Sheep Industry News March 2022

SheepIndustry NEWS Volume 26, Issue 3 March 2022

Annual Convention Issue

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SheepIndustry NEWS Volume 26, Issue 3 March 2022

A Look Inside 10 A m erican Sheep Inventory Down 2 Percent

ON THE COVER:

Increased slaughter of mature sheep in 2021 – thanks to drought and high mature ewe slaughter prices – played a role in a 2 percent decrease in the American sheep inventory as reported by USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service in January.

12 2022 ASI Annual Convention

RAMS PAC Auction Sets Record Bidding was spirited and competitive at the 2022 RAMS PAC auction as a record amount of $31,700 was raised to support candidates who understand the needs of the American sheep industry. As it turns out, that rollercoaster ride American wool and sheep producers have been on the past couple of years was actually a Pacific Ocean wave that carried ASI into San Diego on Jan. 19-22 for its 157th Annual Convention .

Greenhouse Gas Guru Frank Mitloehner from the University of California-Davis explains how sheep can be part of the climate change solution.

29

Departments 4 President’s Notes 6 Market Report 11 ASI Me m ber Listing 34 Obituaries 35 Breeders’ Director y 37 Industr y Calendar 38 The Last Word

32 Sheep Nutrition

March 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 3

President’s Notes SUSAN SHULTZ ASI PRESIDENT

Young Entrepreneurs Are Positive, Engaged In Industry

I t was so refreshing to see the bright faces and listen to the optimism of the young people at our ASI Annual Convention this year. It was not only the conversations about the good lamb prices that producers are receiving, but it was the engagement in our industry that struck me as such a positive trend for us moving forward. Along with a dynamic group of young producers, our indus try is benefitting from an influx of young state executives, young researchers and new extension sheep specialists. This group had an opportunity beyond the main agenda to network and share their successes and failures in building their operations through the ASI Young Entrepreneurs Committee.

Ryan Boner of Wyoming and Cody Chambliss of South Dakota, along with members Ashley Larson of Washington, Kip Krebs of Oregon and Brady Evans of Texas. They have assumed the responsi bility to coordinate YE activities, and plan the agenda for next years’ convention in Fort Worth. If you are between the ages of 20 and 40 and would like to become involved with the next generation of leaders in our sheep industry, please contact a member of the YE leadership team and/ or join their Facebook page at American Sheep Industry Emerging Entrepreneurs. My best.

Young Entrepreneurs – as we know it today – was the brainchild of ASI Past President Burdell Johnson of North Dakota. When he served as an ASI officer, Burdell was adamant that ASI should reach out to the next generation. He wanted to attract more families to our convention and provide programming for youth. It was called the ASI Youth Taskforce in 2008, and I was asked by Burdell to chair the committee that first year. For the next two years – led by Burdell and Dr. Jill Swannack of Washington – the Youth Task force focused on attracting families and their wide age range of children along with young adults to the Annual Convention. In 2011, the focus evolved and was narrowed to engaging young adult sheep farmers and ranchers ages 20 to 40 and renaming the committee the Emerging Youth Entrepreneurs. We now call the committee ASI Young Entrepreneurs, or just YE for short. In the past 14 years, the initial intent of this committee has never changed in that ASI wanted to reach out and engage the next generation. Leadership devel opment is now a key component of this effort and many former and current Young Entrepreneurs serve as state association directors, state execu tives, state sheep extension specialists and even as an ASI officer. The 2022 ASI Young Entrepreneurs executive board is led by a leadership team co-chaired by

4 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

SheepIndustry NEWS March 2022: Volu m e 26, Issue 3

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March 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 5

Market Report DAVID ANDERSON, PH.D. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

This Year's Pro m ising Start

T his year is off to a promising start, with live lamb and meat prices continuing their high levels from 2021. But those high prices have come with high production costs and higher costs of getting lamb from the ranch to consumers. Beyond that, there is plenty to dig into in sheep and lamb inventories, cold storage stocks and imports as they respond to high prices and some expecta tions for the coming year. USDA’S SHEEP INVENTORY REPORT The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s sheep inventory report was released on Jan. 31, and indicated 2 percent fewer sheep in the United States compared to Jan. 1, 2021. The ewe flock was down 1.7 percent. Digging into the report a little deeper suggests a couple other points. The ewe flock was down only 1.7 percent in the face of the largest federally inspected mature sheep slaughter since 2011. Mature sheep slaughter as a percent of the ewe flock in 2021 was 4.5 percent – historically very large and the largest in more than a decade. Replacement lambs totaled 640,000 head and were the equiva lent of 22 percent of the ewe flock. This level of retention would be consistent with a steady number of ewes or even some growth if not for the large mature sheep culling that occurred in 2021. Certainly, drought, higher costs and other production constraints – and high

