USDA announced this week two new programs will benefit the Sheep Industry. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service announced the new Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program, part of the 2014 Farm Bill, will provide approximately $1.5 million in grant funds that can be used by sheep organizations. The funding would be used to assist producers by strengthening the production and marketing of sheep and sheep products in the United States The second program unveiled by USDA is the Grass Fed Program for Small and Very Small Producers. It is designed as a verification tool for producers of 99 ewes or less to certify their animals meet the requirements of the grass-fed marketing claim standard. American Sheep Industry Association president Clint Krebs said “both of these programs are welcomed by sheep producers and will be valuable tools for the industry as a whole.”
Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program will focus on on infrastructure, business and resource development. Eligible organizations must submit an application for federal assistance by 5 p.m. EST on Aug. 27. Read more about the programs on sheep u-s-a-dot-org. (www.sheepusa.org)