UWGA Fall 2019 Utah Ram Sale Newsletter by Utah Wool Growers Association

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The 2020 Utah Ram Sale TABLE of CONTENTS 2

President’s Letter

H2A Labor Rates

USU Shearing School Invite

Bighorn Removal Permits

Suicide Prevention

Ramblings

Winter Convention

2017 UTAH RAM SALE Special Section

Auxiliary Update

Calendar

PUBL IC ATION

The Utah Ram Sale “where the best just keep getting better” is held annually on the second Thursday of October. Fifty-six consignors from five states consigns their very best rams to one of the largest commercial ram sales in the country; selling about 600 head of rams every year. The sale features: Suffolk, Hampshire, Suffolk x Hampshire, Columbia, Rambouillett, Columbia x Rambouillett, and Targhee, yearling range rams, ram lamb range rams and registered stud rams. All rams are examined for soundness and sifted by a veterinarian and committee of buyers that are members of the Utah Wool Growers Association. All rams must have permanent scrapie ID tags and a current (within 30 days) negative ELISA test for B. Ovis. The Utah Ram Sale has been the premier source of range rams for the progressive commercial sheep producer to upgrade their herd and improve their lamb crop for the past 60 years.

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A drawing for a corriente saddle will be held for buyers at the conclusion of the sale. A free dutch oven lamb dinner for buyers and consignors will be held on October 9th at 7pm social hour will begin at 6pm.Transportation of rams can be arranged prior to the sale by calling Jim at (801) 798-2503 or (801) 400-6914. Alvin McNeil, of McNeil Hampshires says that every year the consignors down there strive to bring better bucks than they had the year before. McNeil states that there is as much competition between the consignors as there is anything else. Their main goal is to raise the best rams possible to help improve sheep the industry every year making it the best range ram sale in the United States. We look forward to seeing you all there!

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Letter from the President

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- Sunnie Titmus UWGA President

Thank you for the memories. When this newsletter hits the printing press and then your mailbox, or you read on the computer, we'll be smack dab into the fall season. Currently each night and morning you can witness the harvest moon splendor and glory. It’s a pleasant reminder of how blessed we are to be able to enjoy a homegrown tomatoes, fresh corn on the cob, peaches, pears, or wonderful crispy apple might be your choice of fall treat. It’s also satisfying as we visit our herds to see the fruits of our labor's. The lambs are getting close to that full bloom, just in time for shipping. As we reflect on the past summer which is gone by much too fast (as I get older seems to be going by even faster) it always amazes me how much we can fit in during those months this summer. I know that each of our operations are different in how we accomplish everything we have to do each day. Many of our wool growers members have full-time jobs besides tending to their sheep. They rely on help from their spouses and other family members to accomplish their work. Many grow crops and might even raise other types of livestock too. Some of our young entrepreneurs that are just starting to get established in the sheep business, might still be attending school or working to find a spouse and starting a family. In other words, we all have a lot on our plates of life. And sometimes we might feel overwhelmed and without enough hours in the day to get everything done. We had sheepherder that worked for us many ago who from time to time would expound on some little nugget of wisdom. On one occasion I remember during lambing season when you feel like there is an enough time in the day to get everything done, and by the end of it everyone is given all they have to give, he made the statement; "I don’t know about you all, (there were a number of a standing nearby to hear with this wise man had to say to us) but I work 26 hours a day! We all started laughing as we tried to explain and convince him because everyone knows there’s only 24 hours in a day and during that time you have to sleep and eat to have the strength to work each day. He went on to explain that yes, that was true, but because he was such a good hard worker he could accomplish three times what another man could do in a day. We never did get him to change his mind and what he believed, he was a good employee and always went the extra mile for our operation. I thought one day he might approach us and want to be paid for the work of three men because of how strongly felt about his value and worth ethic. As you and your families take time this fall to look back on the summer, I hope it’s filled with great memories of the things you’ve accomplished, and experienced with each other. I’m sure like our herder or you’ll have some memories from some 26 hour days working with the sheep, there might be thoughts of preparing lambs for your local county stock show, it could be remembered a family trip, or activities that brings a smile to your face. I hope many of you will recall our summer convention in Park City. We had a great turn out for this year's summer meetings. We appreciate all of you that showed your support for the industry. From members of the wool growers, many industry partners, vendors, and government officials. It’s wonderful to have the support coming from so many different directions. We receive many notes and comments of appreciation for the wonderful itinerary and content. The speakers and tours we had were outstanding and full of helpful information to help us be better shepherds. Or thanks to everyone that contributed in anyway. If you weren't able to attend we hope to see you in November at the Winter convention held in Evanston, Wyoming as our friends from Wyoming will be hosting again this year. Wool growers from Idaho and Nevada will be attending as well. It’s a great time to network and renew friendships and I promise it will be worth your time and it will be a great memory. Another reason for you and your family to make that extra effort to attend is that we will be conducting our elections. My two-year term as president of the UWGA is coming to an end and we also have a number of our committee board members who's terms are up as well. It's been a wonderful experience serving in the presidency these last six years and as president for the past two. During that time I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best men and women in our industry. I’ve seen so much dedication to the lifestyle they and their families love. I’ve been able to travel not only around the state, but also many places in our great country representing our organization. I've enjoyed meeting so many new people who I now considered to be friends. During my time of service I’ve learned that it takes many hands to get things accomplished. So thank you to all those of been such a great example to me, for all of you that make an effort to keep our industry and lifestyle alive. I know many of you were behind the scenes doing the dirty work, without any fanfare or recognition. As I take the time to reflect on the time I’ve had to serve, once again thank you for the memories. Thank you for your support and friendship. -Sunnie

