Sheep Center

USDA Appoints National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board of Directors

Release No.: 143-15   

WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2015 –Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today appointed three members to the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board of Directors.  Two members will serve 3-year terms and one member will serve a 2-year term beginning January 2016.

Appointed to the board representing sheep and goat producers are Janet B. Mawhinney, Waynesburg, Pa., and Marsha Ann Spykerman, Sibley, Iowa.  Appointed to the board representing expertise in finance and management is Glen Fisher, Sonora, Texas.

National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Announces Requests for Proposals

The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board of Directors has announced they are accepting grant proposals designed to improve the U.S. sheep industry.  Applications will be accepted through October 16, 2015. 

The Center was established as part of the 2008 Farm Bill.  As part of the 2014 Farm Bill, the Center was awarded funding by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to be used for the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program.  The Center is now making available approximately $300,000 in grant funding.   

Services

AMS quality standards, grading, certification, auditing, and inspection are voluntary tools and services that industry can use to help promote and communicate quality and wholesomeness to consumers. These services assist businesses in differentiating themselves from their competition.