(August 1, 2008)  The executive board for the American Sheep Industry Association gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah, July 11-12 for the annual budgetary meeting. Both the Wool Trust and the membership budgets were voted to be recommended to the full board of directors. The voting members of the board have until Aug. 22 to return their ballots.

The $2.25 million Wool Trust budget provides programs and services to strengthen the viability of the U.S. sheep industry and implement wool quality improvement, sheep production, domestic and international wool marketing and industry communications. 
The other items the board took action on during the meeting were the “Vote YES” campaign and the legislative budget.

The executive board approved the “Vote YES” campaign for the lamb referendum to be held in February. Unrestricted funds will be utilized to finance the effort and a volunteer leader committee will be selected.

The executive board also recommended a legislative and membership budget for ASI of $532,000 with a dues assessment remaining at current levels to generate $197,000.  

In addition, the executive board was invited to the summer sheep ranch of Lorin, Jr., and Mary Ann Moench east of Park City, Utah, for a lamb barbecue hosted in part by the Utah Wool Growers Association.