Join Us in Reno, Nevada – January 28-31, 2026
The ASI Annual Convention is an opportunity for sheep producers from across the country to meet and discuss topics and issues within the industry. It’s the one time each year in which all sections of the industry come together in one location, to set priorities, share information and conduct business for a stronger sheep industry.
Presentations available as PDF files.
Animal Health Committee
- NAHMS 2024 – Natalie Urie, DVM, USDA/APHIS
- NADPRP Update – Linda Detwiler, DVM, USDA/APHIS
- Scrapie Research Update – Assays to discriminate between CWD prions and Scrapie Prions – David Schneider, DVM, USDA/ARS
- Updates related to FDA, CDC, and FSIS NARMS – Rosie Busch, DVM, University of California at Davis
Genetics Forum
- Perspectives on Sheep Genetics in Australia – Bindi Murray, Woodanilling, Western Australia
- Sheep Genetics USA Update – Ben Lehfeldt, Sheep Genetics USA Board
- Utilizing Genetic Tools to Breed Healthier Sheep – Kelsey Bentley, Ph.D., Kansas State University & Scott Bowdridge, Ph.D., West Virginia University
- Incentivizing Genetic Selection – Cody Hiemke, Niman Ranch
- Update on the GEMS Project – Ron Lewis, Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln (retired)
Production, Education & Research Council
- Secure Sheep & Wool Supply Plan: Producer Outreach Efforts – Danelle Bickett-Weddle, DVM, Preventalytics
- New and Emerging Production Technologies Panel Discussion:
Lamb Council
- The U.S. Lamb Industry: An Analysis of Potential Trade Policy Impacts – Patrick Hatzenbuehler, Ph.D., University of Idaho & Brett Wilder, University of Idaho
- American Lamb Board: Lamb Sales & Consumer Trends – Ben Bundy, Midan Marketing & Megan Wortman, American Lamb Board
- Lamb Market Update & Outlook – David Anderson, Ph.D., Texas A&M University
Wool Council
- Wool Biosecurity for Growers, Warehouses & Buyers – Secure Sheep & Wool Supply Plan – Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, DVM, Preventalytics
- Wool Biosecurity for Growers, Warehouses & Buyers – IWTO Biosecurity Framework – Isak Staats, BKB Wool & Mohair
Wool Policy Forum
- Wool Market Intelligence – Isak Staats, BKB Wool & Mohair
- Consumer Promotion: Marketing American Wool Brands – Corey Hayes, Get Back Here Dog
- NY Fashion Innovation Center & Hudson Valley Textile Project – Mary Jeanne Packer, Hudson Valley Textile Project
ASI Board of Directors – Informational Session
- U.S. Producer Panel – LambEx Panel Discussion:
- Wool Market Analysis and Update – Isak Staats, GM of Wool & Mohair for BKB
- American Wool Council – Rita Kourlis-Samuelson, Deputy Director
ASI Board of Directors