Registration Now Open for ASI Annual Convention
Registration is now open for the 2026 American Sheep Industry Association Annual Convention in Reno, NV at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
Early bird registration rates are available now through Dec. 2 at a discounted rate. After that date, online registration is available at the standard rate through Dec. 29.
The ASI industry tour will take place at the University of Nevada, Reno. Convention attendees are encouraged to register for the tour early as the 50 spots available are filling up quickly.
Click Here for information and to register to attend the convention.
ASI Now Accepting Applications for Executive Director
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director. Applications will be accepted through October 31, 2025.
Click Here for more information and to apply.
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.
Federal shutdown continues as lawmakers struggle to pass stopgap to reopen the government
October 15, marks just over two weeks since the start of the federal government shutdown with the appearance of no immediate end in sight. On October 14, the Senate brought to the floor and rejected yet another continuing resolution (CR) attempt to reopen the government, bringing the total round of votes since the 2025 fiscal year lapsed on September 30 to nine. At this point in time, Republicans and Democrats respectively appear confident in their messaging strategies regarding the shutdown narrative and continue to be at odds over Affordable Care Act (ACA) healthcare subsidies. While the Senate has been in session for the last few consecutive weeks, the House of Representatives continues to be out under the direction of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) who has vowed to not bring back the chamber until the Senate passes the GOP-led CR that was passed out of the House on September 19. Looking ahead, the Senate is scheduled to continue to bring votes to the floor on the stopgap measure.
On Saturday, October 11, President Trump announced that he is directing the Department of War (formally the Department of Defense) to use funds set aside to pay U.S. military amidst the government’s lapse in funding. The Pentagon has now issued roughly $8 billion which was originally slated for research, development, testing and evaluations to be redirected to be used for military salaries. Since the government shutdown began, October 15, has been seen as a possible pressure point for negotiations because it would be the first paycheck that the miliary would go without. Now that the Administration is paying its military members, negotiations rest on the hope of a productive compromise between the parties. At this time, it is uncertain where negotiations are currently headed and how long the federal government will remain to be unfunded by Congress.
Senate confirms two more USDA officials
Last week, the Senate confirmed two more U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) appointed positions as part of a broader en bloc vote, including more than 100 nominees. Devon Westhill will serve as Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Civil Rights and Michael Boren as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment. Westhill previously served as the Deputy Assistance Secretary for Civil Rights under the first Trump Administration and Boren has a longstanding history working alongside the Forest Service as a rancher in Idaho and promoter of robust forest health and management. They will now join Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden, and the slate of confirmed appointees in the coming weeks pending the current government shutdown.
The Australian wool market
The Australian wool market lost ground again this week with majority of merino fleece MPG’s losing 60 to 100c. Finer microns were again most affected, while 19 microns and broader suffered the least. Fleece wool at this time of the year are presenting with improved style, which aids in narrowing overall discounts, wools are similar in average vegetable matter, with slightly lower Newton per Kilotex (NKT). Mid breaks are at their seasonal low also. The largest daily fall occurred on the first day of sale with the EMI losing 43c while the second and final day the overall market while down resulted in an 18c drop overall in the EMI. Of note today within the N.Z offering a line of wool measuring 12.7 micron returned 40,000 cents greasy. Sale prices between 3,000 to 4,700 cents greasy were regularly achieved for lots within 13 to 14 microns.
Today’s closing EMI is 27.9% ahead of the same time last season and a total $88 million dollars higher in total value. The retreating wool price has seen less wool eventually being sold to overseas mills as sellers remain bullish and setting reserves that see a quarter of all wool offered this week failing to sell. Of the 41,000 bales originally rostered this week, which included 2,569 bales ex New Zealand, 28,589 bales eventually sold to export markets. Season to date the number of bales offered for auction is 3.3% less for than the same time last year, however AWTA (Australian Wool Testing Authority) figures are showing 16% less bales being tested when compared to the same period. Next weeks (week 17) sales are rostered at 40,124 bales, very similar to the last 2 weeks and will be held over Tuesday & Wednesday in its standard format.
Click Here for the ASI Conversion Chart – AWEX Prices to USD Per Pound.
Source: AWEX
Watch “Pastures and Panels,” the New American Story of Solar Grazing
A new documentary from the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) spotlights a growing movement that is transforming both agriculture and renewable energy.
“Pastures and Panels” tells the story of farmers and ranchers revitalizing family farms by grazing sheep on solar energy sites, creating a resilient model that produces food, fiber, and energy for our nation — all on the same land.
Click Here to read the full article.
American Lamb x Darryl Tailgate Partnership Overview
This fall, the American Lamb Board has partnered with Darryl, one of the most engaging voices in the tailgating and grilling community, to amplify our Tastes of the Tailgates campaign and drive more consumers to purchase American Lamb in national retailers like Walmart and Kroger.
Together, we’re showcasing how American Lamb is the ultimate tailgate protein—versatile, flavorful, and approachable for any game-day menu. Darryl’s content demonstrates just that, featuring simple and delicious recipes like handheld lamb pita wraps with tzatziki, perfect for homegating or tailgating alike.
Darryl’s first post went live earlier this month and has already performed incredibly well:
View the post here: Darryl’s First Tailgate Reel
Metrics to date:
- 66.2K views
- 1.3K likes
- 30+ comments
- High engagement rate with followers praising the recipe and sharing their own tailgate traditions
As part of this broader campaign, consumers are invited to enter the Tastes of the Tailgates Giveaway, where they can submit photos of their American Lamb purchases (or themselves shopping for it) for a chance to win the Ultimate Tailgate Prize Pack—featuring a portable Weber Grill, a year’s supply of American Lamb, and a YETI cooler customized with their team’s logo.
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve already received 132 consumer submissions nationwide, showing strong engagement and excitement around the campaign.
Up next, Darryl will be sharing his second recipe—sirloin kabobs for backyard tailgating—continuing to show consumers just how easy it is to make flavorful, crowd-pleasing dishes with American Lamb.
This partnership not only expands our visibility through Darryl’s loyal following but also strengthens our mission of driving awareness, trial, and in-store purchases of American Lamb during one of the most social and food-forward seasons of the year.
Source: ALB