Ohio Sheep and Wool program proposal funding approved

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Sheep and Wool Program, Ohio’s Sheep and Wool checkoff program will invest up to $36,500 into sheep and wool promotion, education, industry information, and producer programs in FY 2012-2013.

The program received 17 requests for proposals for FY 2012-13, with 13 of these proposals approved for full or partial funding by the board.

The funding plan was approved by the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program board of directors.
Education, promotion. Lamb promotional programs approved included the Ohio Lamb Jam, Ohio Lamb Chef’s Day and Ohio Soybean Council Grocery Store Promotion. Educational programs include the Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium, Ohio Sheep Day, AGRI-Power Institute, statewide sheep shearing schools, Ohio Sheep Summit, Ohio Sheep Forage and Farm Tour, and a fall education program.

Producer programs include funding to support purebred and club lamb sale marketing programs, as well as a Young Entrepreneurs Educational Program.

Other programs funded by OSWP include the Ohio Heartland Cuisine promotional program at the Ohio State Fair as well as the State FFA Sheep Proficiency Award and other smaller sheep and wool industry programs.

Funding

The Ohio Sheep and Wool Program assess one-half of 1% based on the value on any sheep or lamb sold by an Ohio producer and 1 cent per pound of wool produced by an Ohio producer. These check-off funds are collected by stockyards, purebred and club lamb sales, county fairs and the Ohio State Fair, wool marketing facilities, and provided by private sales from Ohio sheep and lamb producing farms.

For more information, contact the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program at 614-246-8299 or visit the website at www.ohiosheep.org.