prices – led to more culling and the smaller flock. But the level of retention would suggest some opportunities for growth this year. While most states reduced their ewe numbers, there were some notable exceptions. California, Nevada, Washington and New Mexico reported more ewes ranging from an increase of 3.7 percent (Wash.) to 8 percent (Calif. and N.M.). It was a mixed bag in other regions with more ewes reported in North Carolina, Kentucky and West Virginia, but reductions in Tennessee, Virginia and Pennsyl vania. It’s worth noting that the one category reporting more lambs than the year before was the market lambs under 65 pounds. This category was reported 2.1 percent (7,000 head) greater than the prior year. TRADE Lamb imports are always an important lamb market factor and the latest data released by USDA completes the data for 2021. Lamb imports surged to 29.4 million pounds in June. That was the largest monthly import of lamb – likely on record – with data going back to the late 1980s. Normally, imports peak in March and then decline from April to September, after the Spring holiday season, and then grow in the last quarter of the year. Imports did decline following that peak, and were just under 20 million pounds in December. For the year, a record 264 million pounds were imported with

98.4 percent of that from Australia and New Zealand. Of the total, 74 percent came from Australia and 24 percent from New Zealand. The year also saw record large mutton imports, at 99.8 million pounds. More than 90 percent of that product came from Australia. While mutton imports have trended higher in the last 30 years, the real surge has occurred in just the last few years. Live animal trade grew for both exports and imports in 2021. Almost 23,000 head were imported for the year – the most since 68,000 were imported in 2003. Sheep exports totaled 46,700 head with the majority – 34,329 head – going to Canada. High domestic lamb prices certainly fueled increased imports. It’s likely that imports will remain high this year as high prices and re

US LAMB IMPORTS Carcass Weight, Monthly

Mil. Pounds

30

25

20

15

10

5

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY

JUN JUL

AUG SEP

OCT

NOV DEC

Avg. 2015-19 2020 2021

Data Source: USDA-ERS & USDA-FAS Livestock Marketing Information Center

6 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

duced domestic production make the United States an attractive destination.

LAMB AND MUTTON IN COLD STORAGE Frozen, End of the Month

Mil. Pounds

50

COLD STORAGE Stocks of lamb have often been a real industry problem, pressuring prices and hanging over the market. At the beginning of the pandemic in Spring 2020, cold storage stocks as reported by USDA hit 48 million pounds – a huge number. But those stocks worked through the market dramatically in the course of 2020 and remained low throughout 2021, ending the year at 22 million pounds – well below the five-year average of 33 million pounds. Lamb in cold storage is not beginning the year in bad shape and should be supportive for prices early in the year.

45

40

35

30

25

20

JAN

MAR

MAY

JUL

SEP

NOV

Avg. 2015-19 2020 2021

Data Source: USDA-NASS Livestock Marketing Information Center

WOOL Wool prices, as indicated by the Australian market, have trended higher since the beginning of the year. While the wool market indi cator value is higher than last year at this time, it has been running about 15 percent below the five-year average. It would appear that the recent upward trend in prices has pulled some more supplies out of storage and into the market, resulting in some lower prices in the last week. It appears that the price spread by micron has been grow

ing with finer micron wool selling at a larger premium to coarser wools.

ON BALANCE Fewer market lambs in the inventory report should translate to reduced lamb production in the next couple of months. When combined with reduced cold storage stocks and declining imports

March 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 7

– at least at the end of 2021 – should translate to relatively tight lamb supplies. Prices of all the ma jor cuts have begun the year well above last year, and in line with the end of 2021. For example, the national lamb cutout value for the week ending Feb. 7 was $6.15 per pound compared to $6.14 the last week of December 2021 and $3.90 in Febru ary 2021. Live lamb prices are also starting the year on a high note. Heavyweight slaughter lambs at Sioux Falls, S.D., averaged $234 per cwt. for the first week of February and were $170 per cwt. a year ago. Lighter weight lambs in Texas, Colorado and South Dakota averaged $372 per cwt. in early Feb ruary compared to $240 at this point last year. While supplies indicate high prices might re main, high prices usually discourage consumption as consumers switch to lower-priced items. It’s been pretty well documented that lamb demand

SLAUGHTER LAMB PRICES Wooled, 110-130 lbs, Sioux Falls, Weekly

$ Per Cwt.

95 115 135 155 175 195 215 235 255 275 295

JAN

APR

JUL

OCT

Avg. 2016-20 2021 2022

Data Source: USDA-AMS Livestock Marketing Information Center

USDA retail price data suggests that while prices for racks are well above last year, major grocery store chains have increased featur ing. Barring a precipitous decline in consumption, on balance there should be support for continued high prices.

has fared well during the last two years of the pandemic. February was Lamb Lover's Month, and the Spring holidays are approaching. That usually provides a demand bump.

