Utah Sheepmen Vote 'Yes' To Create Marketing Board

Utah's sheep ranchers cast their support for the creation of a sheep and wool marketing board, along with a self-imposed assessment, to be used to promote and improve their industry.

Balloting for the Utah Sheep Marketing Order passed April 10 with a 69.3 percent vote in favor of the initiative. A total of 418 ballots were sent to Utah sheep ranchers and wool producers in March. One hundred and thirty were returned with nearly 70 percent of voters (representing 82.7% of the sheep) supporting the measure.

"The passage of this important referendum will be a great benefit to Utah sheep ranchers because it allows the board to take needed action to promote and protect our industry," said Randy Parker, director of the Division of Marketing and Conservation.

The Marketing Order (R65-6) creates a five-member board to be appointed by the Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food, Cary G. Peterson, and it allows for an assessment from 2 to 5 cents per pound of wool at market time to be used for industry promotion, research, education, and general enhancement of the Utah sheep industry. The first year assessment will be set at 2 cents per pound. None of the funds can be used for administrative costs.

The funds were sought to replace American Sheep Industry (ASI) marketing revenue that was recently terminated nationwide.

The new marketing board hopes to generate from $60,000 to $70,000 per year to promote lamb and wool sales, as well as sustain beneficial health and genetic research for the industry.

Those interested in applying for board membership should contact Utah Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Cary G. Peterson, at (801) 538-7105.

Posted April 16, 1998