Sheep leader to run for legislature; Lamb Checkoff passes

Washington Ag Today April 27, 2009 In the latest newsletter of the Washington State Sheep Producers President Art Swannack of Lamont told members he is stepping down as their leader to run for the Washington State Legislature in District 9. Swannack is running for Position 1 that was filled during this year's session by former State Representative Don Cox following the death in December of 2008 of Representative Steve Hailey. Swannack said the time commitment necessary to run for office would make it impossible for him to do a good job as president of the sheep organization. Sheep producers across the nation have given the thumbs up to the Lamb Checkoff Program which funds market development activities for the industry. The USDA says that during a national referendum on the check off conducted in February 85.1 percent of valid ballots cast favored the program; 14.9 percent opposed it. Those who favored continuing the lamb check off accounted for 93 percent of total production. American Sheep Industry Association Executive Director Peter Orwick says this is welcome news for the sheep producer Orwick: "Our lamb prices held together pretty well compared to all the other livestock meat sectors in 2008. So, I think having some visibility for American Lamb out there with retailers is pretty helpful." Under the program, producers, breeders, feeders, and exporters are required to pay an assessment of one-half cent ($.005) per pound when live animals are sold. The first handler, primarily packers, pays an additional 30 cents per head on animals purchased for slaughter. Importers are not assessed. I'm Bob Hoff and that's Washington Ag Today on the Northwest Ag Information Network.