Join the American Lamb Board: Now Seeking New Members
The American Lamb Board (ALB) is seeking new members in 2026, creating an excellent opportunity for industry involvement. Any U.S. producer, feeder, or first handler who owns or purchases lambs may be considered for nomination, allowing for specified representation.
“As the current ALB Chairman, I strongly encourage sheep producers to consider filling one of the positions on the American Lamb Board,” says Jeff Ebert, ALB chairman. “Serving on the lamb board gives you firsthand insight into how the checkoff dollars are spent. It is a very educational and rewarding experience.”
The USDA established the American Lamb Board to maintain and expand the market for sheep and sheep products. The board is responsible for developing goals and strategies, managing checkoff funds, establishing board and staff policies, and evaluating programs.
The 13-member board is composed of representatives from two geographical regions: Region I - east of the Mississippi River, and Region II - west of the Mississippi River, and includes:
6 producers: At least two must come from each region, and the other two will be appointed at the Secretary of Agriculture’s discretion. Of the six producers, two must own annually 100 or fewer head of lambs, one must own between 101 and 500 head, and three must own more than 500 head.
3 feeder representatives: at least one from each geographic region. At least one feeder must feed fewer than 5,000 head of lambs annually, and at least one must feed 5,000 or more head. The third feeder will be appointed at the Secretary’s discretion.
3 first handlers: an entity or person who buys or takes possession of lambs from a producer or feeder for slaughter, including custom slaughter, or a producer or feeder who markets lamb products directly to consumers.
1 seedstock producer: a producer who raises rams or ewes primarily for breeding stock
All board of directors serve a 3-year term, but no member can serve more than two consecutive 3-year terms.
Positions opening in 2026 are:
One producer with less than 100 lambs.
One producer with more than 500 lambs.
One feeder at large from Region I, east of the Mississippi River.
One first handler.
USDA-certified nominating organizations must make nominations and include a completed application. A list of certified nominating organizations, the nomination form, and information about the American Lamb Board can be found at lambboard.com.
The Secretary of Agriculture will select individuals from the nominations submitted.
The deadline for nominations is September 8, 2025.