New Research Update Podcast: Soil Health & Grazing Systems
ASI’s monthly Research Update podcast features Dr. Alan Franzluebbers (USDA Agricultural Research Service) on Soil Health & Grazing Systems. In this episode, you’ll hear practical insights on how grazing management connects to soil function and long-term productivity and what producers can watch, measure, and improve on their own operations.
PLC Federal Grazing Roundtables
The Public Lands Council (PLC) is hosting a series of regional roundtables to bring grazing permittees together with U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management leadership for practical, on-the-ground problem solving. These sessions are designed to surface what’s working, what isn’t, and where agency communication and permitting processes can inform implementation of the USDA/DOI Grazing Action Plan. Sheep producers who hold federal grazing permits are encouraged to attend and share input. RSVP required for each location:
FDA EUA: Dectomax Authorized for Sheep
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Dectomax/Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection) injectable solution for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm (NWS) infestations (myiasis) in dairy cattle (lactating dairy cows, dry dairy cows, and replacement dairy heifers 20 months of age and older), except for calves that will be processed for veal. The EUA also authorizes Dectomax/Dectomax-CA1 for the prevention of NWS myiasis in swine, horses at least one year old, sheep except for lactating sheep, and deer.
Wyoming Golden Eagle Depredation Response
A new report details how federal officials ordered “immediate action” this lambing season to reduce golden eagle depredation on Wyoming lambs. According to the story, the direction from USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum led to plans to capture and relocate golden eagles away from lambing areas to disrupt predation pressure while longer-term deterrent research continues.
NRCS Chief Steps Down
Last week, it was announced that USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief, Aubrey Bettencourt, would be stepping down. Filling in her place will be Colton Buckley, who previously served as Associate Chief in the Department. NRCS has received criticism throughout this Administration for its low staffing levels after losing thousands of employees last year through deferred resignation programs and early retirements.
APHIS Announces Funding For Chronic Wasting Disease Response
Last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced it plans to provide approximately $12 million to support efforts to control and prevent chronic wasting disease in both wild and livestock cervids, commonly known as animals in the deer family. The funding includes roughly $6 million for projects focused on livestock cervids, $5.5 million for research and management of the disease in wild cervids, and $500,000 for prevention and management efforts on Tribal lands. This initiative and funding will go to support State and Tribal governments, universities, and research institutions as they develop new tools, expand surveillance, and strengthen disease response activities aimed at limiting the spread of this fatal disease.
Senate ENR Holds Hearing On USFS Budget
Last week, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz met with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to testify on the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for USFS. Members discussed the importance of effective forest management and wildfire mitigation. Republicans focused on supporting USFS management reforms, expanding state partnerships, increasing timber production, and reauthorizing the Legacy Restoration Fund. Democrats concentrated on concerns over proposed budget cuts, elimination of key programs, staff reductions, and the transfer of the U.S. Wildland Fire Service (USWFS) to the Department of the Interior (DOI). Other topics discussed included research facility closures, funding for noxious weeds and buffer zones, post-fire recovery, and the need for continued collaboration with states, tribes, and local communities.
Wool Prices Dip But Remain High
The EMI dipped this week with fine microns seeing losses of -$0.08 to -$0.15 per pound clean while coarse microns saw some slight increases ($0.03 to $0.05 per pound) and some slight decreases (-$0.02 to $0.03 per pound). Overall, wool prices remain high.
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.
Click Here for the ASI Conversion Chart – AWEX Prices to USD Per Pound.
AMS Reports U.S. Wool Prices
Domestic prices reported by USDA AMS have risen since the last domestic report in late March. Sale volumes in the U.S. have also risen significantly from this time in 2025.