American Sheep Magazine March 2026

NEWS FROM

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CONVENTION COVERAGE PAGE 11

PAGE 43 SHEEP INVENTORY SNAPSHOT

ASI BRAND UPDATE

PAGE 8

MARCH 2026 | VOL 30, ISSUE 01

AMERICAN SHEEP | NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN SHEEP INDUSTRY

AMERICAN SHEEP MAGAZINE News from the American Sheep Industry Association March 2026, Volume 30, Issue 1 American Sheep Magazine is published by the American Sheep Industry Association, Inc.

AMERICAN SHEEP INDUSTRY 9785 Maroon Circle, Suite 360 Englewood, CO 80112-2692 Phone: 303.771.3500 • Fax: 303.771.8200 info@sheepusa.org • sheepusa.org

ASI OFFICE STAFF Rita Kourlis Samuelson, Deputy Director/Wool Marketing

Zahrah Khan, Operations Manager Larry Kincaid, Chief Financial Officer

Erica Sanko, Director of Analytics & Production Programs Christa Rochford, Wool Marketing Programs Manager Heather Pearce, Wool Production Programs Manager Chris Jones, Administrative Assistant Parand Malekani, Graphic Designer Callie Kuykendall, Wool Administrative Assistant

SUBSCRIPTIONS Payment of member dues in an ASI affiliated state organization entitles a mem ber to a subscription. For non-members, the subscription rate is $50 per year. ADVERTISING INFORMATION Deadline is the first of the month preceding the cover date. All advertising is subject to publisher's approval. Advertisers must assume all liability for their advertising content. Publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaint about service or product. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in American Sheep Magazine. The American Sheep Industry Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Send change of address to: info@sheepusa.org ON THE COVER A shepherd trails a flock on horseback, with a livestock protection dog front and center. Photo by Brad Osguthorpe.

FEATURES ASI Brand Update 08 11 Keynote Recap 15 Animal Health 20 ASI Awards 29

Convention Coverage

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INSIDE ASI

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT I am very grateful to all of those that took the time from their busy ranches and joined us in Reno this past January. Thank you. We are juggling a lot of opportunities within the American Sheep Industry right now and we want feed back from our membership regarding our direction. I look forward to helping lead the charge on our upcom ing political efforts to ensure a more competitive posi tion relative to our import competition, demanding a risk-management product that will help our industry, and better engaging our current and future membership on the opportunities available in the sheep industry. Your ASI team continues to advocate for our pro ducers through our annual fly-in in Washington D.C. We are putting pressure on our legislators to support the process of a potential 201 case and ensuring that they understand the need for a farm bill package. I was happy to help represent the American Sheep Industry at the American Farm Bureau convention in January, and I am excited that organizations such as Farm Bureau, Public Lands Council, American Solar Grazing Associa tion, and National Grazing Lands Coalition are working alongside us in D.C. to deliver our message. Thank you to all our producers and please reach out to your state and national sheep organizations to tell us how to serve your interests even better.

The ability to feel the pulse of individuals in and around the sheep industry is always the most impactful part of our annual conventions. This ASI convention was no different. I am so proud of our executive team, ASI staff, and Cornerstone team stepping up and leading each of their councils and committees. There was a lot of time and effort into setting the agendas, and it showed with great discussion throughout the convention. I am proud of ASI’s ability to provide an environment for not only its members to meet and conduct business during our annual convention but also facilitate the ability of multiple national organizations to gather concurrently. The American Lamb Board, National Lamb Feeders As sociation, Western Range Association, NLPA Sheep and Goat Innovation Fund, National Sheep Industry Im provement Center, Sheep Venture Company, National Sheep Improvement Program, and the American Solar Grazing Association all met during our ASI convention. We are standing tall as the American Sheep Industry, but we can only do that by standing side-by-side with not only our partner organizations, but also other ag organizations.

BEN LEHFELDT | ASI PRESIDENT

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AMERICAN SHEEP | NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN SHEEP INDUSTRY

ASI’s annual fly-in brings members to Washington, D.C., for in-person meetings with congressional offices and key federal agencies. A new chapter for wool testing in Montana is coming Summer 2026 when MSU’s Wool Lab moves into modern space designed for the work producers rely on.

ASI MEMBER FLY-IN TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

MSU WOOL LAB GETS A NEW HOME

On March 2nd, producers from across the country flew in to Washington, D.C. for ASI’s annual “fly-in”, a set of in-person meetings where members share real ranch and market realities directly with fed eral decision-makers. Fly-ins are a common way trade groups bring constituents to Capitol Hill and agen cies to advocate face-to-face. Day one focused on agency meetings (USDA and ag related agencies); the following days were Capitol Hill visits, often with members of congress or their ag staff. ASI provides the briefing packets, issues one-pagers, and manages logistics so members can focus on telling their story. Want to join a future fly-in? Email info@shee pusa.org or connect through your state association executive to get on the list for next year’s planning.

After nearly eight decades in its original 1947 building, the Montana State Universi ty (MSU) Wool Lab is preparing to relocate to Bozeman’s new Combined State Laboratories Building, a shared facility that will also house Montana’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and the De partment of Agriculture’s Analytical Lab. The upgrade is practical: precise wool test ing relies on stable humidity, and staff have used buckets of hot water and even mopped floors to keep conditions ideal in the aging lab. With Montana producing 1.38 million pounds of wool in 2023, expanded, modern space is a meaningful win for producers across the region.

