Sheep producers attending this weekend’s South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Convention in Brookings got an update on lamb promotion, research at SDSU, as well as their industry priorities for the upcoming farm bill. American Sheep Industry Association Executive Director Peter Orwick says they’re asking Congress to renew a critical animal health research program in the new farm bill.
They also want an FMD Vaccine Bank and an update to their only risk management tool, the Loan Deficiency Program for Wool.
Michigan producer Dale Thorne, an American Lamb Board Director highlighted their promotions designed to boost lamb consumption and overcome the challenge of high retail prices.
Sheep producers also got an update on leading production research at SDSU from Jeff Held, SDSU Extension Sheep Specialist.
Plus, Texas producer Benny Cox stressed the importance of the ethnic market and Maine producer Lisa Webster talked about the growing demand for fresh, natural and locally produced lamb.
2017 has been a good year for sheep producers in South Dakota, with lamb and wool prices staying fairly strong and growing excitement about new innovation in the industry.
