| Sheep Program Aims to Enhance Genetics |
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has allotted to the U.S. lamb industry $18 million for direct payment to sheep and lamb producers to encourage the replacement and retention of ewe lamb breeding stock. This new, one-year program, called the Ewe Lamb Replacement and Retention Program, gives these producers a final opportunity to enhance the genetics of their ewes. A July 2003 National Agricultural Statistics Service report indicated that ewe lamb replacements/ retentions in the United States again decreased from July 2002 to July 2003, with the 2003 lamb crop down 5 percent from the previous year. The combination of reduced farm income, extreme drought in sheep-producing areas and less available pasture carrying capacity or forage have made many producers reluctant or unable to take advantage of previous lamb programs administered by USDA. For the entire news release, click here.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press, Bill Harmon |