American Lamb Summit 2022 Registration Now Open
The much-anticipated second American Lamb Summit is set for August 8-9, 2022, in East Lansing, MI. Registration opens Tuesday, April 5. The purpose of this interactive event is to inspire the next level of change and collaboration among all segments of the US Lamb industry to improve our competitiveness, product quality and productivity through increased use of the most efficient, progressive management tools.
Summit co-sponsors, the American Lamb Board (ALB) and Premier 1 Supplies, urge industry members to register early as participation is limited to 250 individuals. The registration fee is $200 with an optional tour organized by the Michigan Sheep Producers Association (MSPA) on August 10 for an additional fee of $125 and limited to 36 participants. To learn more and register, go to LambSummit.com.
Stan Potratz, founder of Premier 1 Supplies, urges American Lamb producers, direct marketers, feeders, educators, packers and processors to attend. “Lamb Summit 2022 will help the industry and its individual members identify strategies to increase the value of their US Lamb, and network with progressive industry leaders and producers,” he said.
“There’s no sitting back to see what may or may not happen. Our industry’s viability requires action based on the best information possible, and that’s what we intend to offer,” said Peter Camino, ALB chairman.
The Aug. 8 program includes topics such as:
Reality Check: US Lamb industry challenges and opportunities to increase our competitiveness
Competitor Analysis: What our competitors are doing to improve quality and productivity
Good Eating: Differentiating lamb flavor to ensure more positive lamb eating experiences
You Be the Judge: Tasting panel to compare muscles and cooking techniques of cuts from a single lamb carcass
Yield Matters: Breaking down carcasses to compare YG4 versus YG2 fat and muscle yields
Dollars & Cents: Calculating how to price lamb cuts
More Lambing Seasons: Will accelerated lambing benefit you?
Under the Hide: Evaluating lamb carcasses for quality
Lamb on Fire: Cooking techniques that result in the best eating experience
On Aug. 9, these topics will be covered:
Muscles & Meat: Understanding basic meat and muscle biology and how it impacts eating quality
Genetic Link: Utilizing genetics to maximize edible muscle
Whole New World: Importance of the non-traditional market
Getting the Picture: Using ultrasound to evaluate carcass quality on live lambs
Genetics at Work: How to use terminal sires and EPDs to increase lean meat yield
Sheep and the Environment: Impacts of sheep production
Feeding Strategies: Nutrition's affect on carcass composition
Customer Satisfaction: How to ensure a high-quality product for direct marketing
The optional tour on Aug. 10 is in the Detroit area, which has lamb packing plants, retailers who specialize in sales to the non-traditional lamb market, and many ethnic restaurants that feature lamb on their menus. This region is home to the largest Arab-American population in the US, who are important customers for the American Lamb industry. The all-day tour features the following:
Wolverine Packing Company Tour — largest lamb packer east of the Mississippi with a lamb and meat distribution business exceeding 4,000 products
Ronnie Berry Halal Meats — full-service meat market meeting the needs of lamb consumers
Eastern Market — one of the oldest farmers' markets in the country that has developed into a large, urban food innovation center
Al- Ameer Restaurant — enjoy a banquet feast for lunch at the largest Middle Eastern restaurant in the area
Shatila Bakery — your sweet tooth will be satisfied at this world-class bakery
Landmark Sites — from a distance you'll see Ford Motor Company’s massive River Rouge Complex
MSPA representatives will provide commentary on the local sites and the Michigan sheep industry
