Sheep Industry News August 2025

SheepIndustry Volume 29, Issue 8 August 2025

News

August 2025 Volume 29 , Issue 8

Contents

4

President’s Notes

6

Market Report

8

ASI Member Listing

40

Breeder's Directory

42

Industry Calendar

ON THE COVER: This month we take a look at how genetics research is pushing the industry forward.

FOLLOW US

2 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

Sara Gurule Wins Sheep Heritage Scholarship Sara Gurule, a Ph.D. student in

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Animal Science at New Mexico State University, has been awarded the 2025 Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholar ship by the American Sheep Industry Association.

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20 Selecting the Optimal Sheep for Solar Grazing

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Montana Ram Sale, A Hundred-Year Legacy

IWTO Congress Brings Global Wool Industry Together Weaving a perfect fit between past and present, Lille, France, was the venue for the 94th International Wool Textile Or ganization (IWTO) Congress, held May 20–22, 2025.

Where Performance Meets Progress: Lessons from the Wyoming Ram Test The Wyoming Central Ram Performance Test was started in 1961 as a partnership be tween the University of Wyo ming Extension, Agricultural Experiment Stations, and the Wyoming Wool Growers Association.

ack McRae, past ram sale manager and Targhee consigner for forty five years, discusses the history of the Montana Ram Sale. In 1950, the Montana Wool Grow ers first sponsored the sale – then known as the Montana State Ram Sale – in Miles City.

The rise of agrivoltaics— where solar energy produc tion coexists with agricul tural practices—has created new opportunities for sheep producers across the United States.

August 2025 • Sheep Industry News • 3

President’s Notes BEN LEHFELDT ASI PRESIDENT

Budget Time

T hese past few months have been somewhat tenuous in terms of ASI’s financial picture for the future. The Farm Bill’s delays over the past two years have stretched the 2018 Farm Bill funding to the limit and even left us unfunded for the next fiscal year. Thankfully, the staff over the years has been able to create some obligated funds that proved essential in giving us a year’s cushion to continue advocacy on behalf of the industry. The July 4th signing of President Trump’s reconciliation bill included several Farm Bill priorities. With the help of ASI staff, our lobbyists, and sheep producers, many of the sheep industry’s priorities were included as well. Our funding for the Wool Trust was part of the bill and will provide funding through 2031. This serves as the baseline for all our ASI funding and is es sential to our organization. The National Sheep Improvement Center also received an increase in funding — from $2 million over five years to a new package of $3 million over five years. Lastly, because of our meetings over the last three to four years with House and Sen ate Agriculture staff, we were able to raise the Wool LDP payment on ungraded wool to 55 cents per pound from 40 cents per pound. Not everything that is normally included in the Farm Bill made it into the reconciliation bill, so we are very happy that some of our priorities were included in both the House and Senate versions of the bill. We were able to have ASI representatives in Washington, D.C., during June to help move these items forward and keep lamb and wool top of mind. While the Wool Trust is very important, we also focused on what can be done to curb imported lamb and continued meeting with Senate and House members to help lead our sheep industry charge. We met with the U.S. Trade Representative, along with many offices — including Senator Crapo, Senator Barrasso, Senator Lummis and Senator Daines. Along with these meetings in D.C., our legal team has been gathering financial data from four meat companies. I think it is essential that we continue to put pressure on imports through the Trump administration, legislative leaders, and our legal pro cess with the 201 case. Other staff members have been diligently preparing and adjusting budgets for approval by the Wool Council, ASI Executive Board, and our ASI Board of Directors. I am so pleased with the amount of work done by Rita and Peter’s staff to help more clearly break down the financials for our boards. I know that the Wool Council alone spent three sessions and over 11 hours on Zoom (one meeting lasting nearly until 11 p.m. EST). I really appreciate our volunteer leaders spending this personal time to help make sure we are efficiently utilizing our funds. The discussions regarding how to use our funds will continue in our July Executive Board meeting and ultimately be approved by the Board of Directors. Committee and council meetings covering various aspects of the sheep industry are essential opportunities for all stake holders to participate and engage actively. If you are a member of one of these groups, please make sure to join the upcoming conference calls. Our budget and priorities should be built from what results from these discussions. Starting now, we need to build the list to be included in the fiscal year 2026–2027 budget. Thanks to our ASI staff and all our volunteers in the sheep industry. Please reach out to your regional representatives on the Executive Board and the Board of Directors to learn more about our ASI budget. Also, feel free to reach out to me and the ASI staff with any further questions or concerns.

