ASI President Lehfeldt Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Committee on Farm Economy Challenges

2.27.25 - The United States Senate Agriculture Committee recently heard testimony from farmers and ranchers across the nation, including Montana sheep rancher Ben Lehfeldt, who serves as president of the American Sheep Industry Association. Lehfeldt provided lawmakers with a firsthand account of the challenges facing the sheep industry and agriculture as a whole.

Key Challenges Facing Sheep Producers

Lehfeldt highlighted several critical issues impacting sheep ranchers, including increasing import competition, stagnant prices, and ongoing trade disputes, particularly with China. He also noted the lasting effects that tge COVID-19 pandemic had on the industry impacting trade.

"We were really happy to have the opportunity to come out and give a perspective on what our producers are experiencing in the West," Lehfeldt said. "We’re dealing with a lot of imports, some stagnant prices, and we’re still trying to recover from the pandemic and ongoing trade issues with China. We wanted to share what’s happening and what we need for producers in the U.S., especially in the West—Montana, Wyoming, Idaho."

Risk Management a Priority for the Sheep Industry

A primary concern Lehfeldt addressed was the need for better risk management tools for sheep producers. Unlike other livestock sectors, the sheep industry lacks a futures market and effective risk management programs.

"We really need a risk management opportunity in this next Farm Bill," he stated. "I stressed today that we have no futures markets and no risk management options for our producers. We need that to help mitigate volatility in the sheep industry. That’s what we asked this committee for, and we’re going to continue to push for it as we move forward. We’ve got some great ideas from our folks in the ag office on how to make this happen."

Sheep’s Role in Land Management

Lehfeldt also emphasized the vital role sheep play in environmental and land management across the country, including wildfire mitigation and invasive weed control.

"There is so much opportunity with the sheep industry," he explained. "In California, sheep are being used for wildfire control—something that should be front and center in Washington. In Montana, sheep help with noxious weed control, and both sheep and goats play a key role in brush management."

Watch the entire Video Podcast with Ben Lehfeldt. 

Farm Labor and the H-2A Guest Worker Program

Lehfeldt also addressed the importance of a functional H-2A guest worker program for sheep producers and agriculture as a whole.

"It’s essential to our operation that we have a workable guest worker program," he stated. "We utilize H-2A not only on our ranch but also to help lower production costs. Sheep provide free noxious weed control for cattle ranchers looking to preserve their native grasslands, making this program even more critical. However, California and some other states have hijacked the program by raising the mandatory wage levels to unattainable rates. That’s why we’re working on national policy solutions to ensure this program remains viable for producers across the country."

The Farm Bill and Policy Advocacy

Lehfeldt stressed the importance of including critical sheep industry programs in the upcoming Farm Bill and ensuring their long-term viability.

"When you talk to all the livestock groups, certainty is a big thing," he said. "For the sheep industry, we’re looking at orphan programs that need to be established with a baseline and put into statute. That’s really important for our producers moving forward. We’re going to continue working on this, whether it’s in a continuing resolution or the Farm Bill this year. We have strong support in the House and Senate ag committees, and we encourage industry members to sign up and get their voices heard."

Lawmakers acknowledged that firsthand testimony from livestock, grain, and crop producers is essential for shaping future agricultural policy, including the next Farm Bill. As discussions continue, industry leaders like Lehfeldt will play a key role in advocating for the needs of American sheep producers.

Source: Western Ag Network