Sheep Industry News February 2024

President’s Notes BRAD BONER ASI PRESIDENT

Information Abounds at Convention W ell, the 2024 ASI Annual Convention is in the books. It was great to see everyone as we had the best attendance at a convention post Covid. It was a busy three days packed with informative programs and discussions held throughout the agenda with a little fun added in at the Opening Reception and RAMPAC Auction. In addition to ASI, more than 10 industry organizations held meetings during the convention. For those of you who were unable to attend and those who did attend but were unable to make it to all the discussions and council/committee meetings, I offer a brief synopsis. Animal Health Committee – The National Animal Health Monitoring System gave an update on its activities along with a scrapie program update. There was discussion on the use of BioWorma for small ruminant parasite control. The Johne’s Dis ease and Mycoplasma Ovipneumonia updates were informative. National Lamb Feeders Association – Held an informative discussion on lamb imports. There was good dialogue on this topic with lots of good information that helped everyone better understand the issues surrounding the import situation. Production, Education & Research Council – The Secure Sheep & Wool Supply Plan was discussed along with new resources and outreach efforts. An informative panel discussion was held on solar grazing. Also, interesting research was discussed on the relationship between milk production and post weaning fecal egg counts in ewes. Genetics Forum – An overflow crowd was in attendance for this informative forum that included topics such as, Don’t Overlook the Basics of Among the New Technologies , an informative panel discussed Economics of Genetics, Realizing an ROI to Genetic Selection . Dr. Tom Murphy with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center shared his presentation on the Application and Comparison of Various Production Indices Available to the U.S. Sheep Industry . A very important and insightful panel from the Young Guns initiative shared their thoughts on Research Priorities of the U. S. Sheep Industry . Also presented were Improving Robustness & Climatic Resilience in the U.S. Sheep Populations through Genomics and a USDA Agricultural Research Service update. Legislative Action Council – Guest speaker Joe Goggins representing the Livestock Marketing Association presented on LMA’s Sheep and Cattle Profitability initiative. This was an informative and insightful look at how livestock agriculture can work together to effect more change for our producers. Jim Richards of Cornerstone Government Affairs gave his Congressio nal update. Lamb Council – held the last listening session by Watts & Associates before it sends a final report on a sheep industry risk management product to USDA’s Risk Management Agency later this month. There was great discussion on what type of risk management products will be most beneficial to the industry. Tyler Cozzens gave an insightful market update with some good information. Jessica Spreitzer with the U.S. Meat Export Federation talked about Enhancing Demand for American Lamb in Export Markets and Megan Wortman with the American Lamb Board talked about ALB’s upcoming research initiatives. Resources Management Council – heard an update from Wildlife Services, the Public Lands Council, the Western Resources Legal Center and the National Grazing Lands Coalition. There was also an informative discussion on Movement Criteria on Public Lands During and Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak , which ties into ASI’s Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan. Wool Policy Forum – heard updates on the Climate Smart Grant, Loan Deficiency Payments, domestic textiles and the global wool textile market. The Wool Council and Wool Roundtable had information sessions on carbon credits and a discus sion from the Wool Innovation Panel. As you can see, it was an informative and busy time for everyone in Denver. I would like to thank all the government agency folks who took time to come to our meetings. I hope it was informative for them and they are now armed with a bet ter understanding of our industry. A huge THANK YOU to all of the ASI staff and committee/council members who work throughout the year to help our producers here in the United States. Until next time, keep it on the sunny side.

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