041029 Lamb Checkoff Referendum Set for Early 2005October 25, 2004Sheep producers, feeders and first handlers will decide whether to continue the Lamb Checkoff Program during a referendum in early 2005. The referendum will be conducted at local county Farm Service Agency offices, according to a news release from the American Lamb Board. Ballots will be available during the voting period at county FSA offices and on the Internet. Ballots must be returned to the appropriate local county FSA offices. The Lamb Checkoff Program, authorized in 1996, requires that a referendum be conducted within three years after assessments first begin to determine whether the program should be continued, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The 13-member Lamb, Promotion, Research and Information Board, authorized by the checkoff program law, administers the lamb promotion and research program designed to expand markets for lamb and lamb products. The mandatory program is financed by an assessment of one-half cent per pound on ovine animals of any age, including ewes and rams, sold by producers, seedstock producers and feeders. First handlers pay an assessment of 30 cents per head for ovine animals bought for slaughter. Assessments began July 1, 2002. USDA is seeking comment on the referendum procedures. Comments must be received by close of business on Nov. 4.
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