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IN BRIEF

SECTION 201 TRADE CASE: WHAT’S HAPPENING

ASI is pressing for a federal safeguard investigation into lamb imports and members are helping to strengthen the push. ASI has formally asked the U.S. Trade Repre sentative (USTR) to initiate a global safeguard investiga tion under Sections 201-202 of the Trade Act of 1974 to examine whether rising lamb imports are causing serious injury to U.S. producers. Update: ASI is currently await ing USTR’s decision. If the case moves forward, the U.S. International Trade Commission would evaluate injury and could recommend temporary relief (such as tariffs or quotas) designed to restore fair competition. ASI’s request is backed by industry data submitted to USTR, including findings that lamb imports rose from 213.6 million pounds (2020) to 309.3 million pounds (2024), nearly 45%, capturing about 70% of the domes tic market. What members can do today: Watch for ASI ac tion alerts, share your operation’s impacts when re quested, and visit our website to track progress: sheepusa.org/issues/asi-trade-case

U.S. sheep production under pressure as ASI pursues a federal safeguard investigation into rising lamb imports.

One of the many groups holding a meeting during the ASI Convention: the National Sheep In dustry Improvement Center (NSIIC), the group that manages USDA’s Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program, helps put real dollars behind projects that strengthen U.S. sheep production and market ing. Each year, NSIIC budgets about $300,000 in competitive grants for industry-led ideas such as in frastructure and business development, production/ resource development, and market research, the kinds of projects that remove bottlenecks and help the in dustry grow. How to apply: proposals typically open July 1 and are due September 15. Learn more at nsiic.org and request application materials via sheepgrants@nsiic.org NIISC GRANTS: FUNDING IDEAS THAT MOVE THE INDUSTRY

Bollman Industries received an NSIIC grant this year to more easily handle smaller lot sizes to serve a broader range of customers.

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MEMBER LISTINGS

YOUR STATE SHEEP ASSOCIATIONS Local leadership. National impact.

ASI'S EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS

Alabama Meat Goat & Sheep Producers 334-613-4221 • cprevatt@alfafarmers.org Arizona Wool Producers Association 520-560-4202 • caauza@peoplepc.com Arkansas State Sheep Council 479-857-1427 • thenry@rsvlsteel.com California Wool Growers Association 916-444-8122 • susan@woolgrowers.org Colorado Wool Growers Association 970-546-0166 • cwgawool@aol.com Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association 860-933-0212 • ctsheepbreeders@gmail.com Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida 352-502-2564 • ruthtaber@embarqmail.com Georgia Sheep & Wool Growers Association 941-725-4258 • georgiasheep@gmail.com Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association 808-775-8075 • alohadjam@yahoo.com Idaho Wool Growers Association 509-595-0169 • director@idahowoolgrowers.org Illinois Lamb & Wool Producers Inc. 618-367-2364 • fulton9504@gmail.com Indiana Sheep Association 317-607-5664 • executive@indianasheep.com lowa Sheep Industry Association 641-780-2795 • info@iowasheep.com Kansas Sheep Association 620-393-5204 • kssheep@ruraltel.net Kentucky Sheep & Wool Producers Association 502-682-7780 • kyates@kysheepandgoat.org Maine Sheep Breeders Association 207-852-2764 • hodgmans@msn.com Maryland Sheep Breeders Association 302-381-6129 • spbreeding@gmail.com Massachusetts Federation of Sheep Associations 508-829-4556 • brmacphee@aol.com Michigan Sheep Producers Association 231-250-3869 • misheepassociation@gmail.com Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Association 320-766-3875 • delvindurheim@gmail.com Missouri Sheep Producers Inc. 573-578-0497 • mosheepproducers@gmail.coM

National Lamb Feeders Association 970-629-5067 • lambfeeders1@outlook.com Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers Association 308-386-8378 • Ne.sheep.goat@gmail.com Nevada Wool Growers Association 775-744-4388 • pr_paris@yahoo.com New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Growers 603-502-0800 • rickatcoveland@aol.com Garden State Sheep Breeders Inc. (N.J.) 609-947-2260 • kmelvinnjsheep@gmail.com New Mexico Wool Growers Inc. 505-247-0584 • nmwgi@nmagriculture.org Empire Sheep Producers Cooperative (N.Y.) 802-236-0881 • mjpacker10@gmail.com North Carolina Sheep Producers Assoc. Inc. 316-993-0814 • btphilli@gmail.com North Dakota Lamb & Wool Producers Assoc. 701-207-0010 • rick.schmidt@ndsu.edu Ohio Sheep Improvement Association 614-499-2931 • rhigh@ofbf.org Oregon Sheep Growers Association 503-364-5462 • info@sheeporegon.com Pennsylvania Sheep & Wool Growers Association 717-512-8127 • dan@ewelambright.com South Carolina Sheep Industries Association 864-360-3222 • dairysheepdeb@gmail.com South Dakota Sheep Growers Association 605-545-0842 • wkopren@live.com Tennessee Sheep Producers Association 931-698-8293 • twolters@bellsouth.net Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers' Association 325-655-7388 • office@tsgra.com Utah Wool Growers Association 435-915-6116 • sierra@utahwoolgrowers.com Vermont Sheep & Goat Association 802-899-2104 • settlementfarm@comcast.net Virginia Sheep Producers Association 540-231-9159 • sgreiner@vt.edu Washington State Sheep Producers 360-999-8118 • washingtonsheep@gmail.com Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative 608-743-9080 • wisconsinsheepbreeders@gmail.com