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DON’T MISS THESE EXCLUSIVE WOOL GROWERS OFFERS!

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Visit www.IFACountryStores.com for a location near you. U TA H W O O LG R O W E R S . C O M

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H-2A Labor Rate Impacts on Range Sheep Operations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bridger Feuz, University of Wyoming Extension

Range sheep operations in Utah and other western states utilize the H-2A labor program to secure herders for their sheep. These herders are crucial to the success of range sheep operations. The impacts of labor rate changes are significant to range sheep producers. Following are two charts that illustrate the direct impacts on individual ranches. Table 1

For the period of 2010-2015 lamb prices averaged $139.16 per CWT. for 60-90 pound lambs as reported in the 3 mkt average. H-2A labor rates were $750 per month per employee. For the period of 2016-2019 lamb prices averaged $147.38 per CWT. The H-2A labor rate for 2019 is $1633 per month. Lamb prices increased a modest 6% over this time frame, while labor rates increased by 118% in the same time frame. While some industries are able to pass on increased labor rates to their customers through price increases, it is clear that the sheep industry is not able to pass on those added costs, and therefore is forced to absorb those costs at the peril of their business sustainability. Table 2

The impacts of labor rate changes are significant to range sheep producers. In 2010 a producer needed to sell 78 lambs to account for one H-2A salary. In 2019 a producer needs to sell 135 lambs to account for one H-2A salary. That represents a 73% increase in the number of lambs required to offset an H-2A salary.

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Summer Convention Recap The Utah Wool Growers Annual Summer convention was held August 5, 2019 in Park City, UT. We had a great turn out thanks to all of you. It was a delight to tour the Bitner Ranch house, hear from Alvin McNeil, Dr. Erick Thacker, Bridger Feuz, Lesa Eidman, Kerry Gibson, LeAnn Hunting, Chad Heuser, Will Griggs, McKenzie Smith, Shelby Rasmusson, Colby Pace, and Tom Boyer (who had the extra special task of presenting twice. Thanks Tom! We owe you!) Superior Farms generously donated the lamb for the meals and we would like to thank the rest of our sponsors including IFA, Western Ag Credit, Roswell Wool, Utah Wool Marketing Association, Redmond Minerals, Ag Risk Advisors, Harper Feeders, Rock Canyon Bank, and Western Range. We also want to thank Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for the generous door prizes. We want to send a special thanks to Glen Hafen for cooking lunch, Kory Vetere for cooking lunch. We owe an extra special thanks to the Bitner Family for all their hard work making this year a success (especially Carolyn who makes everything sparkle), as well as Colby Pace and his family. If we missed you this year hopefully you make it out next summer!

Got Predators? GIP might have funding for you. The Grazing Improvement Program (GIP) at the Utah Department of Agriculture helps ranchers across the state by cofunding projects that improve grazing. This year they have allocated money to help with predator control. If you visit: https://www.utahwoolgrowers.com/special-projects there is an application/ranking for predator control funds from GIP. If you are interested in getting financial assistance with predator control download the application and apply today. The application has additional details. The application period will end on September 27th 2019. (This will allow GIP to rank and get contracts awarded before snow flies.) Be advised that the funding can be used on public or private ground and helicopters can run $800-$1,500/hour and fixed wing planes can run $250-$400/hour. Cost Share for this program is 50%. Be advised: it is a reimbursable program. Receipts and documentation for work performed are required. Reimbursement will take 2-3 weeks after submission of documentation. Reimbursement will only be for work performed after a contract is fully executed. If there are any questions or concerns please call or email Troy Forrest with UDAF. tforrest@utah.gov 435-279-3603

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Sheep Shearing School

January 16-18, 2020 January 17 19, 2019 Utah State University Animal Science Farm 3580 S. Highway 91 Wellsville, Ut 84339 Sheep shearing has been part of farm life for as long as sheep have been part of the farm. Sheep provide valuable resources for clothing, rugs, insulation and many other products. However, qualified sheep shearers are becoming harder to find. After successfully completing this course you will be able to shear your own sheep, your neighbors’ animals, or refine your skills and become a professional sheep shearer. This 3-day, hands-on course is ideal for beginners as well as advanced shearers. It is designed to teach shearing while maintaining high quality wool clip and minimizing stress to you and the sheep. You will also learn about shearing equipment, proper shearing clothing and exercises, equipment care and sharpening combs and cutters. Class size is limited to 15 students, so please consider early enrollment.

