Sheep Industry News November 2024

SheepIndustry Volume 28, Issue 11 November 2024

News

november 2024 Volume 28, Issue 11

Contents

4

President’s Notes

6

Market Report

9

ASI Member Listing

29

Breeders' Directory

31

Industry Calendar

ON THE COVER: Lorin Moench Jr. Utah Lazy Fall Day

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2 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

American Wool Holiday Gift Guide

10

The American Wool website has put together this year's ultimate holiday gift guide, where sustainability meets style with American wool. The gift guide showcases products that will stand the test of time, featuring 25 different brands and five different shopping categories.

Visit the American Wool website for this year’s ultimate gift guide, where sustainability meets style with American Wool! In a world where fast fashion pollutes our planet and cheap trends come and go, the gift guide showcases products that will stand the test of time. Featuring 25 different brands and 5 different shopping categories you’ll want to share the guide with friends and remind them that by choosing gifts made with American wool, they’re not only supporting local ranchers, American brands, and trusted manufacturers but also making a conscious choice to reduce waste and embrace a more sustainable future for all of us. just a preview

View the entire gift guide online:

americanwool.org/gifts

16

20 Agrivoltaics: Grazing Meets Solar Farms

22

12

2025 ASI Annual Convention

Trailing of the Sheep Celebrates John Peavey Jake Peavey’s earliest memories of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival begin when he was a toddler, riding on a flat-bed trailer watching in wonderment as crowds lined Main Street in Ketchum, Idaho, to see his family’s flock of sheep move south.

Hurricanes Wash Out Military Wool Tour

In the United States, large swaths of land have been – or are currently being – converted to large-scale solar farms, many acres of which have been obtained from farmers and ranchers, but the sheep industry has seen benefits.

Registration for the 2025 ASI Annual Convention opened in October. The Scottsdale (Ariz.) Plaza Resort will once again host the convention on Jan. 15-18, 2025. Early bird registration is available now through Dec. 2 at a discounted rate.

An especially busy fall hurricane season forced ASI to cancel the 2024 Wool Education Tour that would have taken military decisionmakers to several sites that play a key role in the American wool manufacturing supply chain.

October 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 3 November 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 3

President’s Notes BRAD BONER ASI PRESIDENT

Shearer & Mentor Grants Available I 'm pretty happy as a wool sheep producer, but there is one time a year when I envy my friends on the hair sheep side of the industry. That, of course, is shearing season. Selling wool hasn't been easy since the pandemic or the U.S.-China trade war that preceded it, but it doesn't present the logistical issues that come with shearing. As I write this, prices for Australian wool sales – which set the basis for American wool prices – have been up for two straight weeks in early October. ASI has a team of staff in the United States and consultants overseas that use funds from several U.S. Department of Agriculture For eign Agricultural Service programs to build and develop markets for American wool. ASI's wool team recently submitted paperwork for the second round of funding from the new Regional Agricultural Promotional Program, and continues to work with American wool warehouses through the Quality Samples Program. The international market is so important to American wool because 60 percent of what we produce is exported due to the long-shrinking domestic textile industry.

But we can't sell wool until we get it off the backs of our animals, which brings us to the challenges of shearing. Even if you've got a shearer you know and trust, just getting them scheduled to shear your sheep presents hoops to jump through every year. And that goes for operations with 20 head just as much as it does those with 5,000. And just when you get them scheduled, it rains or snows. The solution is simple (and yet, not so simple): we need more shearers. A few years ago, the ASI Wool Council implemented the Developing Shearer and Mentor Grant to help beginning shearers make that leap from beginner to professional. The program provides $1,500 grants to shearers – such as Kathleen Markiewicz in the photo – to help them purchase equipment and to cover travel costs and other ex penses as they learn their craft. The program caters to those who know the basics of shearing, but need to further develop and perfect their techniques so they can improve shearing quality and shear more sheep in a day. "This program has been pivotal in empowering me to advertise myself as a professional shearer," said Stefan ScheerCook. "Its hands-on approach closely mirrors the realities of the industry, emphasizing that success hinges on dedication and hard work. As my mentor entrusts me with more solo assign ments, my schedule has filled up. I am profoundly grateful to this program, the industry and my mentor for his guidance."

Professional shearers are also eligible to receive mentor grants of $1,500 for their time and costs in helping inexperienced shearers de velop their skills. "I felt I could counsel and support them with ease because I wasn't concerned about my time or compensation," said Laura Kincaid, who received a mentor grant in previous years. "I found that clients were eager and pleased to help support a learning/mentorship dynamic and were generous with her." Applications for the 2025 Developing Shearer and Mentor Grants are now open and available at SheepUSA.org. I would encourage shearers looking to make the leap to full-time professionals to apply. And I would encourage seasoned pros to apply as mentors. If we work together, we can alleviate the shortage of shearers that has plagued our industry. ASI ACCEPTING OFFICER NOMINATIONS ASI Nominating Committee Chair Susan Shultz reminds sheep producer leaders and state associations that nominations for ASI Secretary/ Treasurer are due in November. Interested producers should share a letter of interest – including leadership experience in the sheep industry – with the ASI office by Nov. 29. The committee will then agree on a nomination slate of officers to be presented to the ASI Board of Directors at its annual meeting in January. Contact Executive Director Peter Orwick at 303-771-3500, ext 103, or peter@sheepusa.org for more informa tion. Until the next time, keep it on the sunny side.

