Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., wants Wyoming sheep ranchers to weigh in on a program being developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that could affect marketing and production in their industry.
The USDA announced today that the comment period has opened on an interim final rule that establishes a National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (Sheep Center) program, which is consistent with the Food Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.
“Sheep ranchers across Wyoming have the first hand experience that will lend the most valuable input possible on this project. I encourage Wyoming sheep ranchers to weigh in on the issue and help shape a program that could affect them on a day-to-day basis,” Enzi said.
The purpose of the Sheep Center is to strengthen production and marketing of sheep or goat products in the United States through infrastructure development, business development, production, resource development, and market and environmental research.
Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture will appoint a Board of Directors to manage the general operations of the Sheep Center. Nominations for board members may be submitted by any eligible national organization whose membership consists primarily of active sheep or goat producers with the primary interest of sheep or goat production in the United States. The USDA will announce when nominations will be accepted from eligible organizations.