T he Animal and Plant Health Inspec tion Service's Wildlife Services is partnering with Utah State Univer sity and livestock producers in several states to evaluate the effectiveness of a new light deterrent – also known as a flashtag – that is attached to the ear of livestock to protect livestock predators. Results are expected later this year. In 2021, prototype flashtags were developed and tested on a band of sheep in Idaho. Tri als showed promising results. The tags were durable and undisruptive to the sheep, and might have deterred some predation. WS, Utah State Testing Flashtags them from predation. The nonlethal device only activates when it is dark and the animal is in rapid motion. This large-scale study will provide more information about the device’s effective ness and limitations for deterring livestock predation by wolves, coyotes and other

8 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

A m erican Sheep Inventory Down 2 Percent for 2021

I ncreased slaughter of mature sheep in 2021 – thanks to drought and high mature ewe slaughter prices – played a role in a 2 percent decrease in the American sheep inventory as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service in January. As of Jan. 1, the American sheep and lamb inventory totaled 5.07 million head. Breeding sheep inventory was 3.71 million head, down 2 percent from 3.78 million head on Jan. 1, 2021. Ewes 1-year-old and older were at 2.91 million head, also 2 percent below last year. Market sheep and lambs totaled 1.36 million head, down 3 percent from a year ago. Market lambs comprised 94 percent of the total market inventory. Market sheep comprised the remaining 6 percent of total market inventory. The 2021 lamb crop of 3.16 million head was down 2 percent from 2020. The 2021 lambing rate was 107 lambs per 100 ewes 1-year-old and older on Jan. 1, 2021, down 1 percent from 2020. Shorn wool production in the United States during 2021 was 22.5 million pounds, down 3 percent from 2020. Sheep and lambs shorn totaled 3.2 million head, down 2 percent from 2020. The average price paid for wool sold in 2021 was $1.70 per pound for a total value of $38.2 million, down 1 percent from $38.4 million in 2020. Sheep death loss during 2021 totaled 200,000 head, down 5 per cent from 2020. Lamb death loss decreased 1 percent from 370,000 head to 365,000 head in 2021. While the sheep inventory was down nationally, several states showed increases. With a bump from 555,000 to 575,000, Califor nia posted the largest inventory increase in the nation and remains second only to Texas – 700,000 sheep, down from 730,000 a year ago – in total sheep and lamb numbers. Additional states that showed increases in the latest report included: West Virginia, New Mexico, North Carolina, Nevada, Oklahoma, New York and Ohio. Sheep numbers in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont are grouped into a New England region, which posted a 5 percent increase. A second region labeled Other States consists of 17 states – mostly in the Southeast, Alaska and Hawaii – which posted a 3 percent increase in total sheep numbers. Read the report at Release.nass.usda.gov/reports/shep0122.pdf. TAMMI, PFLIGER APPOINTED TO NSIIC BOARD The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the ap pointment of one producer and an expert in finance and manage

ment to each serve as members on the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board of Directors. The newly appointed members will serve three-year terms from January 2022 to January 2025. Newly appointed members are: • Producer – Leo Tammi, Mount Sidney, Va. • Finance & Management – Burton Pfliger, Bismarck, N.D. The board is composed of seven voting members and two non-voting members. Both appointees were nominated by the American Sheep Industry Association, the trade association that sponsored legislative approval of the center. The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center was es tablished as part of the 2008 Farm Bill and administers a grant program designed to improve the infrastructure of the American sheep industry by strengthening and enhancing the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service provides oversight of the center. USDA INTRODUCES NEWMARKET APP The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced recently a new USDA Market News mobile application providing producers and everyone else in the supply chain with instant access to current and historical market information. The initial version of the free app includes nearly 800 livestock, poultry and grain market reports, with additional commodities added throughout the coming year. “USDA is focused on building more resilient and transparent markets and is taking steps to promote competition and fairer prices from farmers to consumers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This new Market News app helps create a more level play ing field for small and medium producers by delivering critical market information to them where they are, when they need it.” Producers and other users can search for markets based on their location, by state or by commodity. They also can add market reports to their favorites for easier access, share reports via text or email, subscribe to reports, and receive real-time notifications when a new report is published. For additional data analysis, the app lets you share the source data behind the reports via email, as well. There are both iOS and Android versions available to down load through the Apple and Google Play stores. Search for “USDA Market News Mobile Application” to download the app and begin exploring its potential.

