News

New programs for sheep producers

Two new programs to assist sheep producers with the production and marketing of their products has been announced.

USDA has added sheep to the USDA Grass Fed Program. The program targets producers that market lambs produced from 99 head of ewes or less per year. Producers certified under the new program will receive certificates that allow them to market their sheep as USDA-Certified Grass Fed.

“We’re committed to support your efforts to obtain higher returns for producers,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Ed Avalos. “It’s important to emphasize that if it wasn’t for that producer, when that lamb drops on the ground the opportunity for everyone else to make a living, to earn revenue, so it’s very, very important to support that lamb producer.”

The second program announced by the Under Secretary was authorized in the new Farm Bill.

“I’m also announcing the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program, it provides $1.5 million dollars in grant funds to assist and support the U.S. sheep industry,” Avalos said.

Eligible organizations have until August 27 to submit an application for the grant program.

Audio from the ASI, Under Sec. Avalos teleconference call (4:50 mp3)