July 17, 2026

USTR Recommends ITC Investigation into Lamb Imports Following ASI’s Safeguard Request

The USTR recommendation follows ASI’s official request submitted on October 31, 2025, seeking a global safeguard investigation of lamb meat imports under Sections 201-202 of the Trade Act of 1974. Representing 42 state associations and more than 100,000 sheep producers, ASI invested significant resources, retained specialized international trade counsel, and compiled extensive economic and producer data to support the case. USTR’s recommendation is based largely on the evidence and analysis assembled by ASI.

This action marks a major step forward, but important work remains. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will now gather testimony and data from interested parties, conduct a public hearing, and determine whether increased lamb imports are a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry. ASI will participate fully throughout the process, continuing to provide data, producer perspectives, and industry expertise to help build the strongest possible case for U.S. sheep producers.

USDA ‘Grand Challenge’ Backs New Research to Combat New World Screwworm

Researchers across the country are working on new ways to eliminate New World screwworm as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expands its investment in technologies aimed at stopping the destructive livestock pest.

The research is part of USDA’s “Grand Challenge” initiative, which is funding projects to develop new tools to prevent and eradicate New World screwworm before it can spread further in the United States. Agricultural technology developer Brian Witherbee says the investment is timely, as warmer winters and changing weather patterns are allowing insect populations to expand.

“We’ve got less cold winters and warmer weather. That just allows for the insect populations to continue to grow and move,” Witherbee said. “This is going to continue to be a problem, not just with New World screwworm, but other pests as well.”

Witherbee says USDA’s broad approach to funding research gives scientists the opportunity to develop technologies that can be used not only against screwworm, but also against future invasive pests.

Sheep industry representatives continue to closely monitor the New World screwworm (NWS) situation, particularly the response to detections in Texas and New Mexico. ASI has been in regular communication 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 has developed resources for sheep producers that can be found on our website here.

Current Status (as of July 16):

• 13 active cases
• 26 inactive cases
• Most recent detection: July 14, 2026

ASI Executive Director Highlights Industry Priorities at Colorado Wool Growers Centennial Convention

ASI at North American Grazing Lands Congress 

Last week ASI Officer, Tammy Fisher, attended the U.S. tour for the 2026 North American Grazing Lands Congress in Utah in recognition of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). More than 65 participants traveled to Park City, UT to experience how well-managed grazing supports resilient food systems, healthy ecosystems, wildlife habitat, and thriving working lands.

The U.S. program, held July 8-9 in Utah showcased how producers steward working landscapes and the role that partnerships with researchers, conservation organizations and government partners play in supporting resilient beef and sheep production.

“The opportunity to represent the sheep industry and ASI was huge, especially since part of the event was aimed at viewing and understanding targeted grazing of sheep on private and public lands,” said Tammy. “ It was great to share the story of public and private lands sheep ranchers and the role they play in stewarding the land. As the U.S. tour co-host, PLC welcomed attendees to Utah, where we visited Red Pine Land & Livestock’s U.S. Forest Service grazing allotment and JY Ferry & Son’s grazing allotment at the Eccles Wildlife Center. These tour stops demonstrated what active management looks like and how livestock grazing, when managed responsibly, can support healthy rangelands, wildlife habitat, watershed health, wetland restoration and wildfire mitigation while sustaining ranching operations.”

NCTO Mourns the Passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Champion of the American Textile Industry 

The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) issued a statement mourning the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

“The U.S. textile industry is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a dear friend and tireless advocate for our industry and workforce. To say this is a profound loss is an understatement. He was a personal friend to so many in our industry – walked through our plants, engaged with our workers – and never forgot where he came from. He was dubbed by many in Congress as the ‘textile Senator’ and he wore that label so very proudly and he earned every bit of it.  Just last week, he pushed to try to advance two amendments to ensure that U.S. government uniforms are fully made in America. His advocacy on behalf of U.S. manufacturing and workers was a top priority, simply because it was a core belief of his. We want to extend our profound condolences to Senator Graham’s family and his incredible staff – who were his family – and to all those who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed.”

Mass Grizzly Bear Reintroduction In California Moves Step Closer

Grizzly bears have taken one lumbering step closer to roaming California again. California’s State Senate voted 29-9 on party lines last week to approve a roadmap to evaluate whether it is possible to reintroduce the apex predator. The bill now moves to California’s State Assembly, where it has been read and held at the desk. It can next be assigned to a committee or take another path at lawmakers’ discretion.

SB 1305 has faced changes since The California Post reported on it in March. The bill has considerably softened its language toward bringing grizzly bears back to California after concerns from ranchers that bringing another apex predator into the state could threaten livestock. Several parts of the bill have been struck or changed to add protections for potential grizzly bears, including a section protecting livestock owners from bears by allowing them to kill the bears if they are hunting livestock.

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

Agriculture Stakeholders Testify Before USTR regarding Section 301forced-labor tariffs

Last week, agriculture industry leaders testified at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)’s Section 301 hearing, supporting adjustments to tariffs on agriculture imports from countries accused of engaging in forced labor. The three-day hearing comes after USTR determined in early June 2026 that 60 economies have failed to impose and enforce a forced labor prohibition policy, and that goods imported from these areas states would face an additional 10% or 12.5% duty. The proposed tariffs exempt bovine products, certain types of coffee, in addition to a few other agricultural products. Members of the cattle industry testified at the hearing that USTR could protect the American agriculture industry from Brazil and other foreign competitors by adding beef to the list of exemptions. Representatives from the wine, seed, and other businesses also presented their cases. More information about the Section 301 investigations can be found here.

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

Wool Market Holds Near Recent Highs Amid Selective Buying 

The Australian wool market eased slightly, but a stronger Australian dollar pushed the EMI higher in U.S. dollar terms. Prices were mixed across micron ranges, with demand continuing for high-quality fine wool, while several medium and crossbred categories softened this week.



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

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.

July 16-18: 100 Years of Targhee Breed, Huron, SD - More info 

July 24: NSIP Center of the Nation Sale, Spencer, IA - More info

July 25: South Dakota Sheep Growers Yearling Ewe Sale, Huron SD - More info

July 27: ASGA-ALB Certified Solar Grazing Workshop, Plymouth, IN - More info

July 30: Katahdin Hair Sheep International Expo & Sale, Cookeville, TN - More info

July 31: Wyoming Sheep & Wool Festival, Powell, WY - More info

Aug 13: Hand Dyeing Wool & Other Fiber, Claremore, OK - More info

Aug 13: Washing Fiber Class, Claremore, OK - More info

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.