U.S. Sheep Experiment Station to remain open

The U.S. House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee has denied a USDA plan to close the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois.

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson worked with other western representatives to prevent closure of the facility.

“Because of its location and expertise, experts at the Sheep Experimental Station (in) Dubois are conducting research that no other facility is currently able to do, including unique research on the domestic-wildlife interface that is vital to the future of the sheep industry,” said Simpson. “Closing down the Dubois station would effectively end this important research, and it would be a huge loss to American agriculture, which is why my western colleagues and I are fighting so hard to keep it open.”

Simpson said he sent a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack last week expressing disappointment than neither the department nor the Agricultural Research Service had notified Congress of their intent to close the center.

He said the immediate decision does not eliminate the possibility of a future closure of the station.