10 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

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

VOTING MEMBERS

Alabama Meat Goat & Sheep Producers 334-613-4221 • BRagland@alfains.co m ASI Women 435-528-7570 • sherrischu m ann@utah.gov ArizonaWool Producers Association 520-560-4202 • caauza@peoplepc.co m Arkansas State Sheep Council 870-853-7404 • wjcallowa y @g m ail.co m CaliforniaWool Growers Association 916-444-8122 • info@woolgrowers.org ColoradoWool Growers Association 970-874-1433 • cwgawool@aol.co m Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association 860-819-8339 • hillviewdorpers@g m ail.co m Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida 352-502-2564 • ruthtaber@e m barq m ail.co m Georgia Sheep &Wool Growers Association 706-340-1098 • georgiasheep@g m ail.co m Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association 808-775-8075 • alohadja m @ y ahoo.co m IdahoWool Growers Association 208-344-2271 • director@idahowoolgrowers.org Illinois Lamb &Wool Producers Inc. 815-544-9582 • jane@ilwoolfiber m ill.co m Indiana Sheep Association 317-896-2213 • bobenosu@icloud.co m Kentucky Sheep &Wool Producers Association 502-682-7780 • k y ates@k y sheepandgoat.org Maine Sheep Breeders Association 207-324-1582 • donna.flint@ m aine.edu Maryland Sheep Breeders Association 410-746-5768 • chestnutcreekfar m @g m ail.co m Massachusetts Federation of Sheep Associations 508-829-4556 • br m acphee@aol.co m Michigan Sheep Producers Association 616-610-5628 • sa m aludl@g m ail.co m Minnesota Lamb &Wool Producers Association 320-760-5727 • kinne y la m b@g m ail.co m Missouri Sheep Producers Inc. 573-578-0497 • christ y 576@g m ail.co m MontanaWool Growers Association 406-442-1330 • leah@ m tsheep.org National Lamb Feeders Association 605-224-0224 • la m bfeeders@outlook.co m Iowa Sheep Industry Association 641-625-4248 • info@iowasheep.co m Kansas Sheep Association 620-393-5204 • kssheep@ruraltel.net

Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers Association 308-386-8378 • Ne.sheep.goat@g m ail.co m NevadaWool Growers Association 775-934-8860 • pr_paris@ y ahoo.co m New Hampshire Sheep &Wool Growers nhswga@nhswga.org Garden State Sheep Breeders Inc. (N.J.) 609-947-2260 • k m elvinnjsheep@g m ail.co m New MexicoWool Growers Inc. 505-247-0584 • n m wgi@n m agriculture.org Empire Sheep Producers Cooperative (N.Y.) 585-367-2775 • sheepkath@aol.co m North Carolina Sheep Producers Assoc. Inc. 919-522-4110 • wewillservethelord@nc.rr.co m North Dakota Lamb &Wool Producers Assoc. 701-333-8009 • curtsheep@g m ail.co m Ohio Sheep Improvement Association 614-499-2931 • rhigh@ofbf.org Oregon Sheep Growers Association 503-364-5462 • info@sheeporegon.co m Pennsylvania Sheep &Wool Growers Association 814-880-3314 • psushepherd@ y ahoo.co m Rhode Island Sheep Cooperative 401-578-2012 • ball y dufffar m @ y ahoo.co m South Carolina Sheep Industries Association 864-360-3222 • debbiewebster615@g m ail.co m South Dakota Sheep Growers Association 406-581-7772 • lisa@sdsheepgrowers.org Tennessee Sheep Producers Association 615-519-7796 • shepherdbo y 1@ y ahoo.co m Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers’ Association 325-655-7388 • tsgra@wcc.net UtahWool Growers Association 435-915-6119 • sierra@utahwoolgrowers.co m Vermont Sheep & Goat Association 802-899-2104 • settle m entfar m @co m cast.net Virginia Sheep Producers Association 540-231-9159 • sgreiner@vt.edu Washington State Sheep Producers 360-999-8118 • washingtonsheep@g m ail.co m West Virginia Shepherds Federation 304-445-1516 • wvashepherds@ y ahoo.co m Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative 608-743-9080 • wisconsinsheepbreeders@g m ail.co m

Susan Shultz Ohio President

Brad Boner Wyoming Vi c e President

Ben Lehfeldt Montana Se c retary/Treasurer

Peter Orwick Colorado Exe c utive Dire c tor

WyomingWool Growers Association 307-265-5250 • a my @w y owool.co m

March 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 11

2022 ASI Annual Convention

Brant Miller photo.

KYLE PARTAIN Sheep Industry News Editor A s it turns out, that rollercoaster ride American wool and sheep producers have been on the past couple of years was actually a Pacific Ocean wave that carried ASI into San Diego on Jan. 19-22 for its 157th Annual Convention: Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wave. The convention theme was a nod to both the location and ASI’s desire to again meet in person after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the association to host a virtual meeting in 2021. Resiliency peppered conversations in San Diego after a COVID-induced wave took its best shot at sinking the industry only to then carry it to record-high lamb prices and steady increases for wool. The American sheep industry proved its buoyancy and sustainability in the process. In the pages that follow, readers will find in-depth coverage of the ASI Annual Convention. From award winners to policy decisions to electing leadership, the gathering was a jam-packed week that both educated and entertained those who attended. ASI’s American Wool Assurance Program announced new ad ditions to the voluntary, producer-driven certification process for American wool. A handful of wool growers have already been certi fied through Level 1 (Educated) of the program and can now move forward to reach Level II (Process Verified). More than a dozen ex tension personnel and others with ties to the industry from all across the country have completed the process to become AWA evaluators. A second-party evaluation is required for Level II certification. The program also announced the addition of Ranch Groups to the AWA program. These groups will allow producers to work together with other like-minded producers in a joint certification process.

