USDA Calls for Nominations to American Lamb Board

By Andi Anderson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is inviting nominations for the American Lamb Board, aiming to fill positions for one producer with 101 to 500 lambs, one producer with more than 500 lambs, one feeder with 5,000 or more lambs, and one first handler. Terms for these positions are set to expire in early 2025. Eligible nominees include U.S. producers, feeders, or first handlers who own or purchase lambs.

The Secretary of Agriculture will select individuals from the pool of nominations, with a deadline set for May 17, 2024. It is specified that either the producer with 100 or fewer lambs or the producer with more than 500 lambs must be from Region I, east of the Mississippi River. The feeder with less than 5,000 lambs may hail from either Region I or Region II, west of the Mississippi River.

Certified nominating organizations are responsible for nominating producers, feeders, and first handlers. All nominees must submit a completed application for consideration.

The American Lamb Board, consisting of 13 members, plays a crucial role in maintaining and expanding the market for sheep and sheep products. Interested parties can find a list of certified nominating organizations, the nomination form, and additional information about the Lamb Board on the AMS American Lamb Board webpage and the board's official website, https://www.lambresourcecenter.com/. For inquiries, contact Barbara Josselyn at (202) 713-6918 or Barbara.Josselyn@usda.gov.

Since 1966, Congress has authorized industry-funded research and promotion boards to facilitate agricultural industries in pooling resources for market development, research, and promotion activities. Oversight of 22 boards, including the American Lamb Board, is provided by AMS, ensuring fiscal accountability and program integrity.

In line with AMS policy, the boards should reflect industry diversity in terms of experience, production methods, marketing strategies, and other factors. Emphasis is placed on outreach to historically underserved communities, ensuring a diverse representation that brings varied perspectives to the decision-making process.

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