4 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

SheepIndustry NEWS November 2024: Volume 28, Issue 11

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AMERICAN SHEEP INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION INC. 9785 Maroon Circle, Suite 360 Englewood, CO 80112-2692 Phone: 303-771-3500 • Fax: 303-771-8200 info@sheepusa.org • Sheepusa.org EDITOR/ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Kyle Partain COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT: Parand Malekani ASI Office Staff: Peter Orwick, Executive Director Rita Kourlis Samuelson, Deputy Director/Wool Marketing Larry Kincaid, Chief Financial Officer Zahrah Khan, Operations Manager Erica Sanko, Director of Analytics & Production Programs Christa Rochford, Wool Marketing Programs Manager Heather Pearce, Wool Production Programs Manager Chris Jones, Administrative Assistant The Sheep Industry News is published monthly as the official publication of the American Sheep Industry Association Inc. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Payment of member dues in an ASI affiliated state organization entitles a member to a subscription. For non-members, the subscription rate is $50 per year. ADVERTISING INFORMATION: Rates available at Sheepusa.org. Deadline is the fifth of the month preceding the cover date. All advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume all liability for their advertising content. Publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaint about service or product. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in Sheep Industry News.

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November 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 5

Market Report

DAVID ANDERSON, PH.D. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Prices Slide Seasonally

L amb prices have been sliding since mid-summer. Much of this decline is seasonal, meaning that prices normally decline during this time of the year. This season, the main culprit appears to be lamb supplies. SUPPLIES Weekly domestic lamb and mutton production has exceeded production for the same week a year ago every week since April 20. For the year, production is 3.2 percent more than last year. In the last 10 weeks, production has been 6.9 percent greater than a year ago. On the positive side, the difference in production compared to a year ago is getting smaller. In the last four weeks, production is only 3.2 percent ahead of a year ago. On the slaughter side of production, both lamb and yearling and mature sheep slaughter have been greater than the same week a year ago almost every week since April. As with produc tion, the difference in the number of head processed each week compared to a year ago is getting smaller. Dressed weights have become culprit in increased produc tion. Since being lower than last year most of the year, weekly average dressed weights have been about 2 pounds heavier than last year. So as slaughter is moderating, heavier weights are

keeping production above a year ago. Slaughter and production greater than a year ago continues to be a surprise. Especially with a smaller estimated flock inven tory. Greater mature sheep slaughter is likely related to drought and the impact of lower prices and higher production costs. In time, greater slaughter might lead to some thinking about the potential for the inventory estimate to be an undercount of the flock. Lamb imports have added to supplies on the market this year. Total lamb imports for the year – through August – are 38 percent, or 58.4 million pounds, which is higher than in 2023. Imports in July totaled 29.5 million pounds, which was a record amount of imports in one month eclipsing the 29.3 mil lion pounds imported in June 2021. The increase in domestic production combined with greater imports indicates supplies in the third quarter were about 11 percent larger than the third quarter of 2023. Total supplies in the fourth quarter should be about 11 percent greater than the year before. In the face of more production, cold storage levels remain smaller than last year. The amount of lamb and mutton in stor age has slowly increased each month this year. Storage remain

ing restrained in the face of larger total supplies is an indicator of posi tive movement in retail channels. PRICES Lamb prices normally decline, seasonally, through late summer. Lamb prices reflecting heavy and light weight slaughter lambs have declined. National negotiated live slaughter lambs have declined from a peak of about $219 per cwt. in early summer to $165 per cwt. for the first week of October. The decline this year is larger than the normal seasonal decline. Sioux Falls, S.D., auction prices have declined more than the normal seasonal decline, going from almost

