Sheep Industry News March 2023

al stories to customers and, therefore, how important transparency and traceability have become. Hostetler also discussed how Mountain Meadow has worked with the University of Wyoming on a study to find a practical and cost-effective solution for traceability of American wool. “If we can trace it and prove it, then we can give that premium back to producers,” he said. With funds for producers in mind, Adam Bonner from USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Texas spoke next about the USDA Loan Deficiency Program. More than $5.5 million was aided to produc ers through LDP in 2022. To be eligible for an LDP, wool growers must have ownership of the wool and should work with their local FSA office to complete necessary forms. It is recommended that forms be filled out before shearing. Ungraded payment rates are currently set at $0.40/lb. grease weight and is set in the Farm Bill. A directive was established later in the meeting to address the issue. To discuss more USDA assistance, ASI Consultant Sandy John son shared the importance of export marketing assistance using various international marketing programs available through USDA. ASI applies for and receives more than $1 million per year from FAS for export markets – creating a huge impact on exports and, therefore, overall market prices. While there are plenty of regula tions and requirements, Johnson shared how performance, success stories and program evaluations are all important to keeping this funding.

Moving to the topic of sustainability, Erin Recktenwald from Michigan State University discussed research on sheep sustain ability. Essentially, the more productive one sheep can be, the more environmentally sustainable. This can be improved by being more efficient and managing lands well. The final Wool Roundtable meeting began with discussion on how the American Wool Assurance program is progressing with participation, auditors and traceability and how the next year will focus on involvement and generating wool buyer and processor recognition. Shearer and wool quality programs are other areas of focus for ASI’s wool production programs. Ashley Bullock of Burlington Industries – which produces wool fabric for the U.S. military – talked about the company’s struggles through Covid and the Domestic Non-Availability Determination exemption allowing wool military items to come from international mills. A DNAD allows a contractor to use non-American products for Department of Defense contracts, which otherwise a contrac tor is required to use ALL American products thanks to the Berry Amendment. This DNAD expires on Dec. 31, and Burlington has made great progress to date in once again meeting demand for wool fab ric. Bullock further emphasized how domestic infrastructure is important and that consumer spending is impactful for the entire industry.

18 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org