4 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

SheepIndustry NEWS August 2025: Volume 29, Issue 8

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August 2025 • Sheep Industry News • 5

Market Report

David Anderson, PH.D. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Summertime Seasonality Dominates Market

S pring lamb markets exhibit a strong seasonal component and that is true of summer markets, as well. Lamb produc tion tends to decline from Spring highs. Live lamb prices exhibit different seasonality depending on weight. So far, it looks like this year is following some normal seasonal patterns. Lamb Production Weekly average lamb production has declined from about 2.6 million pounds in April to 2.2 million pounds in June. That decline is not all that different from the average over the last few years. But the level of lamb production this year has been larger than last year. Using weekly lamb production data, production in the second quarter of the year was 7.7 percent greater than last year. It’s worth remembering that Easter was in April, part of the second quarter of 2025 and in March 2024. Production in the first quarter exceeded that of 2024 by about 2.3 percent. Heavier dressed weights have boosted production for most of the year. Weekly average weights have exceeded those of last year by as much 8 pounds so far this year. Trade Lamb imports have been an important topic for many years. For the year through May, lamb imports are about 1.2 percent smaller than last year. Reduced imports in February and May of this year have offset greater imports in January and April. Lamb imports in May totaled 22.4 million pounds, the fewest for a May since 2023, and a 20 percent decline from May 2024. While the

imposition of tariffs may play a role in reduced May imports its worth remembering that imports tend to decline, seasonally, after Easter. Other factors play a role in imports in addition to tariffs. While the U.S. dollar has gained in value versus the Australian cur rency since 2021, the dollar has weakened in value over the last couple of months. A weaker dollar would work to reduce imports. Another factor is the price difference between U.S. and Australian lamb leg prices. The spread between them has narrowed in recent months reducing the incentive to send product to the U.S. Other good news on the trade front is that lamb and mutton exports have increased. U.S. lamb exports totaled 223,000 pounds in May, the most for any month since December 2019. The 93,000 pounds exported to Canada in May were the first for any month since November 2014. The 121,000 pounds exported to Mexico were the most for any month in several years. Mutton exports in May increased to their largest level this decade. The combination of increased domestic production and re duced imports indicates that total lamb supplies have been just slightly ahead of last year. Prices Prices are tending to follow seasonal patterns in light and heavier weight slaughter lambs, although with some notable points. For lighter weight, 60–90-pound, slaughter lamb prices have experienced some striking volatility. Over the May to June period average prices dropped by a third, going from $294 per cwt. to just under $200 per cwt. over a six-week span. The decline left average prices below those of a year ago. Heavier weight slaughter lambs indicate a different picture. From the Sioux Falls, SD market, prices have been about the same as a year ago throughout the year. Prices climbed to their seasonal mid-year peaks, hitting $242 per cwt. in recent weeks before de clining by more than $20 per cwt. to begin the second half of the year. The national negotiated live lamb data has painted a different picture of lamb prices. Since the first of the year prices in that re port have languished well below 2024, trading between $160 and $180 per cwt. until June when they jumped to $200 per cwt. In lamb meat markets, the cutout has traded below that of 2024 all year. In June, the cutout set a new low for the year of $452 per cwt. The was the lowest cutout value in at least 18 months. Within the cutout, boxed lamb shoulder and loin prices have been about

6 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

equal to a year ago. Boxed leg prices continue to struggle recently declining to $478 per cwt., about $50 per cwt. lower than last year. Recent market data reported by the American Lamb Board lent support to the notion that leg prices and sales struggled in the first quarter while other items, such as ground lamb experienced growth. Wool Market July brings the beginning of the new, 2025-26, Australian wool marketing year. In contrast to past years, the first sales of this new year brought unusually small offerings for sale. Only 27,716 thou sand bales were offered for sale, reportedly the fewest since 1997. For the first week of July, prices expressed in U.S. dollars, increased a few cents across all microns. In relative terms, prices have increased more for coarser wools. Twenty-two micron and finer wools increased from $0.08 for 17 and 21 micron to $0.01 for 19-micron wool. Those were the highest prices since earlier this year. Twenty-six micron wool jumped $0.12 to $2.22 per pound from the prior week. That was its highest price since September 2022. Coarser wools hit their highest prices since 2020. A number of other factors have been impacting the wool market recently. In Australian markets, drought impacted wools with reduced yields have experienced large discounts. Prices for well-prepared wool held firm. The broader textile fibers market is experiencing lower prices. Cotton prices are projected to be the

lowest of this decade. Broader macroeconomic struggles in major economies are impacting demand. On Balance Seasonally tighter supplies may bring some near-term support to live prices prior to the arrival of midwestern lambs to the mar ket. As noted earlier, normal seasonal patterns have been in place, albeit with some significant live animal price volatility. Where imports go from here will be an important area of market focus over the next few months.