A first-ever Genetics Forum was conducted in conjunction with Sheep Genetics USA and the National Sheep Improvement Program. Producers heard how the adoption of quantitative genetic selection can provide opportunities for improving the productivity of their sheep operations. The Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan offered a training session not only for producers, but also for state executives, extension per sonnel and others who can now return home and train producers in their areas on the process of managing in the face of disease outbreak. Sheep producers and industry volunteers also elected and re-elect ed members to the ASI Executive Board during the meeting. John Noh of Idaho was chosen to fill the Region VII spot previously held by Montana’s Randy Tunby – who was not eligible for re-election. Three other regional representatives were re-elected to second terms on the board, however. They included Laurie Hubbard (Penn.) of Region I, Anne Crider (Ill.) of Region II and Tammy Fisher (Texas) of Region V. ASI’s officers were elected to a second year of their current leader ship roles. Susan Shultz (Ohio) will continue to serve as president of ASI, while Brad Boner (Wyo.) and Ben Lehfeldt (Mont.) were also asked to continue in their roles as vice president and secretary/trea surer, respectively. Some moments, however, almost defied description. Such as, New Mexico's Bronson Corn answering the call of his cowboy boot and yelling back like an old man trying to scare children off his lawn. It was one of those true you had to be there moments. If you missed out on the fun, the eduction and the entertainment, start making plans now to join ASI in Fort Worth, Texas, on Jan. 18-21, 2023, for the next annual convention.

12 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

MANDATORY L AMB CHECKOF F A S S E S SMENT S

Changes at Auction Markets APPLIES TO ANIMALS SOLD THROUGH AUCTIONS, Xy!mÇ(XyJ ² m0 ªy² ة ßX(0„ غ „ymXy0 ² m0² ة y( SALES AT SHOWS AND FAIRS While the American Lamb Checkoff rate is not changing, howmandatory assessments collected for animals sold through auctions (“market agencies”) are. ɐƧɈǞȌȁȺ ɩǞǶǶ ȁȌɩ ƧȌǶǶƵƧɈ ƦȌɈǘ ǶǞɨƵ ɩƵǞǐǘɈ ƊȺȺƵȺȺǿƵȁɈȺ ƊȁƮ ȯƵȲ ǘƵƊƮ ـ ˛ȲȺɈ ǘƊȁƮǶƵȲ ف assessments as of January 21, 2022. The date for auctions to begin submitting these assessments is March 22, 2022, allowing time for system adjustments. If a producer or ǏƵƵƮƵȲ ȺƵǶǶȺ ƊȁǞǿƊǶȺ ɈȌ Ɗ ˛ȲȺɈ ǘƊȁƮǶƵȲ ƊȁƮ ǘƊȺ ƊǶȲƵƊƮɯ ȯƊǞƮ ɈǘƵ ƧǘƵƧDzȌǏǏ ƊɈ Ɗȁ ƊɐƧɈǞȌȁ ة Ɗ refund will be made with proper documentation. ALB listened to industry input, which resulted in these changes in order to maintain a fair ƊȁƮ ƵǏ˛ƧǞƵȁɈ ǿƊȁƮƊɈȌȲɯ ǿƵȲǞƧƊȁ mƊǿƦ !ǘƵƧDzȌǏǏ ǏȌȲ ɈǘƵ ƵȁɈǞȲƵ ǞȁƮɐȺɈȲɯ ƊȁƮ ɈȌ ȲƵƮɐƧƵ the burden on those collecting it.

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Sheep Should Be Part of the Cli m ate Change Solution

CAT URBIGKIT The Shepherd T

flock sizes stay roughly stable for 20 years, then so does methane and therefore related warming, Mitloehner said. By improving animal health, genetics and fertility, livestock producers are able to decrease the number of animals required to produce pounds of product, resulting in decreases in methane emissions. “It’s nothing short of a miracle,” Mitloehner said, noting that forestry and animal agriculture are the major societal sectors that can actually pull carbon from the air and store it – making these industries part of the climate solution rather than major culprits. Targeted management of grazing lands could improve productiv ity for livestock while creating carbon sinks, furthering livestock’s ability to help combat climate change. In addition, it is recognized that the current method (called GWP100) of estimating methane’s warming impact used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change overestimates the impact of constant flocks and herds by a factor of four, as well as overlooks the ability to induce cooling when emissions are reduced. The University of Oxford has developed a new metric – called GWP* – that accounts for methane’s short lifespan, Mit loehner said, adding that he expects a report on the new metric will be employed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations later this spring. An assessment of Australian sheep production using the GWP* metric last spring found the industry’s methane emissions have declined, and “due to declining methane emissions, the Australian sheep meat industry's GHG emissions footprint is equivalent to CO2 removal.”

