk management tools, trade issues, animal disease prevention, wildlife services, and challenges related to bighorn sheep interactions on grazing allotments.
In addition to congressional meetings, ASI leadership received updates from several federal agencies that play key roles in livestock production and land management, including USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Forest Service, and APHIS. Participants also met with representatives from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to address ongoing concerns surrounding lamb imports and the impact on U.S. sheep producers.
While in D.C., state association leaders also met directly with their respective members of Congress to highlight the importance of sheep production in their home states and to reinforce the industry’s policy priorities.
Lastly, ASI hosted the Annual American Lamb Reception on Cornerstone’s rooftop. There, attendees enjoyed American lamb while building relationships and discussing the industry’s most pressing issues. A special highlight was having Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI) in attendance.
Key Issues Discussed at DC Fly-In
House Version of the 2026 Farm Bill was Passed Out of the House Committee
The House Agriculture Committee passed the “skinny farm bill” through the Committee with a bipartisan vote of 34-17. In total, 7 Democrats joined ranks with Republicans to vote for the bill as amended: Reps. Jim Costa (D-CA), Sharice Davids (D-KS), Don Davis (D-NC), Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), Adam Gray (D-CA), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), and John Riley (D-NY). The markup happened over three days, starting in the evening on Tuesday and lasting through the early hours of Thursday morning.
ASI Applauds Jackson Amendment Directing USDA to Study Lamb Risk Management Program
Ronny Jackson (R-TX) offered an amendment to direct USDA to study the feasibility of an insurance or risk management program for domestic lamb producers to counter market volatility. While this was the first step of a large win for ASI, the bill must still be passed off the floor of the House of Representatives, taken up by the Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition Committee and then passed through the full Senate to be referred to the President’s desk. ASI President Ben Lehfeldt encouraged members to contact their representatives in support of Farm Bill passage. ASI also thanks Rep. Jackson, Texas sheep producers, and Cornerstone for helping move this package forward.
Wool May be a Sustainable Mulch Option for Produce Farmers
Researchers at South Dakota State University shared findings showing that raw wool could be a more sustainable mulch option for produce farmers. Trials on pepper patches found that wool laid on the soil surface suppressed weeds similarly to traditional landscape fabric or straw while offering a biodegradable alternative to plastics. Wool mulch and pellets also show potential to improve soil health and water retention, providing an eco-friendly tool for growers looking to reduce plastic inputs and support circular agricultural systems.
ASI’s New Look
Today ASI launched a refreshed brand identity, an evolution rooted in what members recognize, shaped by feedback from 400+ producers and partners. You’ll see the updated look rolling out across ASI Weekly, the website, social media, and the magazine as part of a broader effort to show up more clearly and consistently for sheep producers nationwide. The logo update is just the first visible step; our goal is simpler, more useful communication you can quickly recognize and act on.
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