This week’s newsletter is arriving early due to Thanksgiving.
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday is Final Day for Early Bird Registration!

Looking to register for the American Sheep Industry Association Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada, January 28-31, 2026 at a discounted rate? Tuesday is the final day to register at the early bird price. After that, normal registration rates will apply.
Registration closes on December 29, 2025.

Register Now!

 

ASI Research Update Podcast: Insights into the New Zealand Sheep Industry

Dr. Whit Stewart, extension sheep specialist at the University of Wyoming, joined host Jake Thorne on the ASI Research Update podcast to share insights from his recent sabbatical in New Zealand. During his time abroad, Dr. Stewart visited Lincoln University and worked closely with producers across the country, gaining a firsthand look at one of the world’s most efficient pasture-based sheep industries. In the episode, he discusses how New Zealand’s approach to production, education, and industry challenges compares to the U.S., and what lessons American producers may be able to apply at home.

Click Here to listen to the podcast.

 

 

Legislative Update from Washington, D.C.

The American Sheep Industry Association’s lobbying firm – Cornerstone Government Affairs – offered an update this week on legislative issues in our nation’s capital.

 

Interior Proposes Return to Trump-Era ESA Rules

On Wednesday, November 19, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the U.S. Department of the Interior proposed four new rules to roll back the Biden Administration’s 2024 Endangered Species Act (ESA) changes and restore the 2019–2020 Trump Administration framework. This initiative is aimed at reducing regulatory overreach, improving clarity, and better aligning with the ESA’s statutory text and recent Supreme Court rulings. These four proposed rulings address listing and critical habitat, interagency cooperation, threatened species protection, and critical habitat exclusions. Officials argue the updates provide more predictability for states, landowners, and industry while maintaining core conservation standards. The rules are published on the Federal Register and open for a 30-day public comment period began November 21. See the proposed rules below: Section 4(b)(2).

• Removing the “blanket rule” pursuant to Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
• Revising regulations under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
• Revising regulations under Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973
• Revising regulations under Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973

The official Department of Interior press release can be found here.

USDA Launches Screwworm.gov to Coordinate NWS Response

On Friday, November 21, USDA announced the launch of Screwworm.gov, a new federal website providing information on the New World Screwworm (NWS) as part of Secretary Rollins’ five-pronged national response plan. The site provides USDA-verified updates on NWS cases in Mexico, U.S. preparedness measures, and resources for a broad range of stakeholders. These updates are based on information consolidated from partner agencies. The website can be found here.

Senate Finance Advances USTR Chief Agricultural Negotiator Nominee

On Wednesday, November 19, the Senate Committee on Finance advanced the nomination of Dr. Julie Callahan to serve as Chief Agricultural Negotiator within the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). The full Committee voted 17-10, with three Democrats voting in favor, Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Mark Warner (VA), and Raphael Warnock (GA). Now, Callahan’s nomination will proceed to the Senate floor, where she is expected to be confirmed by the end of the calendar year. Until she is confirmed, she will continue to serve as Assistant USTR for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy.

 

Senate ENR Holds Hearing to Examine Land Use Permitting

On Wednesday, November 19, members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discussed the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Public Lands Rule and whether it appropriately applies the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) multi-use mandate. Democrats emphasized the need for fully staffed BLM field offices and said the rule strengthens conservation, recreation, and sustainable energy uses without displacing other land uses. Republicans argued the rule elevates conservation above energy development, livestock grazing, and mining, raising concerns about delays caused by permitting and environmental reviews. Senators on both sides questioned how to streamline land-use planning and improve coordination with state and local governments. You can watch the full hearing here.

 

Understanding the Role of AWEX Wool Price Reporting

Wool is a globally traded commodity, influenced by exchange rates, trade policies, tariffs, and global supply and demand. Given that roughly 60% of U.S. wool is exported, understanding the global market and tracking market prices is crucial for producers, buyers, and industry members to make informed decisions.

Although reports on domestic sales are limited, the Australian Wool Exchange-Eastern Market Indicator (AWEX-EMI) provides key insight into the larger global wool market. ASI shares Australian wool market information because Australia remains the dominant player in the global wool trade and because the AWEX-EMI is consistently reported. Their auction results serve as the primary price-setting mechanism for wools worldwide. Tracking the Australian market helps U.S. producers understand price trends, buyer behavior, and competitive conditions that directly affect American wool prices.

Learn more about the AWEX-EMI and global wool prices at iwto.org/understanding-the-awex-eastern-market-indicator/

Current sheep, lamb, and wool market summaries are available at www.sheepusa.org/market-info/market-summary

Australian Wool Market

An overall steadying week for the wool market with movements in finer MPG’s to see the EMI finish the week at 1504c, down 10c overall. This was on the back of large gains the previous week in which the EMI gained 56 cents and some MPG increases of over 100 cents. When expressed in US$ terms which the majority of oversees trade in the EMI was only a fraction lower. On the first day of selling (Tuesday) the market lost the most ground in the eastern states with most merino MPG’s losing 10 to 38c with finer MPG’s most affected, while the West Australian MPG’s fairing better on paper but remembering W.A only had a one day sale the previous week on the Tuesday, Tuesdays EMI lost 9c by the end of the day to 1505 cents. On the second and final day movements were more modest overall with most MPG’s moving up/down less than 10 cents in all three selling centres, which resulted in the EMI losing just the 1 cent to finish the week at 1504c. The Sydney wool auction this week was a designated superfine sale which saw some healthy prices for spinner style types in the finer microns, creating some increased movements in the MPG’s as premiums for those speciality types soared in comparison to best to good top making styles. Some commentators quote those premium types up to 200 cents clean over standard types, but to achieve those levels there are strict measurement and style parameters. The merino skirting market performed well in comparison to their fleece counterparts and finished the week up to 40c higher than the previous week, those lots with fleece like measurements most affected. Crossbred fleece MPG’s were overall slightly easier and merino cardings made modest gains.

Click Here for the ASI Conversion Chart – AWEX Prices to USD Per Pound.