6 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

$240 per cwt. in the Spring to about $140 per cwt. in early October. Light weight slaughter lambs have experienced a decline of similar magnitude. On the meat side, the lamb cutout has traded in a fairly narrow band, between $460 and $480 per cwt. all year. The cutout remains higher than last year, $472 versus $464 last year at this time. Supplies are likely pressuring live prices lower. Both slaugh ter and production are moving closer to year ago levels, which should provide the opportunity for some higher prices head ing into the holidays. Lamb prices tend to increase to the end of the year from late the summer-early fall lows. increased during the last several weeks in mid-October. While some improved buyer interest – particularly from Chinese buyers – has been noted, sharply fewer bales have been of fered in Australian auctions compared to this time last year. Since early September an average of 30,414 bales have been offered for sale compared to 41,429 bales for the same weeks last year. Fewer bales offered combined with a little more interest is boosting prices. Longer term, world wool production this year is forecasted WOOL Wool prices across all microns – from 17 to 32 – have

to decline about 2 percent from last year. Profitability con tinues to suffer from economic growth uncertainty in many countries around the globe. Economic worries in China related to real estate and stock market problems have slowed the economy and cut into processor demand. As a major buyer in the world market, economic problems there cut processor demand for wool and cut Chinese domestic consumer demand. Some economic stimulus strategies by the Chinese government may provide a boost to processor demand and prices. Both the wool and lamb sides of the industry’s revenue stream are significantly impacted by exchange rates. On the wool side, it gets a little more complicated as the market is dominated by Australia on the supply side and China on the demand side. The interaction of exchange rates between all these currencies are quickly translated into relative prices between our countries. Generally, a weaker (in this case Aus tralian) dollar makes buying from that country advantageous to buyers. The trend has been for the U.S. dollar to weaken relative to the Australian dollar in recent months. While the exchange rate certainly impacts prices in each country, other factors such as domestic production, transportation costs and de mand can be more important.

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Support the Guard Dog Program

A nnual solicitations for ASI’s Guard Dog Program went out in the mail in October to producers and industry supporters who have contributed to the program in the past. This is in addition to a call to action that was included in the June issue of the Sheep Industry News . “Please consider a contribution this year to lend a hand to protect the sheep industry,” read the letter from ASI Execu tive Director Peter Orwick. “This is the only way that the organization can assist with or lead litigation. Annual dues from state associations are spent 100 percent on lobbying in Washington, D.C., so there is no balance left for litigation or legal analysis of federal decisions.” In addition to contributions to Superior Farms’ Stop the Ban campaign in Denver, the Guard Dog Program has contributed to four active court cases in 2024. Each of these issues is important to the American sheep industry. The effort to outlaw slaughterhouses in Denver – which directly and solely targeted Superior’s lamb plant in the city – will be voted on by city residents this month. But the battle is far from over as animal rights activists said the city referendum was a “test case” in their battle to end animal slaughter in major cities nationwide. For that reason, the cattle, pork and meat industries joined the American sheep industry’s efforts to raise funds for Superior’s campaign to defeat the referendum. Once the votes are counted on Nov. 5, we’ll know if the campaign was successful in its efforts. “While we all face challenges as producers, feeders, and lamb and wool processors, we need to come together to support our industry,” said ASI President Brad Boner. “State sheep producer organizations recognize this opportunity and are the primary requests of ASI Guard Dog funds. All funding requests are reviewed by the Executive Board or, when possible, the full Board of Directors.” But the battle rages on, as the Guard Dog Program con tinues to contribute resources to four active court battles: • ASI and partners are active in the de-listing of the wolf following legal action by Defenders of Wildlife to keep the animals on the Endangered Species Act status. • ASI joined coalition efforts with Guard Dog funds to challenge the Department of Interior “landscape health” rule that would put conservation on the same level of per mits as grazing and energy.

• ASI is a partner in a challenge of legal action by Western Watersheds to force grazing permit closure until National Environmental Policy Act compliance is complete. The practice of allowing permit issuance until the govern ment catches up on compliance analysis is the only fair approach and ASI is mindful that one-third of all American sheep spend a portion of the year on federal grazing lands. • ASI supports the Montana Wool Growers Association and livestock groups in challenging policy that would all but shut down coyote trapping in grizzly habitat. This would set a bad precedent if allowed to stand given the expansion of habitat in this country. This is one of the largest demands on the Guard Dog pro gram in its history, which reflects the attitude of Wild Earth Guardians, Pro Animal Future and Western Watersheds in launching multiple attacks on the sheep industry. Only with your contribution to the Guard Dog program is it possible for ASI to participate. Without your support as a Guard Dog contributor, ASI would be on the sidelines with no ability to lead – much less participate – in critical situations such as those listed above. “For those who have contributed in the past, I hope that you will continue to support the Guard Dog Program,” Orwick said. “If you haven’t contributed previously, now would be a great time to join your fellow sheep producers in supporting ASI’s efforts to protect the industry in a variety of legal battles.” Guard Dog Program contributors are recognized in several ways by ASI. A list of donors appears at least twice a year in the Sheep Industry News magazine, and donors are also recognized on banners that hang at the ASI Annual Convention each year in January. There are several ways to contribute. If you received the annual fall solicitation, simply return the contribution form with a check made payable to the Guard Dog Program. If you haven’t received the form, you can mail a check to ASI, 9785 Maroon Circle, Suite 360, Englewood, CO 80112. You can also visit SheepUSA.org/about-donate to contribute online via a credit card. “My family – similar to the Boner family has contributed since the program was born 20 years ago,” said ASI Vice President Ben Lehfeldt of Montana. “Funding needs are out running finances this year given the raft of federal regula tions issued that threaten the industry, as well as animal rights attacks.”