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ASI Member Listing WWW.SHEEPUSA.ORG l INFO@SHEEPUSA.ORG

Alabama Meat Goat & Sheep Producers 205-315-6811 • cprevatt@alfafarmers.org ASI Women 509-760-9496 • lovetaboyce@gmail.com Arizona Wool Producers Association 520-560-4202 • caauza@peoplepc.com Arkansas State Sheep Council 870-853-7404 • wjcalloway@gmail.com California Wool Growers Association 916-444-8122 • susan@woolgrowers.org Colorado Wool Growers Association 303-638-0596 • cwgawool@aol.com Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association 860-933-0212 • gschultz@baypath.edu Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida 352-502-2564 • ruthtaber@embarqmail.com Georgia Sheep & Wool Growers Association 706-614-2417 • joannemaki22@gmail.com Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association 808-775-8075 • alohadjam@yahoo.com Idaho Wool Growers Association 208-344-2271 • director@idahowoolgrowers.org Illinois Lamb & Wool Producers Inc. 618-367-2364 • fulton9504@gmail.com Indiana Sheep Association 317-607-5664 • executive@indianasheep.com Iowa 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 240-357-1437 • donna.flint@maine.gov Maryland Sheep Breeders Association 240-357-1437 • patriciasanville@gmail.com Massachusetts Federation of Sheep Associations 508-829-4556 • brmacphee@aol.com Michigan Sheep Producers Association 616-610-5628 • elainem.bristol@gmail.com Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Association 320-760-5727 • kinneylamb@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.) 585-367-2775 • sheepkath@aol.com North Carolina Sheep Producers Assoc. Inc. 919-808-5285 • bphillips@carolinasolar.services North Dakota Lamb & Wool Producers Assoc. Oregon Sheep Growers Association 503-364-5462 • info@sheeporegon.com Pennsylvania Sheep & Wool Growers Association 717-512-8127 • danlturner44@gmail.com South Carolina Sheep Industries Association 864-360-3222 • dairysheepdeb@gmail.com South Dakota Sheep Growers Association 406-581-7772 • lisa@sdsheepgrowers.org 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 701-207-0010 • rick.schmidt@ndsu.edu Ohio Sheep Improvement Association 614-499-2931 • rhigh@ofbf.org

Ben Lehfeldt Montana President

Joe Pozzi California Vice President

Tammy Fisher Texas

Secretary/ Treasurer

Peter Orwick Colorado Executive Director

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

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

8 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

Eastern Montana Fairgrounds Miles City, Montana

Selling 292 Rams!

100th Annual Montana Ram Sale Thursday, September, 11th Ram Sale Lunch @ 11:00 Ram Sale @ 12:00 12th Annual Montana Ewe Sale Wednesday, September 10th Ewe Sale Social @ 5:00 Ewe Sale @ 6:00

Online Sale Catalog Available September 1 st

www.mtsheep.org

Montana Ram Sale, A Hundred-Year Legacy Brent Roeder MSU Extension Sheep and Wool Specialist J ack McRae, past ram sale manager and Targhee consigner for forty-five years, discusses the history of the Montana Ram Sale. In 1950, the Montana Wool Growers first spon sored the sale, then known as the Montana State Ram Sale, in Miles City. There are complete records from that date forward. In talking to older members of the Wool Growers, they recall the record for the most Targhee rams sold at the Montana Ram Sale more than a decade after retiring from the sale. Chase says the Montana Ram Sale was likely the first major sale in the United States to embrace the use of NSIP-generated EPDs. Before the advent of EPDs, and early in his sale career, MSU was a leader in assisting sale consignors with keeping good performance records and followed that with a central ram test where the performance of rams could be compared against one another. Then, with the advent of the National Sheep Improvement Program and computer-generated EPDs, the information available to ram buyers was better than ever. The next step forward was the creation of an EPD-centered index that focused upon the limited but important trait of “number of lambs born to ewes exposed.” the ram sale in Miles City during the 1930s and ’40s. Then a picture showed up of the 1928 ram sale in Miles City. In researching that picture, it was learned that 1928 was the third sale for the Eastern Montana Ram Sale. The picture of the rams was probably to show off the new barn, as report ed in the April 1928 Montana Wool Growers magazine : “Due to the efforts and careful planning of J.H. Bohling, Secretary of the Eastern Montana Fair and Ram Sale, the contract has been let to build new and permanent pens with roofs, and a covered sale ring for the Ram Sale held in connection with the Eastern

“We were on a jet plane before improving the economic traits of rams with application of EPDs, but with the new index, we boarded a rocket ship!” Having said all of this, the challenge and “art” of this was to combine these powerful EPD tools with the old-fashioned “look good—feel good” traits that all of us old-timers grew up with, and of course, with basic animal soundness and traditional wool traits. This would include a proper fleece with good crimp, density, staple length, uniformity, color, and character. And proper conformation with good feet and legs, thickness, depth of body and proper wool cap. Easy, right? Seldom can you do it all, but you do the best you can. Retired Montana State University Sheep Extension Spe cialist Dr. Rodney Kott says recordkeeping among Montana purebred livestock (beef and sheep) producers has always been largely influenced by MSU’s extension, teaching, and research program and began many years ago (likely in the late ’50s). There has always been a strong partnership between the Montana Ram Sale and MSU. To assist the buyers, there has always been an effort to limit information posted to verifiable and relevant performance information. MSU’s role was to develop and recommend a standard set of records that could be posted on pens of sale rams.

