In support of Utah’s sheep industry, Representatives Celeste Maloy (UT-02) and Burgess Owens (UT-04) sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. International Trade Commission Chair Amy Karpel urging the implementation of a Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) on lamb meat imports from Australia and New Zealand to restore fair market conditions for American producers.

"Thanks to President Trump, we’re finally seeing trade policy that puts America First, and that must include our ranchers,” said Rep. Owens. "Utah ranks third in total sheep production, but over the past three decades, unfair trade, weak enforcement, and a flood of lamb imports have devastated our producers and driven a sharp decline in domestic production. I'm calling for a Tariff Rate Quota on lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand, a smart, targeted step to restore fairness, defend American production, and give our ranching families a fighting chance to compete and thrive.”

“Utah’s sheep industry isn’t just a vital part of the state’s economy, it’s an important part of Utah’s culture,” said Rep. Maloy. “I’m glad to partner with Congressman Owens, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the U.S. International Trade Commission to explore any opportunities and help strengthen the industry for years to come.”

In letters to Utah's congressional delegation, the Utah Farm Bureau argued for attention from national trade leaders to ensure Utah's sheep industry continues to have a fair playing field to compete on the global market.

"The sheep industry—long a vital part of Utah’s agricultural economy and cultural heritage—is facing acute pressure from global market dynamics, predators, and restrictive federal land policies. Without targeted federal action, the viability of this sector—and the rural communities it sustains—is at serious risk," said ValJay Rigby, President of the Utah Farm Bureau. "We urge Congress to address these challenges in the next Farm Bill and through upcoming appropriations bills."

Specifically, Utah Farm Bureau argued on the need to restore and strengthen the Livestock Risk Protection – Lamb (LRP-Lamb) program to help producers manage market volatility and disaster-related losses, update wool loan rates to reflect current market conditions and inflation, ensure continued funding for the Sheep Production and Marketing Grant Program (SPMGP) to strengthen industry infrastructure and market access for producers, extend the Agriculture Wool Apparel Manufacturers Trust Fund through the Farm Bill to bolster the domestic textile industry and support U.S. jobs and competitiveness, and freeze the H-2A AEWR at January 2023 levels in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations legislation to give producers relief from significant cost increases.

Additionally, Utah Farm Bureau pushed for increased funding of predator control programs and expanding funding for animal disease prevention programs.

The United States imported over 309 million pounds of lamb in 2024, a nearly 30% increase from the previous year. Since 1994, lamb imports have surged by more than 500% in volume and 2,000% in value. Over 70% of lamb consumed in the U.S. now comes from overseas, while domestic production has collapsed by more than 60%.