Release No.: 079-14

Contact:

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268

samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the 2015 American Lamb Board.

Five vacancies will occur with the 2015 board. Two vacancies will occur for producers—one position of less than 100 head and one position of more than 500 head; one feeder position of less than 5,000 head from either Region 1 or 2; one seedstock producer; and one first handler position. For the producer positions, one must be from Region 1 and the other may be from either Region.

Any producer, feeder, seedstock producer and first handler within the United States that owns or purchases lambs can be considered for nomination. All eligible individuals are invited to seek nomination by May 16, 2014. A lamb producer, feeder, seedstock producer, or first handler must be nominated by USDA Certified Nominating Organizations. Each nominee will complete and submit all applicable forms.

USDA encourages board membership that reflects the diversity of the individuals served by its industry. Diversity includes gender, race, disability, length of service, and size and type of operation.

For more information on board nominations and to locate the USDA Certified Nominating Organization in your state or Region, visit: www.ams.usda.gov/LambNominationInformation.

Composed of 13 members representing two geographical regions, the board administers a research and promotion program authorized by the Commodity Promotion, Research, & Information Act of 1966. The Secretary of Agriculture selects appointees from nominees submitted by USDA Certified Nominating Organizations.

Research and promotion programs are industry-funded, were authorized by Congress, and date back to 1966. Since then, Congress has authorized the establishment of 21 research and promotion boards. They empower farmers and ranchers to leverage their own resources to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides oversight, paid for by industry assessments, which ensures fiscal responsibility, program efficiency, and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

For more information, contact Emily DeBord, Research and Promotion Division, Livestock, Poultry and Seed Program, AMS, USDA, Room 2610; Stop 0251, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-0251; Tel. (202) 690-2611, email emily.debord@ams.usda.gov or fax (202) 720-1125.

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