Instructors Shearing school participants will be taught by Doug Rathke, a certified instructor the New Zealand Wool Board, and sheep shearer Anthony Steinoffeldt, who has sheared sheep for small flock owners in Utah and Idaho for 28 years. TUITION includes instruction materials and shearing DVD. (before midnight, January 11, 2019) $250 without continuing education credits $285 with continuing education credits and transcript On-site registration (If there are spaces available) $275 without continuing education credits $310 with continuing education credits and transcript

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/usu-sheep-shearingRegister online at: tinyurl.com/shearing-school19 school-2020-registration-59342509042 Contact: Tracy Hadfield, Utah State University, tracy.hadfield@usu.edu, 435-797-2875 Sponsors: Utah State University • Utah Wool Growers Association

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Class runs from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. Lunch will be provided daily on-site. Sheep shearing is a highly physical activity. Be prepared to work hard and get dirty. Clothing must be well fitted and open-toed footware is not allowed. Bring your own clippers so you’ll become familiar with proper techniques using your own tools. Hotel accommodations are available in Logan, about 8 miles from the Utah State University Animal Science Farm. You will need your own transportation to and from the school, although students are encouraged to carpool.

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Permits for Lethal Removal of Bighorns The purpose for a Certificate of Registration (COR) to remove bighorn sheep is to assist the DWR in euthanizing bighorn sheep that are likely to have contacted domestic sheep by utilizing livestock operators who are more likely to be present when commingling occurs. Therefore, DWR will only consider applications from domestic sheep owners, their employees, and immediate family members. The ultimate goal of the program is to ensure healthy populations of bighorn sheep and a healthy domestic sheep industry existing in Utah with a proper balance between the two entities: Wild bighorn sheep are a valuable resource to the residents of Utah who enjoy viewing them, pursue hunting them, and rely on them for their livelihood. Domestic sheep are likewise important to the residents in Utah and those who raise these animals, appreciate their heritage, and rely on them for their livelihood. However, it is often not suitable for both animals to exist in the same place at the same time. Wild bighorn sheep are naturally susceptible to respiratory disease that can potentially be caused by pathogens that domestic sheep have built tolerance for. As a result, domestic sheep can harbor these pathogens without developing respiratory disease, but then potentially transmit the harmful pathogen to bighorn sheep when the two animals come in contact. A bighorn sheep die-off is not always the result of these animals contacting each other; but it is a significant enough risk that when a bighorn sheep is suspected of coming in contact with domestic sheep, it should be euthanized to eliminate the risk of infecting an entire bighorn sheep population with a respiratory disease. Whenever possible, bighorn euthanization is performed by an authorized Utah DWR employee. However, employees are not always available to respond quickly enough in some instances. Producers who have obtained a COR to lethally remove bighorns if they come within two miles of the domestic flock can remove them on sight. IF your sheep allotment(s) are within 100 miles of a bighorn sheep unit you should absolutely apply for a COR and make sure your herders and employees are listed on the permit. To apply: 1.

Go to: https://wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/cor/bighorn_removal.pdf

This will open a form that you can fill out, sign, and then email back to the DWR to submit (email addresses are listed on the form.

Complete the application and submit it to the Regional Wildlife Manager where your sheep are located (contact information is located on the application).

We do not anticipate having to use the lethal measure often; but it is one more added layer of protection in your toolbox to keep the bighorns and your herd safe on the range. If you have any questions about the process call Sierra 435-915-6116, or email Jace Taylor with the DWR jacetaylor@utah.gov.

The ASI convention will be held in New Orleans this year January 23-26. Check their website https:// www.sheepusa.org/Events_2019Convention for more details as the become available. We can't wait to see you there! U TA H W O O LG R O W E R S . C O M

