The federal government continues to delay the processing of H2A visa applications for immigrant workers who are sheepherders. American Sheep Industry Executive Director Peter Orwick says the problem has been going on for over a year now and they’re working with Congress to find a solution.

He says the worst consequences from the delay happened this spring when sheepherders were needed to handle lambing and shearing. However, Orwick says those workers are needed year round.

Orwick says the feds have the ability to resolve the problem and they just need to make it a priority.

He says they’re asking their membership to contact their Senators and Representatives and urge them to fix the delay in the program.