October 23, 2026

201 TRADE CASE MILESTONES

INJURY HEARING THANKS

ASI has been leading the charge in the 201 trade case on behalf of ASI members and all U.S. sheep producers. Thank you to the ASI witnesses that traveled to Washington D.C. to testify on behalf of the U.S. Sheep Industry: Brad Boner, Greg Gunthorp, Carlos Barba, Spence Rule, Steve Raftopoulos, and Abdullah Hussani. An additional thank you to ASI President Ben Lehfeldt and ASI Secretary/Treasurer Tammy Fisher for attending to answer questions from the Commissioners.

The witnesses and representatives invested time in preparation and shared their experiences and brought the evidence to life showing the Commissioners what is at stake for businesses, families, and communities across the industry.

NEXT STEPS

The hearing marks a major milestone in the 201 Trade Case, but the process is not yet complete. ASI and its legal and economic teams will submit additional information and responses to the Commissioners’ questions by October 23.

ITC has tentatively scheduled its injury determination for November 13. An affirmative determination would advance the case to the next phase – remedy, in which the Commissioners would consider suggested remedies to help restore the competitiveness of American lamb production.

Regardless of the outcome, ASI remains committed to rebuilding the domestic sheep industry, strengthening its processing infrastructure and ensuring that American producers have a viable future. Read ASI's press release here.

ASI FUNDRAISING

ASI continues to raise funds through the ASI Guard Dog Fund to support the legal and economic work necessary to pursue the Section 201 case. Producers and industry supporters who want to help strengthen this effort can contribute specifically to the Section 201 Trade Case.

To stay informed of developing information, follow ASI on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and on our website. 

ASI Makes Its Case Against Lamb Imports at Historic ITC Hearing

After years of growing concern over foreign lamb imports and their impact on domestic producers, the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) took its case directly to the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) on October 16, seeking relief for an industry it says has suffered significant economic harm.

For ASI President and Montana sheep producer Ben Lehfeldt, the hearing represented an important milestone in the industry's longstanding effort to address increasing competition from imported lamb, particularly from Australia and New Zealand.

“Great day. The International Trade Commission, I really thought it went well,” Lehfeldt said following the hearing. “We had seven or eight witnesses on the American sheep industry side. We spent the whole morning giving testimony and answering questions of the commission on the injury that we feel has been done to American domestic lamb.”

The hearing was part of a federal Section 201 safeguard investigation examining whether increasing lamb imports have caused serious injury to the domestic sheep and lamb industry.

USDA Confirms First Detection of New World Screwworm 
in Wildlife

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the first detection of New World screwworm (NWS) in wildlife in the United States, in an elk in Pecos County, TX. The elk was located on a game ranch and was reported after being harvested by a hunter.

This detection highlights the critical role hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and wildlife professionals play in helping detect and stop the spread of NWS. Early reporting is one of the most important tools we have to protect wildlife, livestock, and pets in the United States.

The Texas Animal Health Commission will modify a previously established infested zone, and USDA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department are conducting additional wildlife surveillance in the area.

ASI continues to be in regular communications with federal leaders at USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regarding issues that have arisen since the first detection. 

ASI developed a NWS sheep producer guide and treatment info resource that you may access here. The guide is also available in Spanish.

All of ASI’s resources and links to additional information at USDA and FDA can be found on our website here.

Current Status (as of October 22):

• 9 active cases
• 52 inactive cases
• Most recent detection: October 22, 2026

Find more information at screwworm.gov.

Wyoming Rancher Recognized for Lifelong Leadership in the Sheep Industry

A third-generation rancher in Converse County, Frank Moore has served as a leader in the Wyoming sheep industry -- and beyond -- 
for decades.

Moore studied agricultural business at UW, heading home in 1974 to run the family’s sheep and cattle operation with his wife, Elaine.

The impacts of Moore’s forward-thinking leadership and willingness to innovate extended well beyond the Spearhead Ranch. He also was a founding member of the Mountain States Lamb Cooperative, taking on various leadership roles during his two decades of involvement.

In 1994, Moore was elected president of the WWGA. From 2003-05, he served as president of the American Sheep Industry Association.

Lamb Checkoff Funds Research To Improve Flock Productivity

The American Lamb Board is investing checkoff dollars in research aimed at improving flock health, production efficiency, genetics, and lamb quality.

The board says strengthening the U.S. sheep industry requires more than boosting consumer demand.



Producers also need ways to control costs, improve productivity, and increase domestic production to take advantage of market opportunities.

Through the national Lamb Checkoff program, the board funds science-based projects intended to address challenges facing sheep producers and develop practical tools for their operations.

A Former Banker Bought a Failed Wool Mill. Now It's Thriving.

A textile factory in Connecticut that shut down in 2013, leaving 85 people without jobs, is now producing fabric for the US military. The 475,000-square-foot Warren Mills complex in Stafford Springs was purchased in 2014 by Jacob Harrison Long, a former investment banker who had never run a manufacturing business. Twelve years later, the factory employs about 50 people and supplies material for military uniforms, as Long continues his efforts to rebuild wool manufacturing in the United States.

