March 26, 2026

ASI Research Update Podcast: AI & Embryo Transfer

In ASI’s latest Research Update episode, host Jake Thorne talks with Dr. Dan Poole (NC State) about how artificial insemination and embryo transfer are gaining momentum in the U.S. sheep industry and what it will take to make these tools more practical and accessible. The conversation covers what drives success (ewe factors, protocols, semen quality), why laparoscopic AI remains common in sheep, and where the research is headed next.

ASI Wool Council Launches New Small & Midsize Mill Meetup

With a pointed focus on increasing productivity, capacity, and long term viability, ASI is hosting a new Small & Midsize Mill Meetup which will take place July 28-29, 2026 in Sheridan, WY. The meetup will include a tour of Mountain Meadow Wool Mill and practical sessions on scouring, workforce, capital, marketing, and equipment solutions, plus dedicated networking with fellow mill owners.

Applications are due April 20. 

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 Promotes Voluntary “Product of the USA” Label

On March 24, USDA launched a national awareness campaign to promote its new voluntary “Product of USA” labeling standard. This initiative took effect January 1, 2026, and is limited to meat, poultry, and egg products from animals that are born, raised, harvested, and processed in the U.S. closing a longstanding loophole that allowed imported products to carry a “Product of USA” claim after minimal domestic processing.



Reminder: Lamb is already subject to mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL), a consumer labeling law that requires retailers to notify customers of the country of origin for lamb muscle cuts and ground lamb. ASI secured mandatory COOL for lamb in September 2008.

Department of Interior Prioritizes US-Made Uniforms

The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Made in America Office announced the DOI will prioritize sourcing U.S.-made uniforms and other textiles, directing roughly $11 million in annual uniform purchases toward domestic manufacturing. The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has been working with the Administration to expand Berry Amendment-style sourcing across agencies and has remained in regular touch with the DOI.

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 Continues Downward Correction



After climbing to its highest point since June 2019 recently and then falling back last week, the Australian Wool Exchange (the global market indicator) continued it's downward correction this week. Wool prices weakened across all micron categories, with the Eastern Market Indicator falling 20 cents - the largest fall since last October.

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.

Mar. 26 - University of Wyoming Extension Sheep Task Force Webinar: Metabolic stress of ewes through late gestation and early lactation. Register here.

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.

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.