New Mexico Rancher to Serve on American Lamb Board

Antonio Manzanares, Tierra Amarilla, was appointed to the 2012 Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Board by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on November 4, 2011.  Manzanares will serve a three-year term, which began with his appointment.

“As a sheep producer who has successfully developed a niche market for his lamb product, Antonio understands not only what it takes to raise a lamb, but also what works when it comes to the consumer,” said Marc Kincaid, New Mexico Wool Growers, Inc. (NMWGI) President.  “He will be a great asset to the American Lamb Board.”

Established under the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996 and the Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Order, the board is financed by a mandatory assessment of one-half cent per pound on ovine animals of any age, including ewes and rams, sold by producers, seedstock producers, feeders and exporters. Also, an assessment of thirty cents per head must be paid by first-handlers. Assessments began on July 1, 2002.

“The promotion, marketing and research funded by the Lamb Checkoff are vital to the survival of our industry,” Kincaid said.  “We appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s attention to selecting members of the American Lamb Board, who administer those funds.

One-third of the board, made up of six sheep producers, three feeders, one seed stock producer, three first-handlers and one member of the general public are appointed each year.  Newly appointed board members include: Joanne Nissen, Soledad, California, representing producers; Ben R. Lehfeldt, Lavina, Montana, representing feeders; and Wesley R. Patton, Orland, California, representing seed stock producers.  Reappointed to the board are:  Leo J. Tammi, Mount Sidney, Virginia, representing producers; and Cody J. Hiemke, Stoughton, Wisconsin, representing first handlers.