Sheep Industry News October 2024

Obituary

Lowell was an IFYE delegate to Jamaica and continued his international work helping to build churches, schools and housing in Spain and Guatemala. Lowell loved church. He taught Sunday School for more than 40 years and served as deacon, worship leader and outpost commander for the Royal Ranger program for boys. Lowell also loved music. He played trombone, guitar and was known as “The Singing Cowboy,” performing in nursing homes for many years. In February 2024, Lowell and Sondra celebrated 60 years of marriage and he lived on their acreage near Aurora until his death. He will be remembered for his unshakable strength of character, his relentless commit ment to excellence, and his unbridled drive to teach and serve. Lowell is survived by his wife, Sondra; two sons, Trent (Kim) and Travis (Jackie); his brother, David (Georgiea); and his sister-in law, Pat. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry; his mother, Helen; and his brothers, Leslie and Stanley (Wilma). In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family so they may be given to a charity of their choice.

LOWELL SLYTER, 1941-2024 Dr. Lowell Slyter, 82, of rural Aurora, S.D., passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Sept. 8, 2024. Lowell was born near Havre, Mont., on Oct. 23, 1941. He was the youngest of four sons and moved to Paola, Kan., at age 4. He was active in 4-H and FFA showing sheep, cattle and horses. After graduating from Paola High School, Lowell earned a bachelor's degree in animal science at Kansas State Uni versity in 1964. During college he competed in several rodeo events and his love of horses continued his entire life. Lowell married his college sweetheart, Sondra Furey, in 1964 in Manhattan, Kan. He earned his master's degree at the University of Nebraska in 1966 and returned to KSU for his Ph.D. in 1969. In 1970, Lowell took a research position with South Dakota State University and was stationed in Rapid City, S.D. In 1972, the couple moved to Brookings, S.D., for a teach ing and research position at SDSU, where he pioneered research in fall lambing techniques.

In addition to teaching numerous classes, “Doc” Slyter advised many students, taking a personal interest in each one. He was Block and Bridal Club advisor and won two national championships as coach for the wool judg ing team before retiring in 2001 as professor emeritus. Lowell was a relentless promoter of the sheep industry via regional broadcasting and national conference appearances. He was edi tor of ASI's Sheep and Goat Research Journal for eight years.

MARKET REPORT Continued from Page 7

Indicator currently is $3.32 per lb. That’s higher than this time last year ($3.26 per lb.). For Australian micron prices, fine wools (16.5 to 19 microns) are relatively the same as last year with 17 micron prices being 8 cents lower than last year at $5.07 per pound. Medium wool (19.5 to 24 microns) prices are all higher compared to a year ago, with 22 micron ($3.91 per lb.) being 22 cents higher than last year. Coarse wool (25 to 32 microns) prices are for the majority above last year’s prices with 25 micron prices ($2.18 per lb.) being 21 cents higher than a year ago and only the 26 micron price ($1.87 per lb.) being lower at 1 cent below last year. Overall, uncertain demand for wool products continues to challenge any notable price gains. signals are promising and could have steady to higher prices, which is a positive signal for producers. The higher prices are inducing increased imports. One thing that could impact this is the United States-Australian exchange rate, given that Australia is a large trading partner for lamb into the United States. The exchange rate has had some swings this year and currently sits at $1.55 U.S. to $1 Austra lian. Thus, the U.S. dollar can buy more in Australia. This is some thing to watch throughout the rest of the year. SUMMARY The markets are a mixed bag and have atypical signals. Most

Historically, prices trend upward in the last quarter of the year on the feeder side of things, and the current levels indicate that prices could really pick up. TRADE Imports thus far this year have been very different to last year and the previous five years. Through July, there have been a total of 183 million pounds of lamb imports, which is 40.4 percent higher than last year and 29 percent higher than the previous five-year aver age. This is not surprising given that demand is strong at the retail and wholesale level. If prices continue to hold or increase, we can expect imports to hold and increase. In July, the United States exports were 66,274 metric tons, which was valued at $2.95 million. Through the year, total U.S. exports are up 14 percent in quantity, and up 21.6 percent in total value com pared to last year. So, while we are importing more, U.S. exports are higher, but net trade shows that domestic demand is still strong.

WOOL Wool prices are a mixed bag of signals. The U.S. Eastern Market

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