BEN LEHFELDT PRESIDENT, MT

JOE POZZI VICE PRESIDENT, CA

TAMMY FISHER SECRETARY/ TREASURER, TX

BRAD BONER PAST PRESIDENT, WY

Montana Wool Growers Association 406-581-8226 • stefanie@mtsheep.org

Wyoming Wool Growers Association 307-265-5250 • alison@wyowool.com

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INTRODUCING THE NEW

SHEEP IQ WEBSITE Built for Today’s Sheep Producers A joint project between the American Lamb Board and the American Sheep Industry Association, the new Sheep IQ website is a hub for sheep management education. It brings trusted tools and expert guidance together in one easy-to-access place. These resources are designed to support best management practices, build stronger flocks, and enhance operational productivity.

The new Sheep IQ site is coming soon, and it will help you put smarter flock management to work on your farm.

A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN

BRAND REFRESH

OLD SYMBOL

NEW SYMBOL

Over the past year, ASI asked a simple, producer-driven question: How do we show up more clearly and consistently for sheep producers across the country? Through surveys and feed back from 400+ members, we heard the same themes: pride in the industry, the need for a stronger public presence, and com munications that are easier to recognize, trust, and share. This refresh starts with the logo, but it doesn’t end there. The updated look is a visual signal of improved, more consis tent communication across the magazine, weekly updates, and social channels so members can quickly spot ASI information, understand what it means for their operation, and share it with confidence. It reflects what ASI is at its core: grassroots-driven and powered by producers, working every day to promote the profitability and well-being of the U.S. sheep industry. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MEMBERS: • Clearer, more consistent communication across ASI touch points (magazine, newsletter, social, web). • Stronger visibility for producer priorities from animal health and trade to public lands and labor. • A unified national voice that helps protect day-to-day busi ness conditions and long-term industry viability. In the months ahead, you’ll see the refreshed identity applied across core materials, along with tools to help state associations and part ners use it confidently. Member-informed. Future-ready. Built to carry the sheep industry forward. ASI’S NEW LOOK

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AMERICAN SHEEP | NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN SHEEP INDUSTRY

REGION 7 Region 7’s caucus focused on practical priorities: advocating for an H-2A Adverse Effective Wage Rate adjustment for herders, strengthening predator control and Wild life Services funding, and supporting public-facing lamb and wool promotions in WY, ID, and MT. Members also discussed the loss of the Double J lamb processing plant and the fallout from producers not being paid for lambs delivered for harvest, plus the need for a USDA risk-management product tailored to sheep. The group reviewed the 201 trade case and potential remedies to compete with imported lamb. We also thank John Noh as he exits the Executive Board, and welcome David Julian (WY) and Garrett Julian (WY) on their new ASI Executive Board and ALB appointments.

ACROSS AMERICA

REGION 8

REGION 8 Region 8 caucus discussion surfaced several shared chal lenges across the West. Washington producers flagged the shortage of rural large-animal veterinarians; UC Davis repre sentative Rosie Busch said she would raise the need with the Vet School to help recruit from rural communities. Members also talked through the nationwide lack of wool scouring capacity, ongoing backlogs, and the difficulty of getting wool sold or processed. In Oregon, producers noted continued Forest Service grazing-permit constraints tied to wolves and bighorn sheep. California priorities remained labor availability and lamb imports, along with concern about Superior Farms’ continued inactivity in the lamb-buying market. Final commit tee recommendations are due Feb. 6.

REGION 7

REGIO

REGION 6

REGION 5

REGION 6 In Region 6, Colorado innovators are turning low-value wool into a practical tool for drought-stressed potato ground and it’s already earning national attention. After meeting Utah producer Albert Wilde (Croydon, UT) at ASI convention, Sherry Haugen brought 1,000 pounds of his wool pellets to the San Luis Valley—where water is tight and coarse wool is piling up in sheds. Early trials near Center, Colorado found the original pellets were too fluffy for standard drilling equipment. So Sherry teamed up with soil scientists, farmers, and an ag engineer (also a sheep producer) to create a more compact, field-friendly pellet, with potential to include a microbial inoculant. Center Conservation District Director Mattea Frell won the American Wool Council’s digital poster contest for the concept—working toward a mobile pellet mill capable of about 500 lbs/hour to tackle drought resilience and wool storage at once.

REGION 4 Region 4 is starting the year with momentum. In the southern part of the region, light slaughter lamb prices are running at record highs, with budgets showing lambs competing favorably with row-crop options like soybeans. We’re also proud to celebrate ND member Dr. Chris Schauer, honored at Convention with the Peter Orwick Camptender Award. Looking ahead, the region continues advocating for strong funding and resources for scientists at the USDA Meat Animal Research Center (NE), work that supports genetic progress and producer profitability nationwide. Now, like everyone else, Region 4 is ready for warmer weather and the start of lambing season.

