Saying it’s responding to the concerns raised by some auction markets, the American Lamb Board this week said it would allow the lamb checkoff to be remitted directly to the Board – under three conditions:

1. The buyer’s written consent is obtained;

2. The sheep or lambs are purchased for immediate export (within 10 days of purchase);

3. The sheep or lambs are purchased for immediate slaughter (within 10 days.)

The Board said this action is voluntary for markets and their customers. Markets that don’t want to participate, are still required to collect the $0.005/lb. live weight assessment from the seller and pass it to the buyer, as the program currently requires. Written consent can be obtained from the buyer on a per-transaction basis, the Board said, or as a standing agreement on all transactions. Some suggested language for a buyer consent form has been provided to markets by the Board, as have details of this remittance option. Any questions can be directed to Alexis Robinson at the Lamb Board, 888-450-5262.

Source: Livestock Marketing Association
November 11, 2004

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