WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Indiana Sheep and Wool Market Development Council, which has been up and running for a year, is accepting applications for funding requests to support sheep promotion efforts across the state.

Sheep industry personnel, including producers, extension specialists and others involved in sheep production, came together last year to form a council that would support the sheep industry through promotions using funds collected from the sale of all sheep in Indiana. The Council receives the proceeds from one half of 1 percent of all sheep sales. It is administered by Purdue University’s Office of Agricultural Research.

Bob Benson, an adviser to the council, which is made up of representatives from nine regions in the state, said the organization’s efforts are important to the sheep industry.

"The Council has the opportunity to assist state, county and regional sheep organizations to develop programs and activities that will help bring the benefits of sheep and wool products to the general public," Benson said. "Funding from the Council can give these local projects the added boost needed to make them more successful."

Benson said projects concerning communication – the transfer of information between producers and from experts to producers – should be a high priority for the council. He explained this could be carried out through the routine upkeep of sheep-related websites and other Internet mediums.

Projects that have been helpful to producers in the past – but have not always had adequate funding – are practical management workshops such as shearing and lambing schools, field days, symposiums and webinars.

Benson also said educating the general public on sheep and their products at fairs, Ag Days and other events would be especially helpful to promote the industry and educate potential consumers of sheep and wool.

The council meets at least twice a year, at which time members review collections, consider funding requests and evaluate results of previous funded projects. This year, three council member positions are up for election in districts three, six and nine. For information on how to apply for one of these positions, producers may contact Benson at bobenosu@icloud.com

Benson said producer participation is key to the projects and activities that can be funded. Fee collections are made at sale barns, private sales and auctions. Producers who sell direct to consumers or at farmers’ markets should go to the Indiana Sheep Assoc. website at http:// indianasheep.com where they can find remittance forms by clicking on "Forms and Additional Information." Remittance forms can be downloaded, or a producer can contact Purdue University’s Office of Research at 765-427-3592 and request a Sheep and Wool remittance form. The same form is available at https://ag.purdue.edu/ arp/Pages/sheepwool.aspx