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UDAF Deputy Commissioner of Ag: Kelly Pehrson Kelly Pehrson and his family join Department of Agriculture and Food as the Deputy Commissioner. Kelly was born and raised in Monticello, UT. He graduated from Utah State University with a B.S. in business management and then got his M.B.A from the University of Utah with an emphasis in Finance. Kelly started his career in Banking in downtown Salt Lake City with Zions Bank.His duties at Zions Bank was purchasing Small Business Loans from Banks all over California. While he was at Zions Bank he met his wonderful wife Heidi. She was working as an auditor for Hansen, Barnett, and Maxwell at the Triade Center. Kelly's Banking career led him to working in Pasadena, CA, Las Vegas, NV, and then to Mesa, Arizona. As his young family grew to 3 kids, Katelyn, Trey, and Wyatt. He wanted to give his kids the experience that he so cherished when he was a kid, growing up in Monticello. Kelly changed careers and became the City Manager of Monticello. This was a great start of learning how local government works. He was involved in many street, water, and sewer projects that helped provide services to the residents of Monticello. Pretty soon Kelly was being recruited to manage San Juan County. Kelly has been the County Manager for the last 8 years. During this time Kelly has been apart of some monumental experiences with San Juan County to say the least. San Juan County has been in the nations spotlight with Bears Ears National Monument for the last 5 years. He has been apart of many issues dealing with BLM, Forest Service and the Navajo Nation Tribe. When Kelly was asked by Commissioner Gibson to be his deputy, he was very humbled to even be considered. It was a very difficult decision to leave a job that he has given his heart and soul to for the last 8 years. His little family was scared to death to leave the small community to come to the big city of Salt Lake City. However, Kelly knew with his experiences as the County Manager he could help bring Commissioner Gibson vision to reality. Some of the things that Kelly wants people to know about him is he wants to make a difference. He knows what it is like to be on your knees every night praying for moisture so your cattle and crops survive. He saw it first hand from both of his grandparents as they worked very hard to survive every struggle that farmers and ranchers do. I know how heartbroken my own dad is today that the day he asked to take over the family farm, his father sold it and said , "I will not let my son grow up a poor farmer like me." I want to help the Department of Ag and Food bring hope to all the producers, I don't want the same thing that happened to my Dad happen to others. I also still have many life lessons that my Grandpa taught me that I hope to pass on to my children. My favorite memories as a kid were siting on the plow or tractor plowing up all the fields and picking up rocks as my Grandpa sang made up songs to us all to keep us working. These are memories I cherish. I know how important public land is to all of our producers, I also know the battles we face from outside voices to stop grazing on public land. I hope with my experience working with BLM and Forest Service that I can help improve our relationships. I have been with the department for 3 months now and I am amazed at all the services our Agency provides and we have good staff that are very passionate about them as well. With Commissioner Gibson's leadership I truly believe we will take it to another level. These services are meant to be from the producers and we want to make sure we are serving them in the best ways possible. I look forward to this new chapter in my life and I hope to hear from all the producers on ways I can help them and bring hope for the future of Agriculture in Utah.

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Utah's Tom Boyer Wins The American Lamb Industry Innovator Award The goal of the award is to stimulate an interest in lamb industry innovation, raise the image of the U.S. lamb industry, and to recognize those individuals that move the industry forward. This year, the $25,000 award went to two industry leaders instead of one: •

Tom Boyer for his work on the Leading Edge Program which aims to provide a uniform and quality-consistent product to the consumer.

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Cody Heimke for spearheading value-based incentives for better lamb at Niman Ranch.

Contact: Will Hart Griggs – Manager 435-843-4284 (Office) 801-201-9706 (Cell) 435-843-4286 (Fax) utahwool@getbeehive.net utahwool.com 55 South Iron Street, Suite 2, Tooele, Utah 84074

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INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS:

American Lamb Steaks Ingredients: • 4-6 American Lamb Steaks • Salt & Black Pepper to taste

In a bowl, add all the ingredients for the Herb Butter and mix thoroughly. Place in fridge and let cook until 15 minutes before cooking.

Herb Butter Ingredients: • ½ cup of unsalted butter at room temperature • 1 tbsp of rosemary chopped • 1 tbsp of thyme chopped • 3 cloves of garlic chopped • 2 tbsp of lemon juice • 1 tbsp of whole black pepper • Salt to taste

Build a fire in your grill or fire pit for direct cooking. Make at medium to mediumhigh heat.

Pull out American Lamb Steaks and season thoroughly with salt & black pepper.

Place American Lamb Steaks on the grill and let cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature hits 130-135F for medium rare. While steaks are cooking, preheat a skillet for the butter over the fire. Add butter to the skillet and cook until it is fully melted. Pull steaks off grill and brush Herb Butter over the top of them while they rest for 4-5 minutes. Squeeze some extra lemon juice on top, slice into steaks and enjoy! (For more delicious recipes like this one visit Americanlamb.com. This particular recipe is from Over The Fire Cooking. Yum Yum.)

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It's Lamb Sampling Season!

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UWGA members have been conducting lamb samplings all over Utahâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; from the Taste of Millard County, to the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheep Dog Trials, to the Utah State Legislature, to the Utah State Ag BBQ. We are committed to getting people try lamb and let me tell you...they LOVE IT! We cannot thank Dan Chournos, Chad and Linda Osguthorpe, and the Selman Family enough for the time they spend growing delicious lamb and then cooking it for the general public to enjoy. We also want to thank Kelton and Hailee Olsen, Brad and Jenny Osguthorpe, Sam and JaNae Blonquist, and Kim Chapmen for all their help cooking and Serving. These lambassadors volunteer to spend the free (time they don't have) to do industry outreach and we all owe them a big round of applause! The Utah Sheep Promotions Committee is also providing lamb rub tins at these events so that people who say they aren't sure how to cook lamb now have a taste of the goods and the seasoning to go with it so they are encouraged to go out and purchase lamb and cook it at home. Just one more example of industry outreach working for you.