he well-orchestrated chorus condemning American ani mal agriculture for its role in global warming is deceptive, according to air quality extension specialist Frank Mit loehner of the University of California-Davis – aka, the Green house Gas Guru – during his Opening Session presentation at the ASI Annual Convention. Rather than being the problem, animal agriculture is part of a climate solution. Those who don't like animal agriculture use the global statistics of greenhouse gas emissions to attack the industry in the United States, Mitloehner said, but production in the United States is vastly different than that in developing countries. Domestic greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture ring in at 3.9 percent, compared to the global rate of 14.5 percent. For compari son, transportation makes up 28 percent, electricity generation 27 percent, and industry 22 percent of GHG emissions in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Emissions from ruminants such as domestic sheep emit methane – a potent greenhouse gas that has a half-life of about 12 years. After that, the methane is broken down and converted back to carbon dioxide, and plants can again photosynthesize and fix the carbon back into cellulose. Grasses and other plants that are high in cellulose are then grazed by ruminants that digest the carbon and continue the biogenic carbon cycle. But geologic carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels linger in the atmosphere for about 1,000 years before being rede

posited back into geologic matter. So, the emissions from driving a car today will remain in the atmo sphere and warming the climate while the emissions from animals are short-lived and recycled back into the environment within about 12 years in this biogenic carbon cycle. Animal agriculture in the United States has reduced its emis sions continually during the last 50 to 70 years, primarily through efficiency measures and feed addi tives, while continuing to feed an ever-growing human population. If

14 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

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March 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 15

Wool Could Play Key Role In Cli m ate Change Battle

HEATHER PEARCE & KYLE PARTAIN Wool Production Programs Manager & Sheep Industry News Editor T alk of climate change and how the American sheep industry can be part of the solution was apparent throughout the ASI Annual Convention. Even the Wool Council embraced the concept as it heard reports on carbon capture from Fibershed's Rebecca Burgess and California producer Ryan Mahoney. Did you know that natural fibers such as wool can be, "grown and raised in ways that maximize the drawdown of carbon from the atmosphere to help restore ecosystem health and stabilize our climate?" The folks at Fibershed are acutely familiar with the concept and while drought and climate change are certainly occurring, "ag is a huge part of the solution," according to Burgess. Wool is a natural performance fiber created by the carbon cycle, from solar energy through photosynthesis, sheep grazing and the production of protein fibers that are shorn seasonally. In the Northern California Fibershed, foggy coastal regions are home to sheep with coarse wool that is well suited for bedding and durable products. Inland – in drier climates and high desert regions – fine wool is soft, yet strong and creates beautiful knitwear and woven fabrics. Climate Beneficial Wool is verified by Fibershed and sourced from land stewards who are enhancing carbon drawdown through agricul tural practices that regenerate soil and ecosystem health. For five years, Fibershed has been piloting American-based sup ply chains that directly connect brands and designers to farmers and ranchers who raise natural fiber with land stewardship practices that regenerate soil carbon. Mahoney's Emigh Livestock has been working with Fibershed on practices and processes on the ranch and how they affect carbon num bers. "This truly changes the way you look at farm health," said Mahoney, who has taken a closer look at every aspect of the family operation since taking over from his grandfather. "This quantifies your practices and helps tell the story about lamb and wool." Carbon farm practices can be measured – an aspect of decision making that Mahoney has applied to many of his changes on the ranch – can mitigate erosion and can help build soil health. The council also heard updates on the American Wool Assurance Program as it moves into the next phase of implementation: offering second-party evaluations that will allow producers to reach Level II certification. Seventeen evaluators are now trained and ready to assist producers looking to move from Level I to Level II certification. Much like Fibershed's efforts in carbon capture, the AWA program

Wool Excellence Award: Keith Padgett

looks to create a traceability program that allows wool growers to as sure consumers wool was produced with the upmost care. Taking part in the program also provides growers with another avenue for sharing their story with consumers. While wool prices – specifically fine wool prices – have soared in the past year, the council also heard that pelt prices are on the rebound, as well. Pelt credits have climbed from record lows in the past three years and are now as much as $5 to $6 per pelt in some cases. As with any commodity, those price increases have been offset somewhat by increased freight, supply chain and labor costs. But overall, demand has been steady and prices have increased. To help relay current wool prices, Kayley Ellis from the U.S. Depart ment of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service described poten tially impactful updates in AMS reporting. The service is transitioning to a new reporting system, making it a good time to update the reports that are generated. Of particular interest amongst the audience, AMS could report a national weighted average price for each micron – in addition to the regional price reports – giving the potential for more prices to be reported. On the military front, the Reece-branded wool socks continue to garner interest. After trials, similar Superwash socks are now issued to Marine Corps special ops units and a wear test is underway. This could lead to orders of 100,000 pairs per year, with the possibility that other divisions of the military might follow suit. In recent years, only about 30 to 40 percent of American wool has been used domestically, with the United States military accounting for 10 to 20 percent of domestic supply.