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ACROSS AMERICA

REGION 3 The Region 3 caucus convened on the last morning of January in Reno. 21 members were present, including four Young Emerging Entrepreneurs (YEEs). We discussed the importance of mentoring YEEs and finding opportunities to do so. We then turned our attention to a review of the pending request for a self-initiated 201 Trade Case, before the United States Trade representative (USTR). The review evolved into a discussion of potential organizational efforts to grow the sheep industry. A robust discussion by several members ensued about past growth initiatives, whether there has been adequate plan ning for growth, and the importance of partnering with the ALB.

REGION 1

REGION 1 Travel to the ASI Convention in Reno was especially chal lenging for Region 1 this year, with severe winter storms and frigid temperatures across the Northeast. Lambing season, feeding schedules, and daily flock responsibil ities didn’t pause, and flight delays, cancellations, and hazardous conditions tested everyone’s plans. Despite it all, most delegates arrived safely and fully represented their producers. Once together, Region 1’s partnership was clear. We held a productive Saturday caucus to share state updates and priorities, and elected Kevin Melvin to a second term as Regional Director reinforcing the value of collaboration across our state associations.

REGION 3

ON 4

REGION 2

REGION 2 Region 2’s caucus at the ASI Convention brought multiple states together to share one win and one challenge from home. Two themes rose to the top: persistent parasite pressure and growing resistance to dewormers, and the ongoing challenge of building membership and reaching the next generation. Encouragingly, many states reported strong programming, both in-person and virtual, serving new and established shepherds alike, helping address both issues at once. The region is also seeing continued growth through solar grazing, which keeps solar sites in agricultural production and offers expansion opportunities without the major cost of buying more land. If you missed convention, watch for future emails about a quarterly Zoom and a monthly Region 2 update. Share events/notes: patriciasanville@gmail.com.

REGION 5 Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association (Region 5) have been quite busy over the last several months. Topics dominating their recent winter meeting were the Scrapie program and the real probability of screwworm reaching Texas. TSGRA has been meeting with Texas Farm Bureau and the Market Association to discuss possible suggested adjustments in the scrapie program. In Texas, most lambs remain intact but are harvested by 6 to 8 months of age. Members feel strongly that the current requirement for tagging creates a burden for producers and markets with little benefit to Scrapie surveillance. Other activities include a trapping clinic (Spring) and Stockman Ram and Ewe sale (March).

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AMERICAN SHEEP | NEWS FROM THE AMERICAN SHEEP INDUSTRY CONVENTION COVERAGE ‘26

Convention is where our best ideas get pressure-tested and then sent back home to work.”

BEN LEHFELDT | ASI PRESIDENT

Convention attendee captures speaker on stage during general session.

These affiliated groups met alongside ASI, bringing more expertise, more working sessions, and more progress for producers:

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4 DAYS

CONVENTION COVERAGE 2026

425 ATTENDEES 7+ AFFILIATED GROUPS MET ALONGSIDE ASI 1 KEYNOTE 40 PEOPLE ON INDUSTRY TOUR 2+ CAPITOL HILL PREP DAYS $21k RAISED AT ON-SITE RAMPAC AUCTION

Jeanne Carver of Shaniko Wool showcases a Team USA jacket alongside Make it With Wool (MIWW) members.

RENO 2026: INSIDE CONVENTION WEEK If you’re new here: welcome. If you’ve been coming for decades: welcome back to your annual mix of hard conversations, good laughs, and hallway problem-solving. ASI returned to Reno for the 2026 Annual Con vention, its first time back since 2015, with about half a dozen affiliated groups meeting alongside ASI to bring producers, research ers, extension specialists, USDA represen tatives, lamb & wool industry reps, animal health specialists, and many other partners into one room. It’s easy to take that for granted, but this convening doesn’t happen by accident. It takes work to create the space, schedule, and structure so these groups can meet, compare notes, and make progress in their own lanes while still moving the indus try forward together.

This year’s agenda hit the full spectrum: the opening session and industry-wide wel come reception set the tone, then the work kicked in: animal health and biosecurity, genetics and the push toward a scrapie-free future, policy and legislative strategy, and the ever-evolving wool conversation (from trace ability to the realities of U.S. processing). Across the next 30 pages, you’ll see what makes convention week worth it: the moments that moved the needle, the sessions that sparked debate, and the ideas that peo ple will take home and test, whether that’s a new approach to managing risk, a better way to talk about lamb with consumers, or a reminder that the industry’s best solutions usually come from the people living it.

150+ DONORS RECOGNIZED 10+ AWARDS PRESENTED

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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.

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MEETING COVERAGE

USDA Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins addresses ASI’s Board of Directors Informational Session with a federal update for producers.