Predator control PDCF Match Money Reminder Flying season is on the horizon and it is important to get your proverbial ducks in a row before the snow starts flying. If your county participates in the county match money program for aerial coyote control (the PDCF program) there are several important changes that you need to note. First, the amount of PDCF match money available has dropped from $150,000 to $90,000 for this flying season. That means the historic amounts that each county has available to them will be prorated to match. For example if Summit County usually contributes $23,000 that amount will be reduced to $13,800 for this year. Please see the table to the right for your county's amount. The second item of importance is that there is a January 31st deadline for all contracts to be signed and money to be submitted to guarantee your county's historic amount. February 1st any county money that hasn't been allocated will be available for redistribution to other counties who are wanting to utilize additional match money for flying. The "left over" money will be available first come first serve. However, because we want to make it fair each county can only use their percentage of the left over money. For example if Summit County historically gets 15.33% they would only be allowed to use 15.33% of the left over money. This money is a "match it or lose it" money and we don't want to leave any sitting on the table. Third, per the county contracts, and to be financial responsible to each producer that contributes to the PDCF funds, the counties WILL BE required to submit a list of producers who contribute to the match program. Per the contract the county is required to submit that list to the PDCF program. Each producer who contributes is entitled to get the amount of work they pay for, but it is nearly impossible to do so if they don't know who contributed and how much. Any county who does not submit a list of contributors will not have their funding released until they submit the list. If your county has a person who gathers the match money to submit, please remind them they need to submit the list of contributors as well.

County Beaver Box Elder Cache Carbon Daggett Duchesne Emery Garfield Iron(Parowan) Iron (Cedar Mt) Juab Kane Millard Morgan Piute Rich San Juan Sanpete Sevier Summit Tooele Uintah Utah Wasatch Washington Wayne Total

Historic Amount Percent Contributed 2019 Amount

$19,000 $6,000 $7,000 $2,500 $5,000 $5,000 $3,000 $8,500 $400 $3,000 $4,500 $13,000 $3,000 $5,000 $5,000 $2,000 $23,000 $4,500 $7,000 $5,500 $13,100 $1,000 $4,000 $150,000

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12.67 4.00 4.67 1.67 1.67 3.33 3.33 2.00 5.67 0.27 2.00 3.00 8.67 2.00

$11,400 $3,600 $4,200

3.33 3.33 1.33 15.33 3.00 4.67 3.67 8.73 0.67 2.67

$3,000 $3,000 $1,200 $13,800 $2,700 $4,200 $3,300 $7,860 $600 $2,400 $90,000

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$1,500 $3,000 $3,000 $1,800 $5,100 $240 $1,800 $2,700 $7,800 $1,800

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UDAF Raising Awareness of Farmer Suicide As September is National Suicide Awareness month, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) is partnering with the Cattleman’s Association, USU Extension, and other industry organizations to create a stronger connection between existing programs and resources available for agriculture producers in crisis. There are no shortages of challenges for farmers and ranchers between access to market issues, weather, pests and diseases, regulatory changes, and trade policy. According to the latest USDA Agriculture Census 56% of US farmers report a net loss in cash income on their farms. But worse than that, in Utah that number rises to 65%. “One of my most important messages and efforts as Commissioner will be to ensure we are doing more to love and care for one another as communities. We must do more to extend resources and programs out to the farmers and ranchers experiencing pressures that lead to hopelessness, depression, and thoughts of suicide,” stated UDAF Commissioner Kerry Gibson in a recent guest editorial post in the Deseret News. Indeed, there are a number of different resources available to the agriculture community. These include: • Generalized behavioral health resources available to all citizens through county health departments, and numerous private behavioral health specialists; • Religious community programs of support and counseling, along with their directives to locate qualified licensed counseling for those seeking help; • Farmerhealth.org, an international organization dedicated to helping farmers with all kinds of health issues, including behavioral health; • 2018 Farm Bill allocated $10 million for five years to create a Farm and Ranch Assistance Network Program in four regions of the country; • The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food has two financial assistance programs available to farmers and ranchers to improve the economic viability of their operations: the Agriculture Resource Development Loan Program (ARDL), and the Rural Rehabilitation Loan fund; • FarmAID.org, a national organization that is equipped to helping farmers who are struggling with behavioral health issues and more at 800-FARM-AID; and • Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition has a hotline and can direct to additional resources at 800-273-TALK (8255).

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UWGA

VIDEO CONTEST They lived. They loved. They herded sheep.

Prizes First Place: $500 Second place: $250 Third place $100 Calling all film makers! The UWGA is looking for some new videos! So we figured it was time for a contest! Videos should showcase lamb and wool production in Utah (or focus on one or the other). Lest we stifle your creative side we wont narrow it down any further. Ideally videos will be no longer than three minutes and no shorter than 30 seconds. Submission deadline October 1, 2020. Videos will be judged by a five person panel and winners will be announced in the Winter Newsletter. Videos will be submitted via Google drive, email utahwoolers@gmail.com to get the submission details. Good luck and happy filming!