Montana Fair. The building and ground will cost $3000.” This sale was sponsored by the Eastern Montana Wool Growers in its early years and later by a group of Miles City businessmen and local sheepmen. By 1950, they were ready to turn it over to some one else, and the Montana Wool Growers have run it ever since. Prior to 1950, the Montana Wool Growers had sponsored state ram sales around Montana, and for a while, there were several Wool Grower-sponsored sales each year in different

parts of the state. The earliest of the “modern” Montana Wool Grower magazines started in 1928

(we also have issues from the 1880s and ’90s), and it reported that the 1928 sale would be the 11th Montana Ram Sale. Chase Hibbard, of Sieben Live stock Company, sold 3,031 rams over 65 years and still holds

10 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

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a big leap for buyers to start rewarding these progressive con signors, as most had cattle and had been buying bulls based on “EPDs” for years. The key was to make it as simple as possible for the buyer. One of the problems affecting adoption of these records by buyers was the extreme variation in traits reported by con signors (each consignor reported a different set of traits), leading to difficulty for buyers to compare the records. In that effort, MSU developed a production index which put the more important traits together into one number for Montana range producers. That index, designed to sort the better genetic testing rams to the top, is now the Western Range Index. Also, MSU identified a standard set of data that should be reported and developed a sale information catalog. Longtime consignor Carolyn Green, of Melville, likes to say she was not inhibited by experience when deciding to develop an extensive recordkeeping system for her registered Targhee flock. She started with a 3” x 5” notecard system recording ewe performance records; transitioned to the farm flock ration developed by MSU; and ultimately enrolled in NSIP. Her goal was always to produce genetics that were better than a com mercial producer already had. She said the primary purpose of the sale was to provide rams in their working clothes with pertinent production data for range producers, and the sale was one of the highlights of her life—seeing old friends and making new. Cord Bieber, the current Montana Ram Sale Committee Chair and commercial producer, says buyers have a desire for data. They can select the animals with the traits they are looking for to improve their flocks. NSIP is a tool that facili tates that opportunity. Seedstock operations utilizing NSIP

Initially, the importance of multiple births was stressed in educational programs, and producers quickly realized—in the absence of any other measures of reproductive performance— the importance of favoring twins in selection programs. Twin rams were routinely bringing premiums at the ram sale. By the ’70s, MSU had introduced the concept of utilizing an “on farm” performance testing program that measured weaning weight, post-weaning gain, and wool weight, and within-flock ratios were calculated. In the mid-’80s, a twinning rate ratio (based on the dam’s number of lambs born and the opportuni ties to lamb) and measured wool micron were added. Ram sale buyers quickly recognized that these records were an important tool in their ram selection program. Consignors that embraced these records flourished, and those that resisted slowly dropped out of the sale. When NSIP became available, several key consignors embraced the program. The key is these producers recognized the value of the program and used it in their own selection program. Ram sale buyers noticed the extent to which these consignors were utilizing NSIP in their selection program and started paying attention. It really wasn’t

12 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

go through an enormous amount of time, effort, energy, and resources collecting the necessary data for NSIP. From birth weights in the lambing barn to weaning weights, to fleece weights and microns, to scanning for ribeye depth, seedstock producers are not only striving to better their flocks but hope fully the flocks of the producers who purchase from them. Most hogget rams offered for sale will have had up to 15+ points of data taken and submitted into the NSIP program. These data points lend themselves to greater predictability through genetic evaluation and data collection. The consign ors at the Miles City Ram Sale take great pride in offering what they consider their best animals through the use of NSIP. The 100th Anniversary Montana Ram Sale and 12th Annual Ewe Sale will be held at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds on Sept. 10 and 11, 2025. It will be a special event, held on the same ground at the same time for the past 100 years. Only the buildings and new generations of buyers and consignors have changed. The Montana Ag Experiment Station has consigned for 75 years. Members of the Sampsel family from Stanford are also 75-year consignors through the Hughes family, and Lehfeldt Ranch of Lavina (ASI President Ben Lehfeldt’s family) con signed their first lot in 1952. Sieben Ranch of Wolf Creek (the Baucus family through Henry Sieben) and the Whiteside fam

ily of Jordan both purchased rams in the 1950 sale and con tinue to do so. Other buyers that have supported the sale for over 70 years include Sieben Livestock of Adel, Bair Company of Martinsdale, the Hinnaland family of Circle, the Murnion family of Jordan, and the McRae family of Jordan. Please join us for the celebration at the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds on September 10 & 11 in Miles City. More in formation can be found at https://mtsheep.org/news-events/ annual-montana-ram-and-ewe-sale.

