The U.S. Department of Agriculture informed the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) on Monday, Oct. 25, that producers could sign-up for the ewe-lamb replacement and retention program. With this information in hand, ASI authorized the mailing of more than 21,000 postcards designed to notify sheep producers of the launch of the ewe-lamb application period.

County Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices have been accepting applications this week. The program requirements are essentially the same as in previous years where producers will receive direct payments for ewe lambs purchased or retained during the eligibility period which ran from Aug. 1, 2003, to July 31, 2004.

American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) President Guy Flora encourages producers to file their paperwork by mid November. “We expect the application period to close in several weeks and are asking for prompt attention to this sign-up period in anticipation that payments can be made in December of this year.”

“The Bush Administration committed $18 million in funding for this final year of the ewe-lamb program, which is a cornerstone of ASI’s initiative to stabilize and build the U.S. sheep industry,” stated ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick. “We commend them for providing this valuable program to sheep producers.”

Source: ASI Weekly
October 29, 2004

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