8 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

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

VOTING MEMBERS

National Lamb Feeders Association 605-224-0224 • lambfeeders@outlook.com Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers Association 308-386-8378 • Ne.sheep.goat@gmail.com Nevada Wool Growers Association 775-934-8860 • pr_paris@yahoo.com New Hampshire Sheep & Wool Growers nhswga@nhswga.org 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. 919-522-4110 • wewillservethelord@nc.rr.com North Dakota Lamb & Wool Producers Assoc. 701-333-8009 • curtsheep@gmail.com Ohio Sheep Improvement Association 614-499-2931 • rhigh@ofbf.org Oregon Sheep Growers Association 503-364-5462 • info@sheeporegon.com Pennsylvania Sheep & Wool Growers Association 814-880-3314 • psushepherd@yahoo.com South Carolina Sheep Industries Association 864-360-3222 • debbiewebster615@gmail.com South Dakota Sheep Growers Association 406-581-7772 • lisa@sdsheepgrowers.org Tennessee Sheep Producers Association 931-510-1322 • info@tennesseesheep.org Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers’ Association 325-655-7388 • tsgra@wcc.net Utah Wool Growers Association 435-915-6119 • 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

Alabama Meat Goat & Sheep Producers 334-613-4221 • BRagland@alfains.com ASI Women 435-528-7570 • sherrischumann@utah.gov 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 • info@woolgrowers.org Colorado Wool Growers Association 970-874-1433 • cwgawool@aol.com Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association 860-819-8339 • secretary@ctsheep.com Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida 352-502-2564 • ruthtaber@embarqmail.com Georgia Sheep & Wool Growers Association 706-340-1098 • georgiasheep@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. 573-205-9208 • amanda.limback@gmail.com Indiana Sheep Association 317-607-5664 • executive@indianasheep.com Iowa Sheep Industry Association 641-625-4248 • 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 207-324-1582 • donna.flint@maine.edu Maryland Sheep Breeders Association 410-746-5768 • chestnutcreekfarm@gmail.com Massachusetts Federation of Sheep Associations 508-829-4556 • brmacphee@aol.com Michigan Sheep Producers Association 616-610-5628 • samaludl@gmail.com Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Association 320-760-5727 • kinneylamb@gmail.com Missouri Sheep Producers Inc.

Brad Boner Wyoming President

Ben Lehfeldt Montana Vice President

Joe Pozzi California Secretary/Treasurer

Peter Orwick Colorado Executive Director

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

573-578-0497 • christy576@gmail.com Montana Wool Growers Association 406-442-1330 • stefanie@mtsheep.org

November 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 9

Visit the American Wool website for this year’s ultimate gift guide, where sustainability meets style with American Wool! In a world where fast fashion pollutes our planet and cheap trends come and go, the gift guide showcases products that will stand the test of time. Featuring 25 different brands and 5 different shopping categories you’ll want to share the guide with friends and remind them that by choosing gifts made with American wool, they’re not only supporting local ranchers, American brands, and trusted manufacturers but also making a conscious choice to reduce waste and embrace a more sustainable future for all of us. just a preview

View the entire gift guide online:

americanwool.org/gifts

Hurricanes Wash Out Military Wool Tour

A n especially busy fall hurricane season forced ASI to cancel the 2024 Wool Education Tour that would have taken military decisionmakers to several sites that play a key role in the American wool manufacturing supply chain. The tour was scheduled for Oct. 7-10 – falling just between the arrival of Hur ricanes Helene and Milton in the southeastern part of the United States. “Some of the locations we planned to visit are close to the hardest-hit areas (from Hurricane Helene), and there is too much uncertainty about what conditions we might encounter with a group of 30 people traveling on a bus,” wrote ASI Director of Wool Market ing Rita Samuelson in cancelling the tour on Oct. 3. “Our primary concern is the safety of our travelers, as well as the well-being of those in North Carolina facing the devastating effects of the hurri cane. We do not want to interfere with ongoing rescue efforts or risk potential travel disruptions for mill participants, both ground and air. We appreciate your understanding and support as we prioritize safety and consideration for those in the area during this difficult period. We will follow-up with military participants regarding pos sible future events.” The cancellation came after nearly a year of planning by ASI’s wool department and consultants. Tours such as this one play a vital role in introducing military leaders to American wool, and the pos sibilities it presents for clothing and protecting U.S. troops. A similar tour in the Southeast was previously conducted in the fall of 2017. “Education is the name of the game,” said ASI Military Consul tant Mitch Driggers, who assisted in planning the tour. “Rita and I have been doing these things for about 20 years now. The first one was a ranch tour that included the Montana State University Wool Lab and the Helle Ranch. We followed it up with a mill tour a couple of years later.” As planned, the tour would

