| ||||
|
|
Veneman announces funding for ewe lamb replacement/retention program
Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman on Jan. 27 announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide the U.S. lamb industry with $18.85 million this fiscal year for payment to sheep and lamb producers to encourage the replacement and retention of ewe lamb breeding stock.
"This new, one year program will give these producers a final opportunity to enhance the genetics of their ewe lamb breeding stock," said Veneman.
A July 2003 National Agricultural Statistics Service report indicated that ewe lamb replacements/retentions in the U.S. again decreased from July 2002 to July 2003, with the 2003 U.S. lamb crop expected to total 4.13 million, down 5 percent from the previous year. The combination of reduced farm income, extreme drought in sheep producing areas and less available pasture carrying capacity and/or forage have made many producers reluctant or unable to take advantage of previous ewe lamb replacement and retention programs administered by USDA.
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service and Farm Service Agency administer the payment program. For additional information, contact Martin O'Connor, Meat Grading and Certification Branch; AMS Livestock and Seed Program; USDA Stop 0248; 1400 Independence Ave., SW; Washington, D.C. 20250-0248; telephone 202-720 1246; fax 202-690 4119; or mmartin.oconnor@usda.gov.
Date: 2/12/04
Copyright 1995-2008. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com
 
| |||||||||||||||||||||