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APHIS Begins Process to Create Vaccine Bank

EPA, U.S. Army Repeal 2015 Waters of the U.S. Rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is announcing the availability of a sources sought notice which will be posted for 30 days to gather information from interested vaccine manufacturers on their ability to supply foot-and-mouth disease vaccine.

At an event in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Department of the Army Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works R.D. James announced that the agencies are repealing a 2015 rule that impermissibly expanded the definition of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act.

This is not a solicitation. Information gathered through the sources sought notice will be used to develop a forward-looking acquisition strategy leading to one or more requests for proposals for an increased supply of FMD vaccine for a U.S-only vaccine bank. For the first time, the 2018 Farm Bill included funding that directly supports animal disease prevention and preparedness, including the creation of a vaccine bank for livestock diseases. This bank, known as the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank will allow the United States to increase its ability to stockpile veterinary countermeasures. The first priority of the NAVVCB is to acquire and maintain FMD vaccine. FMD presents a grave threat to the U.S. livestock industry; even a small outbreak would result in devastating economic and animal health consequences. The American Sheep Industry Association joined other livestock groups in requesting that a vaccine bank be a part of the 2018 Farm Bill. ASI is pleased to see that this crucial element of the Farm Bill is beginning to take shape. The NAVVCB is distinct from the existing North American Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank which is a trilateral partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the Mexican Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food. The NAVVCB is entirely focused on U.S. domestic preparedness and is a distinct entity. The United States will continue to participate in the North American Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank and engage in cross-border cooperation for foreign animal disease outbreaks. Source: USDA/APHIS

The agencies are also recodifying the longstanding and familiar regulatory text that existed prior to the 2015 Rule – ending a regulatory patchwork that required implementing two competing Clean Water Act regulations, which has created regulatory uncertainty across the United States. “Today, EPA and the Department of the Army finalized a rule to repeal the previous administration’s overreach in the federal regulation of U.S. waters and recodify the longstanding and familiar regulatory text that previously existed,” said Wheeler. “Today’s Step 1 action fulfills a key promise of President Trump and sets the stage for Step 2 – a new WOTUS definition that will provide greater regulatory certainty for farmers, landowners, home builders and developers nationwide.” “Today, Administrator Wheeler and I signed a final rule that repeals the 2015 Rule and restores the previous regulatory regime exactly how it existed prior to finalization of the 2015 Rule,” said James. “Before this final rule, a patchwork of regulations existed across the country as a result of various judicial decisions enjoining the 2015 Rule. This final rule reestablishes national consistency across the country by returning all jurisdictions to the longstanding regulatory framework that existed prior to the 2015 Rule, which is more familiar to the agencies, states, tribes, local governments, regulated entities, and the public while the agencies engage in a second rulemaking to revise the definition of ‘waters of the United States.’” This is the first step in a two-step rulemaking process to define the scope of “waters of the United States” that are regulated under the Clean Water Act. Step 1 provides regulatory certainty as to the definition of “waters of the United States” following years of litigation surrounding the 2015 Rule. The two federal district courts that have reviewed the merits of the 2015 Rule found that the rule suffered

from certain errors and issued orders remanding the 2015 Rule back to the agencies. Multiple other federal district courts have preliminarily enjoined the 2015 Rule pending a decision on the merits of the rule. In this action, EPA and the Army jointly conclude that multiple substantive and procedural errors warrant a repeal of the 2015 Rule. With this final repeal, the agencies will implement the pre-2015 regulations, which are currently in place in more than half of the states, informed by applicable agency guidance documents and consistent with Supreme Court decisions and longstanding agency practice. The final rule takes effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. “ASI greatly appreciates President Trump and EPA Administrator Wheeler’s dedication to working with stakeholders to develop Clean Water Act guidance,” said American Sheep Industry Association President Benny Cox of Texas. “America’s sheep producers are strong advocates for clean water and the responsible use of our natural resources. We look forward to working with EPA to help craft a rule that will enhance those resources while recognizing and protecting the rights of landowners and states.” Source: EPA ASI Announces Staff Changes, Additions The American Sheep Industry Association announced recently that Zahrah Khan has moved into a full-time position with the association and will now serve as project manager for accounting and convention. Khan has worked with the association since December of 2008 – first on a contract basis and then part-time for many years – and she will now oversee ASI Annual Convention planning with consultant Brenda Hamill of Let’s Meet LLC in addition to her accounting duties. While Khan has regularly handled convention registration as part of her job, she will now coordinate every facet of the association’s convention, from planning the schedule to working with the host hotel. Khan jumped right into her new duties this week while visiting the Scottsdale (Ariz.) Plaza Resort to make plans for the 2020 convention.

