American lamb industry supports the continuation of the lamb checkoff

DENVER, Colo. — The Secretary of Agriculture announced the continuation of the Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Order administered by the American Lamb Board.

The majority of lamb producers, feeders, seedstock producers, first handlers and exporters participating in a national referendum from Feb. 2-27 voted in favor to continue the order.

Approved by majority

For the program to continue, it must have been approved by at least a majority of those persons voting who were engaged in the production, feeding or slaughter of lambs during the 2008 calendar year and who also represent a majority of the volume of lambs produced, fed or slaughtered.

According to Margaret Magruder, past chair and one of the original board members, “This is an exciting time for the American Lamb Board as the U.S. sheep industry again voices its confidence in the lamb checkoff program. As this program grows, we find more effective ways to promote American lamb and to deliver our messages of freshness, flavor and versatility directly to the consumer.”

American Lamb Board

The American Lamb Board is a national promotion, research and information organization whose purpose is to strengthen the position of lamb and lamb products in domestic and foreign markets.

The 13-member board, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, is composed of six producers, three feeders, one seedstock producer and three first handlers.

The work of the board is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Service.

The board funds strategic marketing and promotion programs designed to increase demand for American lamb including retail promotions, consumer advertising and public relations, culinary education and research.