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August 2025 • Sheep Industry News • 13

Sara Gurule Wins Sheep Heritage Scholarship

S ara Gurule, a Ph.D. student in Animal Science at New Mexico State University, has been awarded the 2025 Sheep Heritage Foundation Scholarship by the American Sheep Industry Association. Raised in Standing Rock, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation, Gurule is now pursuing a Ph.D. in reproductive physiology—research that reflects both her personal roots and professional ambitions. Gurule began her academic career at New Mexico State, where she earned her bachelor’s in animal science and spent all four undergraduate years involved in research. Her early work focused on using sensor technology to de tect lambing and illness in sheep—an experience that laid the groundwork for her future in sheep-focused research. She went on to complete a master’s degree at Texas A&M University, using sheep as a model to explore neuro endocrine regulation related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). That led her back to NMSU for her Ph.D., where her current research investigates how low-level bacterial infections—often undetected by producers—disrupt endo crine and immune signaling pathways in sheep. “These infections may not show clinical signs, but they can impact fertility, hormone profiles, and potentially even lamb growth and wool quality,” Gurule said. “We’re studying how lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- a component of bacterial cell walls- affects the pituitary response and over all reproductive performance. Understanding how long LPS lingers in the system is critical for figuring out just how long these low-level infections are affecting animal health.” A second component of Gurule’s research examines the impact on lambs born from infected ewes, looking at how maternal immune stress shapes offspring development. “By understanding these subtle but significant disrup tions, we can develop management practices to help pro ducers minimize fertility losses and improve flock produc tivity,” she said. Gurule also takes pride in giving back to her commu nity. She’s presented extension talks on sheep reproduction to producers on the Navajo Nation and serves as a mentor to fellow students in research and applied sheep manage ment. “Seeing the lightbulb go off for a student is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Helping train the next generation of scientists makes this work even more meaningful.” Gurule said she felt honored and grateful to be selected for the scholarship. “It motivates me to keep producing

research that benefits both producers and the broader field of animal science. NMSU has a long history of impactful sheep research, and I’m proud to contribute to that legacy.” She credits much of her growth to longtime mentor Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford. “She took me into her lab as a freshman and has sup ported me through every phase—scientifically, profession ally, and personally,” Gurule said. “She pushes me to be a better scientist and a better leader.” Gurule has also received support from the USDA/NIFA Hispanic-Serving Institutions Education Grants Program, which funds her dissertation research. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue a career in animal science research—whether in academia or industry—while staying connected to the sheep sector. “Sheep have been central to my life since childhood,” she said. “I hope to stay involved in sheep research, extension, and maybe even keep a small flock of my own.” Her advice for others considering a career in sheep sci ence? “It’s incredibly meaningful work,” she said. “You’re help ing producers, animals, and communities. Don’t hesitate— there’s always room for passionate scientists who want to make a difference.”

14 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

U.S. Shearing Championship Results T he U.S. Sheep Shearing Championship was held June 6th and 7th at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg, Oregon. The competition featured coarse wool, cross • Wool Handling: 1st – Brook Williams (Wanamingo, MN) 2nd – Doug Rathke (Hutchison, MN) 3rd – Helen Astin (Hermosa, SD) 4th – Katherine Moser (Larchwood, IA)

bred ewes generously provided by local commercial producers Dan Dawson, Chad Furlong, and Tom O’Conner. In a collabora tive effort to promote wool utilization, Soundview Fiber Mill of Washington purchased 1,200 pounds of wool from the event, which will be processed into commemorative rugs. A total of fifty-one competitors participated, representing a range of experience levels. Among them were brothers Juan and Nativi dad Cornejo from California, who showcased the traditional Mexican style of shearing, where sheep are laid on their side and the belly is sheared upward instead of downward. Additionally, three beginner shearers took part virtually, completing timed and judged runs through the Oregon Sheep Growers Association Beginner Shearing School held prior to the championship. Winners by Division: • Beginner: 1st – Leslie Sullivan (Hartland, VT) 2nd – Jake Sexton (Haines, OR)

In addition to the official competition, a pop-up speed shear event was held Friday night in the parking lot of a local bar and grill. Twenty-four competitors took their chances shear ing lambs using a shearing machine strapped to the side of a stock trailer. While most spectators came with the shearers, bar patrons also joined the crowd. No lambs escaped, and Paul Astin won the event.

3rd – Flora Winters (Creswell, OR) 4th – Juan Cornejo (Gustine, CA)

1st – Leslie Sullivan

• Intermediate: 1st – Blade Thomsen (Turner, OR) 2nd – Henry Shere (Laytonville, CA) 3rd – Tirzah Gunther (Luverne, MN) 4th – Mary Lake (Randolph Center, VT) • Open: 1st – Paul Astin (Hermosa, SD) 2nd – Chad Furlong (Roseburg, OR) 3rd – Alex Moser (Larchwood, IA) 4th – Timothy Wright (Byron Center, MI) 5th – Marcus Irrthum (Wanamingo, MN) 6th – Loren Opstedahl (Union Center, SD) 7th – John Quimby (Idleyld Park, OR) 8th – Matthew Bean (Penngrove, CA) • Blade: 1st – Loren Opstedahl (Union Center, SD) 2nd – Doug Rathke (Hutchison, MN) 3rd – Mary Lake (Randolph Center, VT) 4th – Kevin Ford (Charlemont, MA)

1st – Brook Williams

Jake Valentine, Judge Bob Murray and Dan Dawson in the Open preliminaries.

