The US Department of Agriculture is announcing new appointments to the American Lamb Board. These leaders, representing diverse sectors of the American lamb supply chain, will help guide the board’s work to build demand, strengthen industry collaboration and champion American lamb.

The newly appointed members are:

• Lee Bruner, Whitehall, Mont. – Producer (100 head or less head)
• Garrett Julian, Kemmerer, Wyo. – Producer (Greater than 500 head)
• Tucker West, Crawfordville, Ga. – At Large Feeder
• Karissa Isaacs, Carr, Colo. – First Handler, reappointed for a second term.

These members will be sworn in at the of ALB’s annual meeting Jan. 28, 2026.

As a national, industry-funded research and promotion board, ALB depends on the dedication and vision of industry leaders. The newly appointed members will join ongoing efforts to support the American lamb industry through promotion, education, innovation and research.

The 13-member American Lamb Board includes six producers, three feeders, three first handlers and one seedstock producer. Two producers must own 100 or fewer head of lambs annually, one must own 101 to 500, and three must own more than 500. Among the feeders, at least one must feed fewer than 5,000 head annually and at least one must feed more than 5,000.

Three current ALB board members have served their two consecutive 3-year terms and will be retiring after the January 2026 meeting: Don Hawk, Gary Visintainer and current Chairman Jeff Ebert.

Outgoing Chairman Ebert said, “It has been an honor to serve as chairman of the American Lamb Board and to work alongside so many dedicated producers, feeders, and industry partners. The American lamb community is resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to delivering a high-quality product.

"I’m confident that this new group of leaders will continue to build on the progress we’ve made—expanding demand, strengthening our industry, and ensuring that American lamb has a bright future in the marketplace."

Source: American Lamb Board