Sheep Industry News May 2024

Wool Testing, LDPs Available to Producers

W hether testing wool for commercial sales or for genetic improvement, several laboratories within the United States are here to help. COMMERCIAL CORE TESTING Core testing determines average fiber diameter, wool base and vegetable matter base required for commercial wool sales. Standardized sampling procedures must be followed. Core samples can be sent to the Bill Sims Wool & Mohair Research Laboratory at 7887 U.S. Highway 87 North, San Angelo, TX 76901-9714. You can call the lab at 325-657-7348, send emails to woollab@ag.tamu.edu or visit the lab online at SanAngelo.TAMU.edu/bsl/. FLEECE TESTING Individual testing determines the average fiber diameter and/or yield – among other calculations – of an individual fleece. Data can be used for selection and genetic improve ment, sorting fleeces or to simply better understand one’s wool. Testing is available through several entities throughout the United States. For a complete list, visit: SheepUSA.org/

contacts-woolpelt-researchtesting.

LDP PAYMENTS AVAILABLE With shearing underway in much of the country, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing Assistance Loan and Loan Deficiency Payment programs can provide welcome as sistance to wool growers. Now is a good time for producers to sign up with their local Farm Service Agency office for these programs. Whether the wool will be sold, delivered to a wool pool or kept in storage, growers may be eligible for an LDP. However, growers must sign up with their FSA office while they have beneficial interest – before selling, delivering to a wool pool or disposing of the wool. Wool must be in storable condition through the date when the LDP is requested. Currently, the ungraded LDP program – which is used most by producers – offers a 40-cent (per pound greasy) LDP. Marketing Assistance Loans are also available at various rates. For current rates, examples of production evidence and more information, visit SheepUSA.org/resources-woolldp. Produ cers with questions about the Wool LDP Program can contact their local FSA office.

The LONGHORN ® COMPLETE XT KIT includes:

RAPID DELIVERY IN 3 TO 5 DAYS

Longhorn ® Adapter Bracket

XT

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Longhorn ® XT has become one of our most popular overhead shearing machines amongst farmers worldwide. Its heavy-duty steel casing provides extra peace of mind when working in tough conditions. Longhorn ® 12 volt version also available. T W O Y E A R G U A R A N T E E 2

Horner SureGrip Handpiece

Longhorn ® 94mm Max Pack (3 combs & 6 cutters)

Heavy Duty EasyDrive Adjustable Flexible Driveshaft*

19mm Ferrule

*also available as a solid driveshaft

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HEAVY DUTY 3350 RPM R E 2

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Shearing Oil

110-120 volt 60hz

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MAINS POWERED O

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Screwdriver

Telephone: +44 1200 427419 Email: info@hornershearing.com www.hornershearing.com

DISTRIBUTOR ENQUIRIES WELCOME

10 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org