IWTO Congress Brings Global Wool Industry Together

W eaving a perfect fit between past and present, Lille, France, was the venue for the 94th Inter national Wool Textile Organization (IWTO) Congress, held May 20–22, 2025. This historic city, known for its rich textile history, was a fitting backdrop for wool industry leaders and enthusiasts from around the world to gather. The event brought together 286 participants represent ing more than 170 companies and 28 countries across the global wool supply chain for three days of industry dia logue. The IWTO Congress is more than just an industry gath ering — it’s a vital opportunity to better understand the global wool market, from wool growers through the textile industry and beyond. It provides valuable market intel ligence, including updates from all major wool-producing countries, reports from first-stage processors, certification program insights, and input from spinners, weavers, and trend forecasters. IWTO also has formal Working Groups on key issues such as biosecurity, sustainability, product wellness, and traceability — where growers and other stakeholders contribute to shaping global best practices. The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) played an active role by sponsoring the event, being members on Working Groups, and presenting an update on the U.S. wool industry. ASI”s presentation, along with promotional videos, highlighted the quality and value of American wool.

ASI Officers Ben Lehfeldt and Joe Pozzi, Wool Council Chair Julie Hansmire, ASI staff and consultants, and other U.S. wool representatives were actively involved in the Congress to represent American wool. With a large portion of U.S. wool exported, active engagement at global events like IWTO is vital to maintaining strong trade relation ships, expanding market access, and keeping American wool competitive and well-represented in the international marketplace. This year’s Congress also highlighted major develop ments shaping the future of the global wool industry. Just before the event opened, the European Commission validated France’s environmental cost labelling system for clothing. Vincent Colomb of ADEME presented the framework, which builds on the EU’s Product Environ mental Footprint (PEF) while incorporating additional factors that better capture wool’s strengths, such as zero microplastic release, durability, and end-of-life impact. This marks a milestone toward more accurate and balanced environmental assessments that reflect wool’s renewable and circular nature, a goal ASI has supported IWTO’s work on for several years. Throughout the Congress, sessions also showcased wool’s expanding role in diverse industries, including construction, luxury interiors for cruise liners, and even gardening. As the conversation around sustainability deep ens, wool continues to prove itself not only as a traditional textile but as a forward-looking solution across sectors.

Joe Pozzi, Julie Hansmire, Ben Lehfeldt

Rita Samuelson

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U.S. Wool Testing Continues to Advance, But Needs Your Support

C ommercial Wool Testing in the U.S. is Critical When the Covid-19 pandemic began five years ago, the global disruption highlighted the need for domestic resources. International shipping became strained, people around the world were secluded at home, and the global economy paused. Times like this emphasize just how fragile the global system is and how important it is to maintain key capabilities here at home, including domestic wool testing. Domestic wool testing is also critical in the event of a trade barrier, such as when imports are prohibited due to sanitary & phytosanitary (SPS) restrictions. If there were a serious disease outbreak in the U.S. (such as Foot and Mouth Disease) and borders “closed” internationally, raw wool samples would need to be treated for disease

pathogens before leaving the U.S. or could be prohibited. With SPS restrictions, it would add weeks of time before wool would be allowed to be shipped overseas. Having a domestic wool testing lab ensures that wool can still be tested within a reasonable amount of time and ensures that wool trade could continue domestically and interna tionally. Wool Testing in the U.S. The Bill Simms Wool and Mohair Research Lab (BSWMRL) at Texas Agrilife in San Angelo, Texas pro vides both commercial core testing as well as individual fleece testing. While several U.S. labs offer individual fleece testing for micron, the Bill Simms Lab is the only lab in the country offering both commercial core testing and individual fleece yield and VM testing.

Commercial core tests: use LaserScan instruments to determine important data necessary for selling wool commercially, such as: • Mean fiber – Micron • Variability of fiber diameter – Coefficient of variation (CV) and Standard Deviation (SD) • Yield – Percentage of clean wool after scouring • Vegetable matter – (VM) Percentage of hay, chaff, straw, seeds, burrs, and other VM present

These are critical figures used in selling wool commercially – domestically and internationally. They are also essential information for valuing and processing wool.

Individual fleece micron tests: use an Optical Fiber Diameter Analyzer (OFDA) instrument to garner: • Mean fiber diameter - Micron • Variability of fiber diameter - CV & SD • Histograms - Showing micron changes over the period of time the wool was grown. For example, a producer might be able to see how specific management practices like lambing or lush summer feed impact fiber diameter.

