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American Sheep Industry Association approves budgetThe American Sheep Industry Association's Board of Directors approved the association's fiscal year 2012-2013 wool budget and the legislative budget as well as approved the membership dues rate. The budget proposals were recommended to the directors by ASI's American Wool Council and the executive board. The $2.25 million wool budget provides programs and services that will improve sheep production, marketing and information about American wool. The wool programs serve sheep producers, domestic and international wool initiatives and the use of American wool by the U.S. military for fire-retardant, moisture-managing, machine-washable and antimicrobial wool fabric. Funds are also provided for local wool projects through the Wool Outreach program. Board members also voted in favor of the Fund II budget, which is used for the legislative and membership activities of the association as well as association services. Finally, in a unanimous vote, the BOD approved the re-entry of Rhode Island Sheep Cooperative as an ASI member state making them the 46th member. "I am very pleased with the board of director's support for ASI's innovative programs for the next fiscal year," stated Margaret Soulen Hinson (Idaho), ASI president. "These approved programs are vital to keeping our industry thriving and gaining strength into the future, and it is encouraging that the state organizations recognize that value." Executive board holds summer meeting The executive board of the ASI held its summer meeting in Boise, Idaho, on Aug. 20. Representatives of the Idaho Wool Growers Association met with the board regarding bighorn sheep and fundraising activities to support a resolution to the controversy. The executive board unanimously approved funds from the Guard Dog Program to assist in the state's efforts. It was reported that the merger of the American Sheep and Goat Center into ASI has been fully approved. With this merger, and a signed Memorandum of Understanding, ASI will be responsible for endorsing the National Livestock Producers Association's Sheep and Goat Fund budget and directors. ASI looks forward to the extension of the MOU between itself and NLPA. Following the meeting, the board was given the opportunity to visit with the Soulen family about their operation and to visit a ban of sheep in the Payette Forest. Date: 9/10/2012
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