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CONVENTION COVERAGE 2026

DR. PAUL SWAN, TECHNICAL ADVISOR FOR IWTO

KEYNOTE RECAP: MEASURING SHEEP IN THE CARBON CYCLE

Keynote speaker Dr. Paul Swan, a long-time wool sustainability consultant who is closely involved in work on the International Wool Textile Organiza tion (IWTO) Green Book, put words and data to what ranchers have known for years: wool isn’t a detriment to the environment, it’s a natural product that works with nature. Now, the global wool community is taking action. Swan high lighted the Green Book initiative, built to give policy makers, educators, brands,

and consumers clearer, more accurate information about wool’s environmental performance and how it fits into natural carbon cycles, which current standards ignore. ASI’s longstanding relationship with IWTO, active participation in the Green Book effort, and support for sustainability work helps ensure U.S. producers are fully represented as these standards take shape. One of the most practical take aways was ISO 14067, a globally recog

nized method for calculating a product’s carbon footprint. Swan described it as a stronger “rulebook” because it encour ages accounting that reflects living sys tems, including land impacts and bio genic carbon (carbon that cycles through plants and animals). What’s next? Keep doing what producers do best: raise sheep responsibly while ASI supports IWTO in its work to make sure the data, standards, and messaging align with the reality on the ground.

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INDUSTRY TOUR

Wool isn’t a detriment to the environment, it’s a natural product that works with nature.

WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR WOOL WHY THIS MATTERS RIGHT NOW Sustainability scoring systems are start ing to shape policy, product labeling, buying decisions, and consumer trust. When tools built around synthetic-fiber assumptions are applied to natural fi bers like wool, they can create distorted comparisons, unfairly penalizing wool and misrepresenting its true environ mental impact. THE REAL PROBLEM The issue isn’t one specific program or policy, it’s the systems that compare natural fibers to synthetics using incom plete carbon logic. Traditional life-cycle models often treat all carbon emissions the same and only credit “permanent” removals, which can ignore how graz ing-based systems cycle carbon through photosynthesis, soil, and biodegradation. A STEP TOWARD BETTER SCIENCE The IWTO Green Book is a comprehen sive source for wool’s eco-credentials, and a step forward in getting the num bers to reflect what’s really happening on working ranches. It’s built around a biogenic carbon approach aligned with ISO 14067, verified by TÜV SÜD, and supported by peer-reviewed research. In plain terms: IWTO is creating a stronger, science-backed way to mea sure wool’s environmental impact and help ensure wool is judged fairly in the standards and scorecards shaping the market today.

EU-PEF V3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE SCORE PER LB

Why scoring matters: In this EU-PEF chart, a higher “environmental damage” score means a worse rating, and wool is scored far higher than many synthetics. Swan argues better biogenic carbon accounting should change how wool is measured and understood.

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CONVENTION COVERAGE 2026

ASI PRODUCTION, EDUCATION, AND RESEARCH COUNCIL

BY: MELANIE BARKLEY, AGRICULTURE EXTENSION EDUCATOR, PENN STATE EXTENSION

Co-chairs Kelvin Melvin and Patricia Sanville called the ASI PERC meeting to order on Thursday af ternoon of the ASI Convention. Andrew Weaver, Small Ruminant Extension Specialist from North Carolina, began the meeting with “A Roadmap to Integrated Par asite Management.” He gave an overview of the chal lenges posed by parasites to the sheep industry. He also explained how a better understanding of the life cycles of Haemonchus contortus and Coccidia will equip produc ers to better manage these parasites within their flocks. He recommended that producers follow an integrated management approach by maintaining pasture at four inches or higher, rotating every three to five days to avoid larvae at the L3 stage, providing a 45-day or more rest period between grazings, targeting treatment to only animals that require treatment, using the Five Point Check©, and following proper drenching procedures. Overall, producers should develop a plan and regularly evaluate results. Following his presentation, he posed questions to a panel of two producers. Brittany Diehl, DVM, clinical assistant professor and small ruminant specialist at the University of Florida, and Reid Redden, of Premier Solar Sheep in Texas, shared their experiences with managing internal parasites in their different environments. Brit tany recommended putting your hands on the animals to check for body condition and their FAMACHA© score. She also suggested conducting fecal egg counts and checking packed cell volume. Reid focuses on times when animals are likely to have higher FAMACHA© scores and monitors his flock for thin or lethargic ani mals. Other recommendations included keeping good records and culling sheep that require repeat treatments.

Both agreed that genetics plays an important role and that producers should select rams with parasite resistance. Jake Thorne, Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist from Texas A & M, moderated a panel for “Tradition Meets Tomorrow: Strategies for Sustainable Growth.” Grant Azevedo from Mission Lamb in California, Kade Hodges from Hodges Livestock and Solar Grazing Solu tions in Texas, and Kyle Hurley from Hurley Farms, Iowa served on the panel. Panelists shared their per spectives on overcoming challenges in their operations, caring for the land through environmental stewardship and economic sustainability, using technology, practic ing genetic selection, and adapting to changing markets. Panelists also shared which old-school technology they couldn’t do without, how many sheep per employee they have in their operation, and one piece of advice for new producers. Their advice ranged from keeping tradition in mind but not being afraid to try something new, to doing what it takes to keep the operation going, even if it requires change, to figuring out what works for you in your situation and then making good sheep that will work for you. The final topic for the meeting was “Sheep IQ: A Collaborative Educational Initiative by ALB and ASI.” Camren Maierle and Megan Wortman from the Amer ican Lamb Board explained that “Sheep IQ” will serve as a hub for information from trusted resources that sheep producers can access for education, workshops, and podcasts. The American Lamb Board will fund this project in collaboration with the American Sheep Industry Association.

