The longevity of wool may be Frozen in Time, this year’s theme for the National Make It With Wool (MIWW) Fashion Show, but the colors and quality…how they have advanced! The state-winning MIWW contestants competed in the national finals and awards program in a Disney quality style show during the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Annual Convention on Jan. 31. … Read More
Record Attendance for Sheep Industry Convention
A record number of people attended the American Sheep Industry Association’s recent annual convention in Reno, Nevada. The organization says a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the group, the oldest national livestock association in the United States, and stronger interest in the industry helped drive the numbers. “Stronger lamb and wool markets in conjunction with the 150th festivities offered … Read More
NSIP Commits to Rebranding Initiative
Following a competitive RFP process, the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) has selected Demeter Communications for its Rebranding Initiative. The purpose of the rebranding is to better position NSIP as the genetic selection tool for U.S. sheep producers, and increase usage of the technology for the benefit of all segments of the industry, according to Reid Redden, NSIP chairman. The … Read More
A Roadmap Through American Lamb
American Lamb Board chairman, Dan Lippert, provided an update on the lamb industry and some programs they are promoting that help producers and consumers alike. We chatted during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s Trade Talk held in Kansas City, MO. “The Roadmap was initiated because we saw some extreme volatility in the markets. Producers were concerned about longterm profitability. … Read More
Celebrating Exciting Times in American Sheep
The 2014 Trade Talk brought me to the American Sheep Industry Association booth during last week’s National Association of Farm Broadcasting’s annual meeting. Executive director for American Sheep, Peter Orwick, recapped the wool and lamb markets and shared some exciting news about the organization. “Very strong prices in 2014. Feeder lambs selling over $2 a pound. The attitude among the … Read More
New American Lamb Board Members Appointed
Tammy Doughty, David Quam and Elizabeth Dressler have been appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to serve on the American Lamb Board. Each appointee will serve a three-year term, effective January 2015. The Board is composed of six producers, three feeders, one seedstock producer and three first handlers. The Secretary of Agriculture appoints one third of all board … Read More
Programs to Benefit Sheep Producers of All Sizes
Two new programs will benefit sheep producers and the sheep industry, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced July 28. The new Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program, part of the 2014 Farm Bill, will provide approximately $1.5 million in grant funds that can be used by sheep organizations to assist producers by strengthening the production … Read More
Young Shepherds Represent the United States in France
Waving the flag of the USA at the Second World Young Shepherd Challenge will be Danielle Buskohl from Wyndmere, N.D., and Woody Babcock from Corvallis, Ore. “Both contestants have great enthusiasm and a strong desire to represent their country to the best of their abilities,” says Burdell Johnson, chair of the American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) Young Entrepreneurs Committee. “Dani … Read More
Give Us Your Best Sheep Shot
The American Sheep Industry Association’s (ASI) 2014 Photo Contest is underway and is open to all who wish to enter. The only rule is that the photographs entered in the contest must include sheep or lambs raised in the United States. Photographs entered in the contest will be judged on clarity, content, composition and appeal. More than $1,000 will be … Read More