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U T A H Ariel Heart of Colorado Springs, Colo., has joined the association in a part-time role and will serve as executive assistant for the office. Heart will oversee ASI membership, as well as administration of the Wool Outreach and Scrapie Outreach programs, among other duties. Heart is a second-generation Colorado native. She has a varied background including working: as an adult trainer for the Department of Defense, in quality assurance for GPS satellite programs, as assistant manager for an apartment complex, as a processor at a loan company, and as administrative assistant for several companies along the way. She joined ASI in September and will be the first point of contact when calling the national headquarters in Denver. Heather Pearce began working with ASI as a wool production and specialty markets consultant earlier this year, but like Khan has accepted an expanded role in the past month. She will continue to work with fiber enthusiasts and assist in carrying out raw wool programs while also coordinating other wool-related projects and assisting with administrative tasks. Heritage Livestock Conference Looks at All Things Sheep The theme for the 2019 Livestock Conservancy Heritage Livestock Conference is All Things Sheep, and will cover a handful of topics important to those raising heritage breeds. The conference is set for Oct. 25-26 in Santa Rosa, Calif. Topics include: targeted grazing, holistic management, fiber production, natural wool dying, conservation breeding and marketing sheep products. Plans also call for three interactive panel discussions on: biological challenges of farming with rare breeds, getting the most out of animals beyond fiber and recreating a national fiber system. The Three Sheeps to the Wind Tour will include stops at Jessica Switzer Green’s fiber design workshop, where she creates heirloom blankets and throws. She sources wool from small mills and fiber farms and tailors each piece with care. Tour participants will then walk next door to Spirit Works Distillery to learn about the company’s “grain to glass” philosophy.

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Australian Regions Stabilize After Record Week After the rollercoaster ride the Australian wool market has been on in the previous few weeks, this week’s auction provided what many industry members were hoping for – a solid week in which prices were consolidated. The national quantity rose to 30,135 bales, however compared to this time last year, the offering is down by 21.4 percent, or 73,762 bales. The Melbourne market rose rapidly on the second selling day of the previous sale – so much so that the levels being achieved were well above those of the other centers. For this reason, the Melbourne sale recorded losses on the first day this week, bringing prices more into line with Sydney and Fremantle. The Southern market indicator fell by 22 cents on the back of these losses. The Sydney region did not sell on the final day of the previous week, and due to this fact prices needed to rise to come into line with Melbourne and Fremantle. On the first day of selling in Sydney, the individual Micron Price Guides generally rose by 35 to 55 cents, pushing the Northern region indicator up by 22 cents. With one center up and the other down, there was a minimal change in the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator of 4 cents. The second day the MPGs in all centers rose – generally by 5 to 15 cents. These increases helped push the EMI up by 11 cents. The EMI added 7 cents for the series, closing the week at 1,542 Australian cents. Due to currency movement when viewed in U.S. dollars, the EMI fell by 9 U.S. cents. The skirting market attracted strong competition, pushing prices up by 30 to 50 cents, making the skirtings the best performing sector for the week. The national quantity reduces slightly for the following week. Currently, there are 29,290 bales available to the trade, with all three centers in operation. Source: AWEX What Does Greater Access to Japan Mean for U.S. Lamb? Last week, the Trump Administration announced an agreement in principle to provide greater access to the Japanese market for U.S. goods. While the details of the agreement are not yet available, it’s widely speculated that it will include reductions in the tariffs certain U.S. products face, perhaps even achieving tariffs rates sought under the Trans Pacific Partnership. Currently, U.S. beef faces a

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38.5 percent tariff and U.S. pork faces a 4.3 percent tariff when entering Japan. This has many sheep producers asking what this announcement means for the sheep industry. The bottom line is that this announcement will have little impact on the U.S. sheep industry because our products do not have a duty rate when entering Japan. U.S. lamb, wool and sheepskins all enter Japan duty free. It was just over a year ago that USDA made the announcement that, after a long hiatus, they were able to re-open Japan to U.S. lamb exports and absent a duty, we expect that market to continue to grow. While there is no direct impact from this latest announcement, the American Sheep Industry Association is hopeful that a rising tide will lift all boats through increased beef and pork exports at a lower tariff rate when the details are formally announced. This also sets the stage to begin negotiating a comprehensive trade agreement with Japan. While that process may take years, ASI will work to ensure U.S. sheep producers maintain current favorable access. Despite the current trade situation, China also holds tremendous potential for U.S. lamb exports once existing issues are resolved. This week, Senator Daines (R-Mont) visited China and carried with him a letter from the Montana Wool Growers and ASI highlighting the benefits of U.S. lamb. While China has been a top export destination for U.S. wool and sheepskins, the country is currently closed to U.S. lamb. A change in that policy holds the potential to open a vast market for U.S. lamb and variety meat exports.