16 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

Video Sales, Ethnic Market Top La m b Council Agenda

KYLE PARTAIN Sheep Industry News Editor P anel discussions on video sales and working with ethnic market buyers dominated much of the Lamb Council’s time in San Diego. While neither is new to the industry, each offers growth opportunities – as well as some additional head aches – for sheep producers. Video sales really took off during the pandemic. “I don’t know if it’s right for everybody, but it’s another tool,” said Wyoming producer Vance Broadbent. Montana producer Henry Hollenbeck – who also oversees video sales for Northern Livestock Video Auction – said its important for producers to deal with a video sales representative that can be trusted. “The reps have to take pride in representing lambs correctly for both the seller and the buyer,” he added. Dave Johnson of Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales said video offers producers a consistent way to market animals at reduced costs to more competition. "I've been doing this for 25 years and I can count on one hand the number of wrecks I've had," Johnson said. "I vet both buyers and sellers. If you have quality people on both sides and someone in the middle who knows how to work through the issues, there's no problem you can't solve." But there are additional issues that come into play with video sales as opposed to hauling your own sheep to a live market. For instance, producers selling at video auctions need to deal with the transportation and logistics of getting those animals to the buyer. "Buyers don't always know what kind of terrain those sheep are going to be in," Hollenbeck said. "Talk to your reps about all of the logistics." A panel on ethnic markets followed. Benny Cox of Texas and Don Hawk of Ohio joined Johnson on the second panel. "What is the ethnic market," Johnson asked? "Anything that isn't the traditional market. And if you're going to sell to ethnic buyers, you'd better know what they want." Ethnic buyers tend to purchase smaller sheep – with a preference toward hair sheep – in smaller lots than traditional buyers, Cox said. "Our big hair sheep producers don't get to load two to three trucks in a day and send them on their way," he added. "The average consignment at my sale barn (in San Angelo, Texas) is 27 head. The market is so fragmented that it's hard to deliver large groups of

lambs." An Ohio lamb feeder, Hawk sees an industry that often isn't prepared to sell to the ethnic market despite its dominant presence in the industry. "I see a lot of people who want to sell to that market, but don't want to do the research and the work to produce the right product," he said. "They think they'll use Suffolks or Hamps, and that's not what these buyers want." However, that might be changing. The ethnic market is growing from 2 to 10 percent a year, said Johnson, adding that assimilation among the immigrant population might one day mean fewer differ ences in their buying preferences. "The younger generation will go to the store and buy a leg or a rack," Cox added. But, for now, comparing traditional and ethnic markets is like comparing "apples and peanuts, not apples and oranges." Dale Woerner, Ph.D., of Texas Tech University updated the council on the use of Rapid Evaporative Ionization Mass Spectrom etry to differentiate lamb flavor based on consumer preference. The REIMS technology creates a real-time chemical fingerprint that allows food scientists to overlay the fingerprints of different sheep (old vs. young, grass fed vs. corn fed, etc.) and group them into flavor performance profiles. "Meat science is nothing new," Woerner said. "We're just learning more and more every day." REIMS could soon be used in the processing plants to differenti ate lamb flavors in real time, categorize lamb by flavor intensity and even accurately evaluate the value of a lamb carcass. Speaking about 10 days before the U.S. Department of Agri culture/National Agricultural Statistics Service released its 2022 Sheep Inventory Report, Tyler Cozzens of the Livestock Marketing Information Center predicted that total inventory would be down in his presentation to the Lamb Council. He speculated an increase in mature sheep slaughter would be partly to blame, thanks to high meat prices and ongoing drought. He was certainly correct about sheep numbers, as NASS reported a 2 percent drop in the total American sheep inventory. He also called for slight increases in slaughter lamb and feeder lamb prices in 2022, followed by drops in 2023. "There's a lot of optimism, and there should be," he said. "These prices staying as strong as they have for so long bodes well." The council also heard an update on strong demand by consum ers from Megan Wortman of the American Lamb Board.

March 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 17

Council Hears Medley of Land & Resource Issues

CAT URBIGKIT The Shepherd A

ttendees of the Resource Management Council meeting had a full slate of topics on their agenda. Chief among them was U.S. Department of Agriculture/Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service /Wildlife Services Deputy Ad ministrator Janet Bucknall providing an update on her agency’s varied activities in wildlife disease and emergency response under the One Health approach that recognizes the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals. With a strategic goal to safeguard the health, welfare and value of American agriculture and natural resources, Bucknall said, “livestock protection remains at the core of what we do.” The Wildlife Services budget includes about $109 million for animal damage management – everything from feral swine eradi cation and aquaculture protection to promoting nonlethal meth ods of protecting livestock, as well as other methods to reduce damage caused by wild animals. With management of gray wolves in most of the United States reverting back to the states, Wildlife Services works within the guidelines set by each state. To coordinate overall USDA wolf management, the agency is developing an internal wolf group that will bring together each USDA agency to coordinate the department’s efforts, Bucknall said. TARGETED GRAZING The U.S. Forest Service will soon be developing a program for targeted grazing to reduce fuel loads, according to Eric Davis of the agency. The program is funded through the new infrastruc ture act and aimed at reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires through fuel reduction, using livestock grazing as a tool to that end. What is unique is that this program for targeted grazing will not be tied to Forest Plan livestock grazing targets, and can be conducted anywhere on USFS lands if targeted for fuel reduction purposes. Davis said once his agency develops the structure for the program, it will issue a call for proposals. “It’s an exciting time,” Davis said. I think there will be a lot of learning about how to implement this program.” PUBLIC LANDS Public Lands Council Vice President Mark Roeber of Colorado gave an update on PLC’s activities that have been altered with