Individual fleece tests also available at the Bill Simms Lab include: • Yield - Percentage of clean wool after scouring • Vegetable matter - (VM) Percentage of hay, chaff, straw, seeds, burrs, and other VM present

Having data on individual fleeces provides producers insights into how management practices impact the quality and value of their wool. It also provides producers with data that can be used for fleece selection and genetic improvement.

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The expansion of the Bill Simms Lab has been years in the making. Several years prior to the Yocom-McColl Lab closing in 2020, ASI was already holding discussions with testing and wool industry leadership, as well as conducting studies to determine the best course of action for continu ing commercial wool testing. A formal commitment to keep and support the testing lab in the U.S. was supported by the largest users of wool testing—wool warehouses and buyers/exporters during an industry stakeholder meeting in July 2019. With the wool industry’s formal support for the lab, the National Sheep Improvement Center and ASI’s for-profit arm – the Sheep Venture Company - took action by helping purchase new, expensive testing equipment. The equipment arrived in August of 2021. Leaders at the lab spent months installing, learning how to use, calibrat ing, and testing the equipment. In the meantime, U.S. core tests were sent to the New Zealand Wool Testing Authority (NZWTA), whose assis tance and guidance is greatly appreciated by the U.S. wool industry. The Bill Simms Lab purchased its equipment from NZWTA and benefited greatly from the technical guidance of Duane Knowles, Chief Executive NZWTA, whose expertise was instrumental in getting the lab up and running to international standards. Progress and Performance The Bill Simms Lab has continued to improve and is dedicated to fulfilling the mission of large-scale, commer cial wool testing. The Texas lab has successfully com pleted renowned Interwoollabs round trials to ensure its equipment is properly calibrated and aligned with other international standardized labs. Experts from internation al labs have also examined the lab to determine ways they can operate more efficiently while maintaining accuracy. Recently, the lab has worked to decrease turnaround times and is investigating vegetable matter measurement. “Our turnaround time was seven to ten days,” said Wool Lab Manager Sarah Linton, who took over the operation back in January. “We’ve got it down to four to five days now. Additionally, “We’re really focusing on vegetable mat ter right now because there was a complaint that we were higher than the samples tested in New Zealand. We’ve started a trial with New Zealand where the process will start here and then go to New Zealand so that we have a comparison.” In March, Russell Jessup, Ph.D., was named the new director of the research center that oversees the lab and

wants to see the lab live up to its potential. He took over in his new role on May 1. “He’s been very encouraging already,” said Linton. “He definitely wants us to open up a larger customer base.”

How YOU Can Help While industry leaders, ASI’s Sheep Venture Company, and the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center have made significant investments in the Bill Simms lab, continued success depends on broader usage and support. Most U.S. wool core tests are still being sent overseas for testing, which puts the lab’s long-term viability at risk. To ensure this valuable resource remains available, we encourage growers, buyers, and warehouses to consider using the Bill Simms lab. Here’s how you can help: 1. Encourage those submitting commercial core tests to utilize the Bill Simms Lab. Growers, warehouses and buyers utilize core tests for wool sales. Ask your marketing representative or buyer to use the Bill Simms lab. 2. Encourage those using individual fleece testing (for wool, mohair, cashmere, alpaca and more) to use a U.S. lab. Individual fleece testing labs are located throughout the U.S.- find the full list at www.sheepusa.org/contacts/ wool-pelt/research-testing. ASI will also be with the industry every step of the way. ASI continues to lease wool testing equipment to universi ties across the country. And ASI will continue providing communication, resources, and support to ensure com mercial core testing and individual fleece testing are avail able to U.S. producers. To learn more about the Bill Simms Wool & Mohair Re search Laboratory, visit SanAngelo.TAMU.edu/bsl/, email woollab@ag.tamu.edu or call 325-657-7348.

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Selecting the Optimal Sheep for Solar Grazing

Jake Thorne Andrew Weaver T he rise of agrivoltaics—where solar energy produc tion coexists with agricultural practices—has created new opportunities for sheep producers across the United States. As solar developers seek sustainable vegeta tion management solutions, sheep have emerged as an ideal partner, offering cost-effective and environmentally favor able grazing services. However, success in this dual-purpose system depends on more than just turning sheep loose under panels. A balanced approach to animal selection, emphasiz ing longevity, adaptability, and health, is essential for flock sustainability, grazing enterprise profitability, and long-term partnerships with solar developers and managers. Why Sheep? On solar farms, vegetation under and between solar panels must be controlled to maintain panel operational ef ficiency, reduce fire risk, and allow personnel to easily work on equipment within the array. Traditional approaches such as mowing and herbicide use are costly, can be logistically difficult, and have negative environmental impacts. Grazing with sheep reduces these costs while adding value through lamb production, positive ecosystem services, and public perception. Solar development is certainly a polarizing topic amongst the agricultural community and this is something that is recognized by the developers, especially those constructing arrays on valuable farm or pastureland. Maintaining agricul tural production at solar sites can maintain a greater level of public support of solar development and fortunately for our industry, sheep are the most suitable species in this scenario. While perception is highly important to the solar compa nies, from the perspective of the grazier, it’s important that providing this service is economically sustainable. However in the scenario of being “paid to graze”, profit may be gener ated a little differently than we are used to. For an example, a 1000-acre utility-scale solar site in a moderate rainfall region might require four mowing passes per year, at ~$75 per acre per pass, totaling $300,000 in an nual mowing costs. By integrating sheep grazing stocked at one ewe per acre, operators may reduce mowing to twice

