By BECKY TALLEY 
Sheep Industry News Associate Editor

(March 1, 2010)  As a member of the New Mexico Wool Growers Association Inc., the sheep industry could not ask for a better representative in the under secretary for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs position than Edward Avalos.

Avalos spoke at the board of directors’ information session at the annual American Sheep Industry (ASI)/National Lamb Feeders Association Convention, and detailed his experience, dedication and vision for the future of the sheep industry and the programs he oversees.

“We need to provide better service to the industry, and I am very aware that I am the guy to do that,” he related to a packed house.

Avalos is no stranger to agriculture. Growing up in New Mexico on his family’s farm, he gained experience working the harvest of onions and chilies and in the meat harvesting industry.

“I stand before you as a public servant with experience in agriculture,” he said.
Avalos’ past experience spans both domestic and international arenas, working in the past on lamb promotion and product development, including creating a market in Mexico for a barbacoa product made with U.S. lamb, among other projects with the country.

“I have been very entrenched in the sheep industry, and I am going to do what I can to help it,” he said.

Avalos spoke to the mission of USDA and what he saw as major issues for the sheep industry.

Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack, Avalos related, is on the path to revitalize many agriculture industries, with a focus on local-farmer, local-food concepts that could benefit the sheep industry. USDA is also committed to fighting hunger and serving safety and health with the nation’s food supply.

When it comes to the sheep industry, Avalos expressed concern over predator losses and decreasing numbers. After citing the lamb crop loss to predators, he expressed his support for protecting the industry.

“We can’t have that,” he said about the loss. “I know that it is tough. No matter what, we need to find a way to protect sheep from predators. A lot of times, programs don’t always work smoothly, but I want to stay on top of it,” he says of predator control. In addition, he acknowledged the work and investment the industry has put into non-lethal predator control.

He also mentioned the importance of the National Sheep Improvement Center as well as the success of the recent lamb checkoff the industry approved.
“I think it is a great concept, industry helping industry,” he said.

The competitiveness of the sheep industry, as well as the decrease in numbers the industry has seen in the past decades was a concern to Avalos.

“To me this is wrong,” he says of the decline in numbers. “We can point fingers, but I’ve always been the type of person that says nothing stays the same. We need to modify, change and adapt. As I learn more, and I can help you, I will help you.”

Glen Fisher, ASI president, feels that Avalos is the perfect person to have on the side of the sheep industry.

“I really believe this man is here to help us, particularly the sheep industry,” he related.

In his closing remarks, Avalos reiterated his commitment to producers and the future of the industry.

“President Obama appointed me, and I don’t want to let him down. Ladies and gentlemen, just as important if not more important, I don’t want to let you down.”