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MEETING COVERAGE

LEGISLATIVE & POLICY UPDATE: PRIORITIES FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

ASI members gathered to focus on the most pressing issues, and the most realistic opportunities in today’s legislative climate. The conversation in cluded a look back at key developments from 2025 and a clear eyed discussion of what’s ahead for the sheep industry in 2026. A highlight of the meeting was a legislative up date from Kate Covington (U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry), who ad dressed several sheep and agriculture related provisions included in last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill, along with ongoing conversations around ag labor and the potential for a “skinny farm bill” this year. Additional updates included Dr. Cindy Wolf (ASI Animal Health Committee Co-Chair) on progress under the MUMS Act and Larry Hoskins (ASI Legislative Chair) on farm labor and H-2A. The group also previewed priorities for ASI’s annual spring D.C. fly-in in March.

ASI’S D.C. TEAM AT CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ALSO SHARED PROGRESS AND NEXT STEPS, INCLUDING: 1. Trade & imports: Building congressional support urging USTR to pursue a trade investigation into lamb imports. 2. Risk management: Exploring pathways for a sheep-specific risk-management tool. 3. Wool support: Outreach to USDA to include wool in the newly announced Farm Bridge Assistance Program.

NATURAL RESOURCES UPDATE: PUBLIC LANDS, PREDATORS, AND SOLAR

ASI Resource Council mem bers met to review the most press ing natural resources issues affecting sheep production from environ mental regulations and grazing ac cess to predator management, big horn sheep interactions, and the growing role of solar grazing. Jessica Fantinato, Deputy Administrator for USDA Wildlife Services, shared current tools and research focused on predator man agement, including updates related to M-44s and other control strat egies. The group also heard from

ASI affiliate Public Lands Council (PLC). Garrett Edmonds (Director) and Robbie LeValley (Board Mem ber) provided a regulatory and legis lative update, including PLC’s work around NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and grazing permitting frameworks, along with bills aimed at improving predator management and grazing access. Debbie Webster, a produc er from South Carolina and board member with the National Graz ing Lands Council (NatGLC), dis cussed how canceled grant funding

has affected producers and how NatGLC is helping members adapt. Alison Crane (Wyoming Wool Growers) shared updates on big horn sheep issues at both state and federal levels, including emerging opportunities for policy change. The session wrapped with Stacie Peterson and Kevin Richards of the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA), who outlined how shifts in the solar market are creating new contract and revenue opportunities for sheep producers.

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CONVENTION COVERAGE 2026

The Wool Policy Forum is where ASI brings produc ers and wool-sector partners into the same room to focus on the “behind-the-scenes” forces that shape the American wool pipeline: domestic capacity, military demand, impact of tariff policies and new markets. It matters because the decisions discussed here aren’t abstract: they affect what’s possible for growers and what buyers can confidently source. What fol lowed was a clear look at forces shaping wool’s next year: Ashley Bullock’s Wool Policy Forum presentation put wool into a bigger national context: the U.S. textile supply chain is a major employer and a key part of na tional defense and wool producers are upstream of it all. Drawing on National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) reporting, he noted the U.S. textile supply chain supported 471,046 jobs in 2024 and shipped $63.9B in textiles/apparel. DOMESTIC CAPACITY Mitch Drigger, ASI Procurement consultant, put a clear price tag on new domestic scouring capacity: large commercial-scale mill was discussed at roughly $40 mil lion from greenstart, reflecting the water-intensive nature of scouring, industrial washing requirements, and permit ting complexity under U.S. effluent rules. The discussion emphasized balance, exploring the cost and feasibility of much smaller scouring options while also protecting and strengthening the processors operating today. Maintaining a viable domestic first-stage processing base is critical to national supply chain resilience. Without it, military supply commitments and the stability of large spinners and knitters are placed at risk. At the same time, the industry must pursue scalable solutions that support small- and medium-sized mills, helping shorten delivery timelines and improve responsiveness to the market. WOOL POLICY FORUM: WHERE WOOL MEETS POLICY, MARKETS, AND MOMENTUM "Wool is moving into a specialty-fiber future, so our job is to understand the market forces, protect the supply chain that supports national defense, and make sure American wool stays in the conversation.” TEXTILE SNAPSHOT

STRATEGIC TAKEAWAYS:

1. Existing first-stage processors (scouring & topmaking) must be strengthened to sustain the U.S. wool supply chain. 2. The U.S. military market depends on reliable domestic pro cessing under Berry Amendment rules. 3. Scouring is essential, costly to build ($40 million), and complex. Feasibility of small-scale scouring options should be explored.

INNOVATION & DEMAND-BUILDING

David Trumbull a specialist in textile trade, underscored that the U.S. military remains a cornerstone market, and that procurement rules like the Berry Amendment help keep Amer ican wool in play making domestic capability and reliability a strategic priority. On the manufacturing side, Crescent Textile Solutions (Wisconsin) shared how the company has rebranded and broadened its portfolio, reflecting a wider shift: wool is increas ingly competing as a specialty fiber with multiple end uses, not just a commodity input. Internationally, guests from Sweden Johan Everding and Helena Holmquist (Wool Rebel) offered a case study in value creation turning wool that would otherwise be discarded into FÅRTEX® wool insulation for quilted outerwear and midlay ers, and even testing wool blankets in cold-field applications like the “Glacier Blanket” project. Together, the message was consistent: innovation plus market access can move more wool…and keep it moving.

