Release No.: 034-15

Contact:

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268

samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the American Lamb Board.

There are four vacancies on the board. Two vacancies will occur for producers: one position for a producer with 101-500 head of lamb and one position for a producer with more than 500 head of lamb; one feeder position of more than 5,000 head of lamb from Region 2; 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, or first handler within the United States that owns or purchases lambs can be considered for nomination. All eligible individuals are invited to seek nominations by May 1, 2015. A lamb producer, feeder, seedstock producer, or first handler must be nominated by USDA Certified Nominating Organizations. Each nominee must 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, and 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 22 research and promotion boards. They empower agricultural industries by establishing a framework for them to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets, and conduct important research and promotion activities. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) provides oversight, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility, program efficiency and fair treatment of participating stakeholders.

For more information, contact James Brow, Research and Promotion Division; Livestock, Poultry, and Seed Program, AMS, USDA; Room 2610-S; STOP 0251; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW.; Washington, D.C. 20250-0251; Tel. (202) 720-0633, email James.Brow@ams.usda.gov or fax (202) 720-1125.

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