The four-week voting period for the American Lamb Check-off Program began on Jan. 31. Sheep producers, feeders and first handlers will decide whether to continue the Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Order.

This lamb check-off program provides for assessments on the sale of lamb and lamb products. It also includes an industry board which focuses on increasing the demand for American lamb and lamb products. In order for this program to be continued, it must be approved by a majority of voters who also represent a majority of the lambs represented in the referendum.

The referendum will be conducted at your local farm service agency through Feb. 28. Ballots may be requested in person, fax, mail or over the internet at www.ams.usda.gov/lsg/mpb/rp-lamp.htm.

To be eligible to participate, producers must submit supporting documentation such as sales receipts or remittance forms that show they have been engaged in the production, feeding or slaughtering of lambs during 2004.

Ballots must be returned in person, by fax or mail to the FSA office where the producer's farm records are maintained by Feb. 28.

For more information, contact the Butler County Farm Service Agency at 724-482-4800.