FUNDING & INCENTIVES

Sagemont Advisors outlined federal and state tax credit opportunities that can reward R&D and sustainability work, especially when there’s a real technical challenge, uncertainty, and documented experimentation.

TEXTILES BY THE NUMBERS:

471,046

Jobs in the U.S. textile supply chain (2024)

$63.9B

Value of U.S. textile & apparel shipments (2024)

$28B

U.S. exports of fiber, textiles & apparel (2024)

$12.3B

Of U.S. textile exports shipped to Mexico & Canada

$20B

In two-way textile trade with Mexico & Canada.

TOP 5

Top states for textile jobs: GA, NC, SC, CA, TX

2ND

The U.S. is the 2nd largest global exporter of textile-related products

ASHLEY BULLOCK | INTERNATIONAL TEXTILE GROUP

TOP 5

Export Markets: Mexico, China, Canada, Honduras, Pakistan

SHEEPUSA .ORG

MEETING COVERAGE

At a joint session of ASI’s Animal Health and Genet ic Stakeholders Committees, USDA-APHIS veterinarian Dr. Linda Detwiler and USMARC geneticist Dr. Brad Freking tackled the same big question: if the U.S. reaches “scrapie-free” status, how do we stay there? Detwiler emphasized that the last stretch is about continued surveillance, traceability, and producer participa tion, because scrapie is slow-moving and easy to miss with out consistent sampling. Freking focused on the tool that helped get us this far: scrapie-resistant genetics. His message was practical: genetics can reduce risk, but it works best when paired with strong identification and monitoring so the whole industry protects the progress made. SCRAPIE: THE FINISH LINE (AND WHAT COMES NEXT)

2021 SHEEP: Most recent positive detected

2019 GOAT: Most recent positive detected

7yrs 7 years without a classical case is a key benchmark tied to “scrapie free” status

30-40k Annual national surveillance target

If you’re asked to submit samples or update flock ID practices, say yes, and participate promptly.

MEMBER TAKEAWAY:

ANIMAL HEALTH COMMITTEE: PREPAREDNESS, PREVENTION, AND PROGRESS During the ASI Animal Health Committee, producers received a year-in-review on work advancing the committee’s priorities: collabora tion with veterinary organizations, improving shared understanding of HPAI in small ruminants, strengthening FMD preparedness, and con tinuing efforts to expand access to much-needed sheep health products. New World screwworm (NWS) was a priority focus. Dr. Lin da Detwiler (USDA-APHIS) reviewed the current status of NWS in Mexico and the steps underway to prevent the pest from reaching the United States. The takeaway was clear: preparedness matters. Produc ers heard practical guidance on what to watch for and what actions to take if screwworm is suspected. Dr. Wayne Ayers (Elanco) outlined pathways for regulatory emergency-use approvals for potential screwworm treatments and pointed members to reliable resources for ongoing updates, also shared through ASI channels.

"The most important thing you can do about screwworm is to educate yourself using reliable sources. Not Facebook, not Instagram, not TikTok, not social media. For this issue, start with an official site, like screwworm.gov.”

DR. WAYNE AYERS | DVM

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CONVENTION COVERAGE 2026

ASI WOOL COUNCIL WORK SESSION: TURNING PRIORITIES INTO ACTION The ASI Wool Council Work Session is where wool leaders and staff get practical: reviewing what’s working, what’s at risk, and what needs to happen next to keep American wool competi tive in military, domestic, and international markets. It’s part strat egy meeting, part progress report, and part “roll up your sleeves” work session for the year ahead. WHAT ROSE TO THE TOP THIS YEAR: Protecting the military market was front and center. Wool remains a key component in U.S. military textiles, and speakers flagged the importance of defending the Berry Amendment re quirement for American wool. ASI is working closely with the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) to keep do mestic wool in military procurement. Domestic marketing also got a clear boost through expand ed programs over the last year. “We’re seeing consumers respond when we connect American wool to real benefits like performance, sustainability, and the people behind it,” said Christa Rochford, Wool Marketing Program Manager. KEY TAKEAWAYS • Elevate Wool launches this spring, a 2026 roadmap from “what the market needs” to genetics, management, and shearing best practices. • Small and midsize mills need support and ASI is answer ing with a Mill Meetup this summer to troubleshoot, share learnings, and build connections. • International markets remain essential: with a large share of U.S. wool moving offshore, exports are a primary outlet that keeps wool flowing, helps prevent inventory backlogs, and diversifies demand when domestic channels tighten. • ASI is investing in marketing that turns awareness into action, educating consumers on sustainability via the Sus tainability Hub, and connecting them to U.S. wool brands through the Gift Guide and Shop page to help strengthen demand for American wool.

“American wool marketing is gaining momentum because these efforts work together, not in isolation. Elevate wool aims to improve the clip, export-market development helps keep wool moving, clear sustainability education builds confidence, and our promotion programs connect consumers directly to domestic brands using American wool. Each piece strengthens the next, and the whole pipeline wins.”