the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, conservation planning for sage grouse, as well as the Biden Adminstration’s 30x30 Plan, will continue to need attention from livestock producers. PLC’s position is that grazing is good, and is part of the solu tion, Roeber said, and PLC will continue to push this message with the administration. Roeber said the new USFS targeted graz ing plan will be important, and a meeting between PLC’s execu tive committee and the heads of the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management was largely positive. PLC emphasized the importance of flexibility when producers are dealing with wild fires and drought. LITIGATION Western Resources Legal Center Executive Director Caroline Lobdell updated the membership on a number of legal issues and trends that affect the sheep industry. A highlight of her presenta tion was an update on WildEarth Guardians and Western Water sheds Project v. Bail (2:20-cv-00440). This case involves S. Martinez Livestock, an ASI member. The special interest, anti-grazing plaintiffs sought an immediate preliminary injunction from a federal district court in eastern Washington. WRLC had limited time to mount a defense on behalf of S. Martinez Livestock, but was ultimately successful in convincing the district court not to issue an injunction that would have forced the Martinez family to immediately find alternative forage for thousands of domestic sheep – threatening the vi ability of their multi-generational family business. Furthermore, Public Lands Council Vice President Mark Roeber of Colorado addressed the council on PLC's recent efforts in Washington, D.C.

See RESOURCE MANAGEMENT on Page 28

18 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

ASI Annual Convention Hosted SSWS Plan Trainings

ERICA SANKO ASI Director of Analytics & Production Programs A SI hosted Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan training sessions for producers and stakeholders during its Annual Convention in San Diego. "I thought the workshop was informative and timely on how to prepare for the unexpected in a disease outbreak," said Idaho producer Cindy Siddoway. "As we enter our third year of COVID-19 and the impact it has on our daily lives, it is important to know how to prevent and control an outbreak of contagious diseases on our farms and ranches. The feedback and discussion from fellow attendees was most beneficial.” The morning session on Jan. 19 helped more than 30 industry influencers from all across the United States learn more about the SSWS resources available. They were trained to help producers develop contingency and biosecurity plans to protect their flock from foot and mouth disease. They learned how to use presentations, narrated videos, handouts, biosecurity templates and disease monitoring tools in work shops or one-on-one meetings with producers. Many are making plans to host a SSWS Plan training in their state or region later this year. “This made me think differently about my own actions when mov ing between sheep flocks," shared one attendee. "I can take these ideas home and help other producers find ways to better protect their flocks." Two interactive workshops were offered in the afternoon for pro ducers to learn what might happen if FMD were found in the United States. They were given ideas on how to voluntarily prepare to protect their flocks in an outbreak. Several new trainers attended to see ways to conduct their own workshops.

Producers learned how to develop a contingency plan to keep their businesses “moving” in the event of an FMD outbreak. The first and easiest step is to request a free premises identification number – if they did not already have one. PINs will be required to request a movement permit in an FMD or other foreign animal disease outbreak. Learn more at SecureSheepWool.org/Assets/SSWS_Premises-ID-Info.pdf Another important step for producers is to create a premises map of their operation. Producers were asked to think about areas where sheep are housed as if it were a castle with walls. Then, figure out a way to build a "moat" or line of separation to prevent movement of the FMD virus to areas where sheep might be exposed. Attendees were able to use an ASI member’s sheep ranch and walk through the process. Figuring out where to put the drawbridge – or access points – led to lively discussions. Resources to get started on your own map are avail able at SecureSheepWool.org/producers/biosecurity. The training sessions were led by Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, who worked with ASI to develop the SSWS Plan and materials. Bickett Weddle also provided an update on the SSWS Plan materials and biosecurity practices during the Production, Education and Research Council meeting. Funding for the trainings was made possible – in part – by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE SSWS PLAN ASI is working with Bickett-Weddle on two projects aimed at en hancing the SSWS Plan and preparing sheep producers to voluntarily prepare for an FMD outbreak. The first is updating the Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance bios ecurity chapter. Special focus will be on practical biosecurity steps that can be taken daily to further improve flock health. Then, ways to step up to enhanced biosecurity measures as de scribed in the SSWS Plan materials. This will ensure consistency in messaging across the SSQA Program and SSWS Plan. ASI is currently working with Colorado State University on enhancing and updating the SSQA Program. The second is developing movement decision criteria for sheep and cattle grazing public land allotments during a potential foreign animal disease outbreak. USDA National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program funding is supporting ASI and the National Cattle men's Beef Association to collaborate with public land agencies, states and industry partners, such as the Public Lands Council. The project is expected to take two years to complete. Visit SecureSheepWool.org for more information.

Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle walks producers through Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan training at the ASI Annual Convention.

March 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 19