carded and combed to make wool top suitable for worsted spinning. They would have also seen the wool top shrink treated to make it machine washable for applications that require that characteristic.” • Elevate Textiles in Raeford, N.C. – “The supply chain contin ues in this plant with top dyeing, spinning, weaving and finishing of more than 90 percent of the woven wool and wool blend fabrics used by the United States military.” • Clover Knits in Clover, S.C. – “Clover is a circular knitter that manufactures a wide range of knitted fabrics suitable for cold weather use. Clover is one of the biggest wool knitters in the United States with a long history of innovative wool fabrics.” • Meridian Specialty Yarn Group in Ranlo, N.C. – “MSYG has a long history of preparing wool for high-end specialty markets. The Ranlo mill is its newest facility and is noteworthy in that it is the first new commercial worsted spinning facility in the United States in many years.” Participants in the tour would have included contracting rep resentatives from the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Clothing and Textiles. They are responsible for all contracts that procure fabrics and garments containing wool. Members of the U.S. Army’s Cold Weather Team were also planning to attend along with representatives from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. The tour would have given each of them their first opportunity to see the entire manufacturing supply chain in operation. “ASI is the only organization that periodically organizes tours like this for military textile personnel,” Driggers said. “And that makes the American Wool Council Wool Education Tour a unique and important event.” Organizers are already looking at options for conducting another tour for military personal from all services to educate them about American wool and the manufacturing supply chain.

have begun with a seminar to provide important information on American wool produc tion from the sheep forward, including the amount produced and characteristics of Ameri can wool. The tour would then have taken military leaders and members of ASI’s Wool Council to four facilities that play a role in developing wool clothing for the military. Stops included: • Chargeurs in Jamestown, S.C. – “They would have seen grease wool blended, scoured,

12 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

Discover the New American Wool Shop Page: Your Gateway to American Wool Products

As part of our commitment to supporting American wool growers, the American Wool Council is working to connect consumers with high-quality products made from American wool. More brands, more options, easier shopping. The American Wool Shop page has been revamped and is now live! It’s easier than ever for consumers to discover and support products made with American wool. Featuring over 50 brands, the new shop page gives users full control over their shopping experience with new filter options to search by product type or category—ensuring they’re able to find exactly what they need.

americanwool.org/shop

Young Leaders Attend Global Sheep Forum AMERICAN LAMB BOARD

Y oung leaders of the American sheep industry – selected through a competitive application process sponsored by the American Lamb Board – partici pated in the 2024 Global Sheep Forums NexGen Program in Australia earlier this year. The NexGen Forum was held in conjunction with the annual LambEx educational conference. The program is designed to create a global forum of young producers and leaders to share ideas, network and to broaden the un derstanding of new innovations and technology in sheep production practices around the world. Jake Benson, 33, of Utah, Isaac Matchett, 36, of Michigan and Kyle Hurley, 31, of Iowa, were the young leaders that represented the United States at the forum. The three Amer ican representatives joined young sheep producers from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada to explore sheep and wool production in Australia. ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert and ASI Vice President Ben Lehfeldt chaperoned the three young leaders. “Participating in the Global Forum was important be cause the U.S. sheep industry must stay innovative and pro gressive to increase our production efficiencies and improve our competitiveness,” said Ebert. “Educating our producers about the newest technologies and global opportunities is critical.” The program included tours of farms focused on genet ics, sustainability, traceability and innovation. The group

learned about the use of genetics in feeding efficiencies, new designs in shearing facilities, and efforts to enhance land stewardship, such as eliminating erosion from animal traffic and overgrazing, fencing protected areas, and planting trees for shelter and shade. Following the tours, the group attended LambEx, where the young leaders learned about the amount of work and analysis that has been done to try to understand both the production process for the sheep industry in Australia and how that relates to lamb and wool customers worldwide. Some observations from the American young leaders: “Australian producers have been, and continue to make, genetic progress within their flock a top priority,” observed Matchett, who has used his life-long passion for agriculture and innovation to help grow his family’s sheep operation from 100 acres and 140 ewes to 1,400 acres and 2,000 ewes. “Eating quality, taste and tenderness was another key takeaway. Carcass traits are a high priority to producers and are part of the genetic selection process for many. Meat pro cessors, industry professionals and producers alike are all focused on improving the quality of the eating experience for the end consumer in an effort to be highly competitive in the global market.” “What stood out to me the most was how much Sheep Producers Australia is educating all producers about con sumer trends,” said Hurley. “Whether that be improving or changing genetics or starting to pay attention to their farms’

14 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

carbon footprint.” Hurley is part of the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program. He has grown his ewe flock from 250 head to 600 head and started Pro-Ewe Genetics, a small flock of 100 purebred Polypays and enrolled them into the National Sheep Im provement Program. “I had the great opportunity to meet some of the bright est minds in the sheep world and discuss everything that involves the sheep industry,” said Benson. “I look forward to sharing what knowledge I have gained to help promote and support the sheep industry in the U.S.” Benson is a direct marketer, supplying several restaurants with locally raised lamb and frequently giving samples to people who believe they don’t like it. He is chairman of the Utah Wool Growers Association Young Entrepreneurs board, where he focuses on continuing education. The trio summarized their experience by focusing on the relationships they built while learning new innovations and practices. They also expressed their appreciation for ALB’s support and investment in the future.

