April 10, 2026

USDA APHIS Updates NWS Response Playbook

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released an updated New World Screwworm (NWS) Response Playbook to guide coordinated, science-based action if NWS is detected in the United States. The playbook outlines how federal, state, tribal, and local partners can coordinate operations, reduce spread, manage infestations, implement surveillance and control, and maintain continuity of business. APHIS developed the update using extensive feedback from animal health officials, veterinarians, livestock and wildlife groups, and other stakeholders, and clarified key terminology, agency roles, animal movement requirements, and wildlife guidance.

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

White House Releases President’s Budget Request

On Friday, April 3, the White House released the long awaited President’s Budget Request (PBR) for fiscal year 2027. This budget is used by the executive branch to direct congressional funding levels for federal government for the coming fiscal year. Please see the following readout from the PBR for agencies as they impact the agriculture industry:

The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget request for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) represents a decrease of 19% over FY26 enacted levels. Total discretionary funding is $20.7 billion as opposed to current funding of $27 billion. A few key highlights include:

The Farm Service Agency would face a $550 million reduction, resulting in the loss of 486 federal staff years and the elimination of 1,346 county office positions. In addition, the budget proposes substantial cuts Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Operations by $792 million and eliminates 3,287 staff years.

Research programs would face significant reductions, including a $655 million cut to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The budget proposes eliminating Hatch Act funding, which provides formula funds to land‑grant universities. In addition, the Agricultural Research Service would be reduced by $155 million, with plans to close four locations—Boston, Massachussetts; Burlington, Vermont; Newark, Delaware; and Urbana, Illinois —while relocating most research activities to other sites.

Overall funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is reduced but the budget does include a $4.5 million increase for New World Screwworm.

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

There is no Market Report this week due to Easter recess. The link below will take you to prices from the week ending 4/3.

Source: AWEX

LDP Payments Available This Week

Graded Wool, Clean Prices in $ Per Pound

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 Wool Calculator

Adjust micron, yield and quality of wool percentage with ASI's Wool Calculator to estimate the value of your wool today, or the potential value of wool if genetics or management practices were changed.

Apr. 9 - 11 - Shepherds Cross Sheep Shearing School. Click here for more information.

Apr. 10 - 11 - 34th Annual Greencastle Wool Show. Click here for more information. 

Apr 11 - 106th Annual California Ram Sale. For more information email Susan, susan@woolgrowers.org.

Apr. 13 - 15 - Shepherds Cross Sheep Shearing School. Click here for more information.

Apr. 13 -15 - 2026 Virginia Solar Summit. Click here for more information. 

Apr. 20 - 24 - Washington State Shearing School. Email for more information: smithms@wsu.edu

Apr 23 - 25 - 76th. Annual West Virginia Sheep and Goat Show & Sale. Click here for more info. 

Apr 24 - 26 - Washington State Advanced Shearing School. Click here for more information.

Apr 30 - May 2 - Pennsylvania Sheep Shearing School, Scenery Hill, PA, Registration deadline: April 24, 2026. Click here for more info.

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