North Dakota Certified Wool Classing School

The North Dakota Certified Wool Classing School is a three-day hands-on educational event held in conjunction with the Shearing School November 21-23, 2026, at the NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center Livestock Lab in Hettinger, ND. ASI is co-sponsoring the classing school with NDSU Extension, the Hettinger REC, and the North Dakota Lamb & Wool Producers Association. The workshop covers essential sheep wool topics including wool growth and measurement, hands-on classing, handling fleeces, and proper packaging and labeling.



Registration is limited to 10 participants, and offers attendees Level 1 certification. Registration costs $250 and covers tuition, materials, and lunch. Please register by November 2, 2026.

ASI Podcast's Latest Episode

Reach out to ASI to add your shearing school to our list and to order educational shearing materials at heather@sheepusa.org!

ASI is working year-round to advance producer priorities across the country. 
Here’s what’s happening, what it means, and what’s next.

USDA Urges States to Review Wolf Management Policies and Strengthen Engagement with Ranchers

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins urged states to review their wolf management policies, strengthen engagement with livestock producers, and work with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address wolf predation. Rollins encouraged states to work with USDA to protect livestock, including through lethal removal when requested by the appropriate authorities and authorized by law. This announcement follows President Trump’s recent Executive Order 14425, Supporting American Ranchers, which also outlined directives to delist both the Mexican and Gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act.

See the official press release on Secretary Rollin’s statement here.

District Judge Halts USDA’s Reorganization

Last week, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California temporarily blocked U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from using congressionally appropriated funds to carry out its reorganization, which would relocate staff to five regional hubs. The order covers the Forest Service, the Agricultural Research Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service, Rural Development, and several other agencies and mission areas. It does not stop office closures or staff moves within the Washington area. The lawsuit was brought by federal employee unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), along with counties and nonprofits. AFGE argued that Congress had barred USDA from closing offices without approval. A USDA spokesperson defended the reorganization as necessary and accused plaintiffs of weaponizing the judicial system. Judge Vince Chhabria noted that the relevant appropriations statutes expire in less than two months.

Your weekly snapshot of key market rates and reports (U.S. and global) to help you stay ahead of pricing and demand shifts.

Wool Markets Slip

The EMI retracted $0.04 overall this week with most microns recoding slight price decreases of -$0.01 to -$0.08 per pound clean. According to an AWEX report, "Main buyer interest continued to focus on best/good style lots, and those with favourable additional measurement results, in particular those with low CVH (variation in Hauter length)."



About the EMI: The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) is the key benchmark index of Australian wool auction prices and is widely used as a global wool market indicator.

Source: AWEX

LDP Payments Available This Week

Ungraded Wool, Grease Prices in $ Per Pound

Unshorn Pelts, Prices in $ Per Pelt

Note: Producers must visit their Farm Service Agency office and fill out the appropriate paperwork before the wool or unshorn lambs are sold to claim the Wool LDP (when available). 

USDA Weekly Sheep, Lamb, & Wool Market Summary

The report is generally updated on Friday afternoon.

ASI is so thankful for our industry partners and magazine advertisers! Their support not only strengthens our work in Washington, D.C. but also supports a number of programs that are important to the sheep industry.

Want to support ASI and reach American wool and lamb producers? Contact our Director of Communications, Morgan Young at Morgan@sheepusa.org.

Oct 23-25: Cornell 2026 Sheep & Goat Symposium - More info

Oct 24: Brigham City Sheep Trail - More info

Oct 24: Ohio Statewide Sheep Production Tour - More info

Oct 24-25: Connecticut Advanced Shearing School - More info

Oct 24-26: SDSU Sheep Shearing School - More info

Oct 28: 2026 KY Annual Producer Conference - More info
Oct 29: Optimizing sheep nutrition – Virtual Series – Session 4 - More info
Nov 5: West Central States Wool Growers Convention - Cody, WY - More info
Nov 5: Optimizing sheep nutrition – Virtual Series – Session 5 - More info
Nov 6: Nebraska Sheep and Producers association Fall Conference - More info
Nov 12: DSANA's 2026 Dairy Sheep Symposium - More info
Nov 12: Optimizing sheep nutrition – Virtual Series – Session 6 - More info
Nov 21: North Dakota Certified Wool Classing School - More info

Nov 21: NDSU Hettinger REC Shearing School - More info

Nov 23: Texas A&M Small Ruminant Pregnancy Ultrasound School - More info

ASI Address Change

We’ve successfully moved into our new office! ASI’s new address is:

American Sheep Industry Association (ASI)

9781 S. Meridian Blvd.

STE 200

Englewood, CO 80112 

New Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

ASI is so thankful for our industry partners and magazine advertisers! Their support not only strengthens our work in Washington, D.C. but also supports a number of programs that are important to the sheep industry. Want to support ASI and reach American wool and lamb producers? Contact our Director of Communications, Morgan Young at Morgan@sheepusa.org

ASI operates in accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture civil rights regulations and policies, and complies with all equal opportunity, non-discrimination and affirmative action measures applicable to it under these. ASI is an equal opportunity employer and provider.