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2025 ASI Annual Convention R egistration for the 2025 ASI Annual Convention opened in October. The Scottsdale (Ariz.) Plaza Resort will once again host the convention on Jan. 15-18, 2025. Early bird registration rates are available now through Dec. 2 at a discounted rate. After that date, online registration is available at the standard rate through Dec. 13. Any registrations not completed by Dec. 13 will need to be completed onsite in Scottsdale the week of the convention. A panel on solar grazing with sheep is in the works for the Opening Session on Thursday afternoon and the industry-wide Welcome Reception will follow that evening. Make plans to visit vendors in the Exhibitor Fair on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning.

The annual RAMPAC Fundraiser – a separate, ticketed event – will be Friday evening. One significant change this year is that the Make It With Wool Fashion Show will be a stand-alone event. There is no reception or dinner planned as part of the annual convention for Saturday evening. This will give participants the opportunity to either head home on Saturday evening or enjoy one of the many great restaurants Scottsdale has to offer. The Industry Tour will visit Caywood Farms near Casa Grande, Ariz., on Wednesday of convention week. The ASI Annual Convention is the one place where the

entire American sheep industry comes together. Other groups meeting during the week include: American Lamb Board, ASI Women, Food and Fiber Risk Managers, Make It With Wool, National Lamb Feeders Association, National Livestock Producers Association, National Sheep Improvement Program, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center, Sheep Genetics USA, Sheep Heritage Foundation, Sheep Venture Company and Western Range Association.

Registration & Ticket Fees

TOUR

REGISTRATION FULL REGISTRATION INCLUDES: Meetings, Welcome Reception, Industry Awards Lunch, Saturday Speaker Lunch and Make It With Wool Fashion Show. DOES NOT INCLUDE: Ticketed Events and RAMPAC.

Industry Tour – Caywood Farms....................................$115 per person

TICKETED EVENTS Friday RAMPAC (cash bar)...............................................$60 per person Thursday Wool Recognition Lunch................................$100 per person ADDITIONAL TICKETS Thursday Industry Welcome Reception.........................$115 per person Friday Industry Awards Lunch..........................................$95 per person Saturday Speaker Lunch......................................................$90 per person Saturday MIWW Fashion Show Only..............................$40 per person

ASI/NLFA Member Full ....................$395.........After Dec. 2 – $470

Non Member Full................................$525.........After Dec. 2 – $600

Two-Day Registration........................$275.........After Dec. 2 – $350

Early registration discounts end on Dec. 2. Online Registration closes on Dec. 13. After that date, you must register onsite. No refunds provided

Register Online at https://bit.ly/3BirOLo or call 303-771-3500, ext. 111

Tour

Caywood Farms Wednesday, Jan. 15, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • $115 per person

Caywood Farms is a fourth-generation, family-operated farming operation near Casa Grande, Ariz. The family farms cotton and forage crops, and Nancy Caywood Robertson will lead a tour that includes an introduction to cotton farming equipment, a PowerPoint presentation on the operation, a hayride and the chance to pick cotton. Participants should dress in layers for the day-long adventure – which includes an hour long bus ride to and from the farm – as the tour will take place rain or shine. But hey, it’s Arizona in January, so count on more shine than rain. Nancy is an engaged ag educa tor who previously worked with the University of California’s Agricultural and Natural Resources Division to develop the FARM SMART Program that teaches learners of all ages about agriculture. She might even incorporate her passion for fiddle playing into the tour.

Lunch is included in the tour. Merchandise is available for purchase from the Caywood Farms store. The farm store only accepts cash or check. Credit cards are not accepted.

**Meet at the ASI Convention Desk at 8 a.m.

MAXIMUM: 44 PEOPLE

November 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 17

Schedule of Events (Schedule is Subject to Change)

TUESDAY – JANUARY 14 4 – 6 p.m............................................................ASI Registration Open

