Unlock Opportunities in 2026
New Funding Available for Promotions and Research
The American Lamb Board (ALB) currently has two major funding opportunities available for 2026. With $50,000 set aside for consumer promotional events and $350,000 for research projects, there are exciting possibilities for anyone looking to advance the American lamb industry.
ALB Promotional Funding Opportunity
The American Lamb Board (ALB) has allocated $50,000 for FY 2026 to support local consumer-facing events and industry-branded promotions.
ALB will review proposals on a rolling basis throughout the year from industry partners and suppliers who aim to build awareness and demand for American Lamb through promotional events, marketing, and retail or foodservice initiatives.
What ALB Will Fund:
Local consumer-facing promotional events
Cooking classes, on farm tours and demonstrations, activations at local festivals
Development of branded marketing materials (e.g., websites, signage, sales tools)
Branded retail or foodservice promotions
In store sampling, incentives and contests, advertising, educational events and trade shows etc.
What ALB Will Not Fund:
Industry facing events including conventions and meetings (Please contact Rae in the Lamb Board office to discuss industry facing opportunities.)
Equipment and staffing
Any event or activity that involves influencing government policy or action
Download the full program guidelines and application process here (pdf).
Applications should be submitted via email.
ALB Research Request for Proposals (RFP)
Funds Available: $350,000 in FY 2026
(Oct 2025-Sept 26)
The American Lamb Board (ALB) has allocated $300,000 for FY 2026 to fund multiple research projects that address critical industry priorities. ALB is soliciting research proposals that address one or both of these priorities:
Overcoming hurdles for the expansion of domestic sheep production.
Examples of topics that research proposals could address:
Parasite control
Non- traditional grazing opportunities
Quantify economic and environmental benefits of adding sheep to an existing agricultural operation
Genetic selection to promote flock expansion efforts
Increasing the competitiveness and advancing the image, desirability, use, marketability, production, product development, or quality of American Lamb.
Examples of topics that research proposals could address:
Using innovative management practices and tools to increase productivity
New product development
Using genetics to ensure carcass quality and/or to improve productivity
Animal health and welfare
Environmental impacts of sheep production
Human health and nutrition
Summary of ALB Research Policies
Lamb checkoff funded research must address our mission of increasing demand for American Lamb and improving the competitive advantage of the American Lamb industry.
ALB prefers not to cover overhead and indirect costs with Lamb Checkoff research funds. In any case, overhead and indirect costs cannot exceed 10% of the total project cost.
All research studies are required to be reviewed and approved by ALB and USDA prior to dissemination or publishing.
Research teams are required to submit quarterly status reports and to present their final report in person at an ALB Board meeting.
As long as the University is contributing funds to the project, the research can be co-owned by ALB and the University.
RFP Timeline &
Application Instructions
Step 1: Submit a Summary Research Proposal
(October 2025 – November 15, 2025)
Step 2: Review and Interviews
(November 15, 2025 – December 15, 2025)
Step 3: Submit Detailed Proposals
(December 15, 2025 – January 30, 2026)
Download the full guidelines and application instructions.
Research funding proposals should be submitted via email.