CHRISTA ROCHFORD | WOOL MARKETING PROGRAM MANAGER

SHEEPUSA .ORG

MEETING COVERAGE

Team USA’s Milan-Cortina Olympic looks created with Ralph Lauren, feature American wool from Shaniko producers, spotlighting U.S.-grown fiber on the world stage. Panelists Rick Powers, Jeanne Carver, and Erin Dorf share what’s driving wool demand now, traceability, credible claims, and stronger buyer confidence.

WOOL COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT: TRACEABILITY + MARKET MOMENTUM A follow-up Wool Council meeting explored

is still evaluating including governance, verification, data management, and the risk of creating a two-tier market. The session also highlighted a bright spot for U.S. producers: Olympic uniforms featuring wool from U.S. RWS producers in the Shaniko group. Panelist Erin Dorf provided an optimistic outlook, pointing to what she believes is a renewed interest in heritage suiting, a return to business at tire, and steady demand for wellness-driven, natural fibers.

what’s helping wool sell right now, beyond the fi ber itself. A panel moderated by Julie Hansmire and Rodney Kott unpacked traceability models and sus tainability claims, noting traceability can strengthen buyer confidence, support brand storytelling, and improve response in the event of a disease outbreak. Traceability can add value, but it’s not just a cost question (Australia cited $0.85 per bale for RFID tagging and $4- $6k per year for audits, plus data base upkeep). It also raises bigger issues the industry

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CONVENTION COVERAGE 2026

SHEEPUSA .ORG

MEETING COVERAGE

LAMB COUNCIL UPDATE: PRODUCTIVITY, DEMAND, AND COLLABORATION

BY: TRAVIS W. HOFFMAN, PH.D., NDSU/UMN EXTENSION SHEEP SPECIALIST

Optimism was high, and the crowd was packed for the 2026 ASI Lamb Council on Friday morning of convention. Megan Wortman, ALB Executive Di rector, sparked the audience with a message of strong demand for American Lamb, and reinforcement that new dietary guidelines prioritize high quality nutrient rich proteins including red meat. Demand triumph is echoed by increases of both volume and dollar sales of American Lamb at retail in 2025. With productivity, consistency, and year-round availability as future hurdles our American Lamb Board is striving for progress via funding four research propos als, regional grazing and productivity workshops, and the exciting launch of SHEEPIQ.com, a hub for online sheep and lamb industry information.

Dr. Tom Murphy, USDA-Meat Animal Research Center reported on a previous research project evaluat ing breed impact on lamb flavor and sensory attributes. The 2015 National Lamb Quality Audit identified eating satisfaction as the primary driver of lamb con sumption. Rambouillet, South African Meat Merino and Suffolk progeny were evaluated. Rambouillet had greater roasted flavor, but also greater liver and green off-flavors. Further, the panel found 18 month-old wethers had improved tenderness, but also more liv er and green off-flavors than lamb harvested from 11 month-old wethers. Overall, the complexity of breed difference results for trained panelists were varied, and likely eating experience expectations would be negligi ble to consumers. Attendees had the opportunity to hear insight from a talented panel: David Fisher, Karissa Isaacs, Dan Lippert, and Nick Forrest, moderated by Dr. Travis Hoffman. The discussion of opportunities, challenges and innovation retrospectively looked back at the 2013 Lamb Industry Roadmap, and pro vided focus for next steps for American Lamb supply chain progress in the future. The four primary industry goals are: 1) Produc tivity Improvement, 2) Product Characteristics, 3) De mand Creation, and 4) Industry Collaboration. Discussion was diverse from improving produc tivity with production management to adding value of lambs merchandised through our marketing options. Our industry has evolved in the past 13 years with ex amples such as the emergence of solar grazing and the continued shift of lambs harvested at lighter weights. Our ASI Lamb Council audience completed a survey (n = 86), and identified the action steps with the highest impact: 1) Adopt value-based marketing, 2) Increased use of quantitative genetic selection, 3) Explore alter native market pathways, and 4) Build industry-wide communications effort. Our panelists agree that now is a great time to grow our domestic supply to ensure consistent year-round availability and recapture domes tic demand at foodservice, retail, and consumer plates. Eat American Lamb!

Dollar sales of American lamb were up

While volume sales increased 5.9%

year over year 9.4%

Dr. Tyler Cozzens, Livestock Marketing Informa tion Center, provided an overview of current economic conditions, forage and crop situations, and the supply and pricing trends for sheep and lambs in the United States. He noted that we have seen wool value increase in Fall 2025. In 2026, producers cashed checks from $225/cwt slaughter lambs and +$350/cwt non-tradi tional slaughter lambs, and we have the highest nation al lamb cutout value since July 2022. With compara tively lower carcass weights and the current conditions in both the sheep market and frozen lamb inventories, price support is expected for 2026. USDA reported a 1% U.S. sheep inventory increase, and Dr. Cozzens predicts a 2-5% increase of feeder lamb and 1-3% in crease in slaughter lamb prices for 2026. In Spring 2025, Superior Farms was awarded ALB funds for a Summer Digital Marketing Campaign focused toward Walmart and Kroger customers. Bob Mariano highlighted the American Lamb promotion that helped drive summer lamb sales on retail sites/ apps. Walmart promotion was a success, driving over $475,000 in sales of Marketside Lamb using sponsored product listings and Kroger Simple Truth Lamb adver tising of targeted digital coupons to loyalty shoppers generated $408,000 in total sales.

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