FRIDAY – JANUARY 17 6 – 8:15 a.m.................................................State President's Breakfast 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.........................................ASI Registration Open 8 – 9 a.m...................................................MIWW Judges Orientation 8 – 11:30 a.m...........Wool Council Policy Forum/Wool Roundtable 8 – 11:30 a.m..........................................Lamb Council/Policy Forum 8 – 11:30 a.m............Resource Management Council/Policy Forum 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.............................................................Exhibitor Fair 9 a.m. – Noon.....................................MIWW Construction Judging 9 a.m. – Noon........................................................MIWW Workshops 10:45 a.m. – 5 p.m........................Young & Emerging Entrepreneurs 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m...............................Industry Awards Luncheon 1 – 4:30 p.m...................................................MIWW Fashion Judging 1 – 5 p.m........................................................................MIWW Photos 1:30 – 5 p.m...............ASI Board of Directors Informational Session 3 – 5 p.m...........................................................MIWW Silent Auction 5 – 6 p.m..........................................................Resolutions Committee 6 – 8 p.m...............RAMPAC Reception & Auction (Ticketed Event) 6:30 – 9 p.m..............................................................MIWW Rehearsal 7 – 9 p.m................................MIWW State Directors Idea Exchange SATURDAY – JANUARY 18 7:30 – 11 a.m.....................................................ASI Registration Open 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. ............................................MIWW Silent Auction 8 – 9:30 a.m.............................................................Regional Caucuses 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.........................................................MIWW Activity 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m...........................................ASI Board of Directors 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m..................................................Speaker Lunch 2:30 – 4:30 p.m....................MIWW Fashion Show Dress Rehearsal 5 – 6 p.m.........................................................MIWW Benefit Auction 6:30 – 8 p.m.......................................................MIWW Fashion Show 9 – 10:30 p.m. ................................................MIWW Winner Photos

WEDNESDAY – JANUARY 15 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.........................................ASI Registration Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.......................Caywood Farms Tour (Ticketed Event) 8 a.m. – 5 p.m..................................................American Lamb Board 1 – 5 p.m...............................................................ASI Executive Board 4 – 7 p.m.........................................Western Range Executive Session 6 – 8:30 p.m..........................................State Executives and Contacts 6 – 10 p.m...........................National Lamb Feeders Executive Board 6:30 – 9:30 p.m............NSIP Open Forum & Membership Meeting THURSDAY – JANUARY 16 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.........................................ASI Registration Open 7:30 – 10 a.m.............................................Animal Health Committee 8 a.m. – 5 p.m..........................................Western Range Association 8:30 – 11:30 a.m....................NLFA Annual Meeting/Feeder Forum 10 – 11:30 a.m..............................................................Genetics Forum 10 a.m. – 5 p.m................................................................Exhibitor Fair 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m............................Wool Lunch (Ticketed Event) 1 – 3 p.m...................National Sheep Industry Improvement Center 1 – 3:30 p.m..................................................................Genetics Forum 1 – 3:30 p.m........Production, Education & Research/Policy Forum 1 – 3:30 p.m.......................Legislative Action Council/Policy Forum 1:15 – 3:30 p.m.........................................ASI Wool Council Meeting 4 – 5:30 p.m.........................................................ASI Opening Session 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. .............................................MIWW State Directors 4 – 8 p.m...........................................MIWW Contestant Registration 6 – 8:30 p.m................................Industry-Wide Welcome Reception 7:30 – 9:30 p.m....................MIWW Contestants/Parents/Directors 8 – 9:30 p.m...................................Young & Emerging Entrepreneurs

ASI prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), mobility aids or specific dietary requirements, contact ASI at 303-771-3500 prior to the convention, if possible. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

18 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

ALB HOSTS LAMBASSADORS AT

Trailing of the Sheep Festival

Lambassadors help reach millions of consumers with information about American Lamb, and events like this help those sharing our messages understand the industry on a deeper level. — ALB Chair Jeff Ebert Lambassadors gathered at the renowned Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum, Idaho. This multi day event was packed with enriching experiences, including interactive ranching discussions and thrilling culinary competitions. Attendees left the event inspired and connected to both the local culture and the lamb industry. ALB HOSTED A GROUP OF TALENTED CHEFS, INFLUENCERS, AND RECIPE DEVELOPERS AT A UNIQUE EDUCATIONAL RETREAT

THE FULL ARTICLE AT Read

LambBoard.com

SIGN UP FOR WEEKLY

American Lamb Board 6950 E. Belleview Ave, Suite 103 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 (866) 327-LAMB (5262)