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Please join us for the West Central States Wool Growers Convention Nov. 7-10 at the Roundhouse in Evanston, WY. A great opportunity to mix, mingle and learn with your fellow sheep producers from Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Nevada, and other states as well. There is something for everyone here. We look forward to seeing you! The convention will be held at the world class meeting & event center in Evanston known as the Union Pacific Roundhouse and Railyards Events complex. The complex features spacious meeting rooms, state of the art audio visual equipment and a comfortable decor. There are several hotels to choose from in the Evanston area but none are big enough to house all of our attendees. Therefore we have selected three for you to consider. The Best Western Dunmar Inn is the largest of the three and is the only one with a restaurant and lounge. We have a small number of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express and they will go quickly. If you miss your opportunity there I do recommend the Dunmar Inn as your best alternative. The Hampton Inn did not sign an room block agreement with us but I'm told is offering a good rate for our members provided room availability lasts. ***Room Block expires October 30, 2019. After 10/30 or when room block is full, rooms are subject to availability and discounted rate will not apply. Hampton Inn by Hilton 101 Wasatch Rd Evanston, WY 82930 307-789-5678 Best Western Dunmar Inn 1601 Harrison Dr. Evanston, WY 82930 307-789-3770 Mention you are with West Central Wool Growers Room Rate: $93.49 + Tax for room 1 King $110.49 + Tax for room with 2 Queens Holiday Inn Express 1965 Harrison Drive, Evanston, WY 82930 307.789.7999 Mention you are with West Central Wool Growers Room Rate: $95.00/night + Tax Meeting Agenda (Tentative) Once again we will have an exciting and packed agenda. Our agenda is designed to address a number of questions that producers raise to us as association executives or to our sheep specialists and extension agents, Topics range from managing their operations to making changes that improve their profitability. But it is not all work - we are planning some fun too! Like our special event at the newly restored Strand Theater where the Sagebrush Theater Productions will present "Deer Camp", an hilarious take on deer hunting. Sponsorship Opportunities and Trade Show Booths Available. Sponsorships/donations help to offset the costs of the meeting and helps us host a valuable convention for all attendees. If you know of someone who wants to be a sponsor please share this information. To learn more about convention and to register please visit: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr= 78nnnbtab&oeidk=a07egm5b5is6583a377.

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UWGA Member Feature: Carolyn Bitner The key to success to is start before your ready or even know it. That is exactly what our June Women of Wool feature did. Carolyn Bitner jumped in feet first when she married Brian Bitner, a 4th generation rancher, and became part of a ranching family. She was baptized by fire when, as a newlywed, her new husband cut up a mutton on their kitchen table. There isn’t much she hasn’t done after being in the industry for over 40 years from keeping everyone fed to nursing lambs back to health and becoming a better driver hauling a trailer than most men. She raised six kids to be hard workers and is now a proud grandma of 10 grandkids (with three on the way!), all who love to work with the sheep and learn the family legacy. Carolyn was happy to have sheep and ranching as an integral part of her family’s life as it taught them life skills such as hard work and determination as they problem solved and developed grit to overcome whatever life threw at them. Although she grew up a city girl, she is now a ranching mama through and through and loves nothing more than being out herding the sheep and being in the peaceful mountains. She supports her husband in all of his adventures and is proud of the business they have grown from just a couple herds to now an operation of over 7,000 sheep. Her contagious laugh keeps everyone smiling and we are grateful for her calm, steady presence as we navigate through this ranching family life! Thanks for all you do Carolyn!

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Utah Wool Growers Association PO Box 354 Providence, UT 84321

OFFICERS Sunnie Titmus, President Grantsville Mike Osguthorpe, First Vice President Oakley Brian Bitner, Second Vice President Park City

UWGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Anne Okelberry Fountain Green

Tom Boyer Coalville

Matt Mickel Past President

Victoria Carroll Cedar City

Kim Chapman Utah State

University Extension

Dan Chournos Tremonton

Ryan Cook Fountain Green

Casey Earl Lewiston

Chad Edgingon Fruit Heights

Wade Eliason Moroni

Paul Frischknecht Gunnison

William Goring, Jr Deweyville

Allen Olsen Fountain Green

Brad Osguthorpe Heber City

Kory Stephensen Fountain Green

Jenny Osguthorpe UWG Auxiliary Alvin McNeil Utah Registered Sheep Breeders

Bret Selman Tremonton Sierra Nelson Executive Director 435-915-6116 utahwoolers@gmail.com PO Box 354 Providence, UT 84332

American Sheep Industry publishes a weekly market report for lamb and wool available Mondays at www.sheepusa.org MASTHEAD SOURCE PHOTO: Stephen Ausmus, USDA

UWGA CALENDAR OF MEETINGS AND EVENTS â&#x20AC;¢ 2018 Oct 9,10 Nov 7 Nov 7-9 Dec 7 Jan 22-25

Utah Ram Sale, Spanish Fork UT UWGA Board Meeting, Casper, WY Western Central States Convention, Casper, WY Make It With Wool Contest ASI Convention, Scottsdale, AZ

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MISSION Supporting and sustaining all lamb and wool producers of Utah by offering education, legislation, conservation, and marketing initiatives STATEMENT in a productive atmosphere of fairness, unity, protection and service.