annually, saving $150,000 per year. If a ewe is responsible for one acre, her grazing service alone could save $150 per year. Consider a ewe purchased as a yearling for $300 and maintained at $30 per year from age two to seven. Over a seven-year lifespan, her total cost is roughly $480. During that time, she could save $1,050 in mowing expenses, not counting revenue from lambs. Even accounting for potential increases in cost, the longer-lived ewe delivers a favorable return. However, a different purchased ewe that only remains in the flock to age four might cost $390 but only save $450— highlighting the economic importance of ewe longevity in solar systems.

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While the second ewe still generated profit over her life time in our model, we all know that unexpected costs are a reality and her $60 mowing savings could easily get negated. Remember, these are just estimates for the sake of example and you should calculate your own numbers for specific solar sites and production systems. Longevity vs. Prolificacy: A Production Trade-Off While prolificacy (lambs per ewe per year) is tradition ally a key driver of profitability in sheep operations, its role in solar grazing systems is more complex. Ewes producing larger litters annually may have higher short-term returns but could also face increased physiological stress, potentially reducing their lifespan in the flock. On the other hand, ewes that consistently produce singles but remain healthy and productive for more years may pro vide greater total value, especially when grazing services are factored in. Imagine the same two ewes: • Ewe A raises seven lambs over seven years. • Ewe B raises eight lambs over four years (twins each year). While Ewe B produces one additional lamb ($150), Ewe A provides three extra years of grazing service ($450 in mow ing savings). The combined value of longevity and moderate reproduction may outweigh short bursts of productivity. This scenario is not meant to suggest that prolific ewes should be culled, but rather to highlight the need for bal anced selection. The most profitable ewe in a solar grazing system likely falls in the middle of the spectrum—long-lived, moderately prolific, easy fleshing, and resilient to environ mental stressors. Selection Challenges and Genetic Tools Identifying and selecting ewes with the right combination of traits—longevity, structural and udder soundness, disease resistance, and temperament—requires more than intuition. Comprehensive data collection and objective selection tools are essential but often limited in commercial grazing sys tems. The National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) offers valuable tools, including Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for growth, reproductive, and parasite resistance traits. Of particular importance for solar operations is the Fecal Egg Count (FEC) EBV , which quantifies genetic resistance to internal parasites like Haemonchus contortus. This trait is critical because solar grazing flocks are often large, mobile, and extensively managed. Variable forage man agement and inconsistent handling schedules may increase

parasite pressure. Ewes must be able to maintain health under these conditions without frequent intervention. Selection for low FEC EBVs is a proven strategy to im prove resistance and reduce dependence on anthelmintics, especially in humid regions where parasite loads are highest. Survival despite disease challenge is not only important to longevity, but ensures positive public perception in a service based business model. Producers are encouraged to work with NSIP-participat ing seedstock suppliers who can provide animals with proven parasite resistance and other performance traits. More information on this topic is available through the American Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (www. wormx.info). These EBVs are scientifically proven, accurate selection tools. However, they don’t exist for all traits important to solar graziers. Some traits are more difficult to quantify, and respective genetic metrics have yet to be established in the sheep industry. Therefore, astute observation and recording keeping is necessary for improvement. Temperament: An Undervalued but Essential Trait In traditional systems, a calm, docile ewe is often appreci ated. In solar grazing, she is essential. The operational reali ties of solar sites—including frequent trailering, constrained alleyways, breakable infrastructure, and dynamic group management—demand animals that are easy to handle and exhibit strong flocking instinct. While temperament is largely evaluated subjectively, it remains one of the most practical selection criteria in a solar grazing context. Wild or non-cooperative ewes increase labor costs and elevate risk of injury to people, animals, and equip ment. Producers should consistently cull or avoid retain ing animals that are difficult to manage. Likewise, positive behavior—such as consistently leading the flock or loading easily—should be rewarded in selection decisions. Additional Traits to Consider Beyond the traits of longevity, parasite resistance, and temperament, solar producers may benefit from selecting for the following: • Moderate Frame Size and Fleshing Ability: Smaller-framed ewes require less input and supplemental feed, maintain condition easier on lower-quality forages, and increase likelihood of breeding offering improved longevity poten tial. • Aseasonal Breeding: Ewes capable of lambing outside tra ditional seasons allow for flexible stocking strategies.

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