 LambBoard.com  Lamb Checkoff  Info@AmericanLamb.com

ENEWSLETTERS LambBoard.com

Agrivoltaics: Grazing Meets Solar Farms KELLIE KUBACAK Western Ag Reporter

wind and solar lease agreements for 17 years. It wasn’t until three or four years ago that Allen began to see developers obtain the right to conduct agrivoltaics-type activities. In fact, he saw the word agrivoltaics for the first time around two months ago in a lease agreement “where it actually had a clause identifying an agrivoltaics right,” he recalled. “Before that, they didn’t have a word for it. It was just ‘we reserve the right to do this sort of thing,’” Allen said. Allen explained that solar companies, upon leasing the land, have the sole rights to the surface of the land and even the landowners became limited in what they were able to do with the surface of the land. Now, agrivoltaics rights – usually either in the form of grazing sheep or setting up a pollinator habitat – are being negotiated along with the other terms of solar lease agree ments. There are benefits to both parties when the land under the solar farm is grazed by sheep, in particular. The land owner is able to “maintain agricultural operations.” When the land is leased for solar, the solar company takes over the property taxes. In Texas and other states with spe cial use appraisal methods, Allen explained that agrivoltaics is a way to receive an agricultural exemption on the prop erty taxes, reducing the tax burden for the project. “Historically, up to this point in solar, we’re losing the ag ricultural exemption because it’s coming out of agricultural and it’s going into an industrial use,” Allen said. Since agrivoltaics is so new, Allen anticipates some ap praisal districts pushing back, but in his opinion, “it is prob ably in the best interest of the legislature to modify those laws to recognize agrivoltaics” to keep that land as produc tive as possible. Despite the benefits, Allen did acknowledge some of the tension between carrying out a grazing lease within a solar farm. “The solar company is a power plant. It’s an electrical generating facility, and they’re very hesitant to give any third party the keys to the gate and let them in there or come and go without them having direct control over it,” Allen described. Similarly, the landowner still owns the land and feels the right to access it despite it being leased out. “So that’s where the push and pull is right now. Most of the language that I’ve seen has been initially granting the

I n the United States, large swaths of land have been – or are currently being – converted to large-scale solar farms, many acres of which have been obtained from farmers and ranchers. While this is being met with hesita tion and concern from much of the agriculture industry – as acres are being taken out of production – the sheep industry has seen benefits. According to Larry Hopkins, ASI executive board mem ber, past president of the Indiana Sheep Association and ASI solar grazing committee member, there are “roughly 80,000 sheep currently grazing on solar farms across the country right now.” Solar fields must maintain the vegetation under the solar panels so that it does not become overgrown and end up blocking the sun from hitting the panels. In just one, 13,000-acre solar farm in Indiana alone, there are 4,500 sheep grazing. Sheep have been very effective in controlling vegeta tion, as they are small enough to be under the panels, and are non-destructive to the solar fields. This combination of production agriculture and solar fields has been coined agrivoltaics. According to Energy.gov, agrivoltaics is “defined as agri cultural production, such as crop or livestock production or pollinator habitats, underneath solar panels or adjacent to solar panels.” NAVIGATING AGRIVOLTAICS When a solar company comes in to build a solar field, it leases the land – typically for 30 years – and pays an annual lease to the landowner, Hopkins explained. The draw to the landowner is “those annual lease payments can be over $1,000 dollars per acre.” Hopkins noted this is significantly more than if you were farming or grazing those same acres. “The farms that are in a position to take advantage of solar are using it as an additional source of income, and in some cases, it’s a way to preserve the farm and keep it in the family for a generation until a new generation comes along and wants to farm it as opposed to selling it,” Hopkins said. Jeffrey Allen, instructor at Texas Tech University in the Department of Renewable Energy who also serves as an attorney at Kelly Hart & Hallman, LLP, has been negotiating

20 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

right to the solar company to lease the property or operate it themselves,” Allen said. Representing landowners, Allen said the counter they have presented is allowing the landowner “right of first refusal if the company decides they want to participate in an agrivoltaics operation, they have to first ask the actual land owner if they want to be the ones conducting those opera tions. That seems like a pretty reasonable compromise.” SHEEP INDUSTRY BENEFITS Whether it be the landowner or a third-party sheep pro ducer, Hopkins explained that grazing contracts for sheep are currently one to three years and “the sheep producer will be paid a fee to graze their sheep on that solar farm.” Hopkins noted that the “grazing contracts usually are more than the going cash rent, so it’s a way for sheep pro ducers to earn extra income beyond what they would get from raising, selling and marketing their sheep.” Things to keep in mind during negotiations of grazing contracts are the infrastructure needed for the sheep; access to water; how long sheep need to be on the property and how and when they can be taken off; paddocks for rotation

al grazing; etc, Hopkins noted. Other things that could be negotiated at the onset of solar projects are retaining topsoil and the type of grass that will be planted below the solar panels. Ideal blends of grass or flowers could be negotiated and agreed upon for both sheep grazing and pollinator agrivoltaics. “It’s an evolving industry right now. Sheep producers are becoming more aware of these opportunities and learning by trial and error what they need to do to be successful,” Hopkins explained. With the new opportunity presented by solar fields to the sheep industry, the American Solar Grazing Association has been established with more than 900 members across 45 states already. Hopkins said that in the last two years ASGA has held a “solar farm summit” to bring together solar de velopers and farmers alike. “From the sheep industry perspective, the advent of solar grazing for sheep producers is kind of a disruptive force that’s coming to the marketplace. I think it has the poten tial to really benefit the sheep industry over the long-haul, potentially bringing new producers into the fold,” Hopkins concluded.

November 2024 • Sheep Industry News • 21