American Sheep Magazine March 2026

CONVENTION COVERAGE 2026

BOARD OF DIRECTORS INFORMATIONAL SESSION: THE “BIG PICTURE” BRIEFING

USDA UPDATE

The Board of Directors Informational Session is where ASI pulls members into one room to align on the full picture: policy, markets, animal health, partnerships, and communications, so producers leave Convention with a clearer view of what’s happening to the industry and what ASI is doing for the industry. It’s important because many of these issues move fast (trade, regula tions, predators, parasites), and this session is built to turn complexity into next steps producers can actually use. This year’s session included a Washington update from Congressman Mark Amodei, who joined produc ers in the room and echoed a theme that kept surfacing all week: the best outcomes happen when the people closest to the land have a seat at the table. IMPORTED LAMB & THE 201 TRADE CASE The most urgent update centered on the 201 trade case and why member input matters. The message was direct: imports have climbed sharply, up 41% from 2020-2025, and ASI’s filing argues those imports have caused serious injury to domestic growers and packers. Prices improved in late 2025, but speakers flagged a con cern: if shipping constraints and drought pressures ease in Australia, imports could surge again. Member Charge: This process may evolve. If at any point ASI or a federal agency requests producer input via questionnaires, please participate. Clear, operation level information helps tell the industry story accurately and supports the strongest possible outcome.

USDA’s update came from Dudley Hoskins, US DA’s Under Secretary for Market & Regulatory Pro grams. Mr. Hoskins covered the realities producers are living with: predator pressure, parasite challenges, and the gap between what’s approved domestically and what’s allowed in imported production systems. The overall tone: USDA can’t solve everything overnight, but partnerships and clear producer feedback help target action.

“Our job is to make your job easier.”

DUDLEY HOSKINS | USDA

SOLAR GRAZING: A GROWTH LANE

The American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA) segment brought practical, field-tested in sights plus a noticeable trend: more young producers and more women entering the space. Panelists em phasized adaptability, learning to say “no,” and how much education it takes to bridge the urban-rural di vide when you’re grazing sheep in highly visible loca tions. Quick takeaways producers shared: • Educate early and often, neighbors, site managers, and clients may not understand ranching. • Expect scrutiny on solar sites; professionalism mat ters because “everyone is watching.” • Stay diligent. Small operational tweaks can prevent problems (and protect sheep).

Congressman Mark Amodei delivers a Washington update to ASI’s Board of Directors, connecting federal policy realities to the priorities producers brought to convention.

SHEEPUSA .ORG