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American Sheep Industry
January 28, 2011
HIGH PRICES AND TECHNOLOGICALADVANCES FRAME POSITIVE SHEEP MEETING
Denver, Colo. - Historic high lamb prices and wool selling at rates not seen since 1989 framed the national roll-out of a campaign to increase sheep numbers in the United States. This all contributed to the positive attitude of the attendees of the 2011 American Sheep Industry Association (ASI)/National Lamb Feeders Association (NLFA) Convention held in Reno, Nev., Jan. 19-22.
Glen Fisher, ASI president, comments, "Record breaking lamb and high wool prices provided for a very upbeat and positive gathering. It was encouraging to hear from the economists who spoke during the meetings predicting that the industry can expect these markets to continue through 2011."
Joining the membership of ASI and NLFA were the American Lamb Board, American Sheep and Goat Center, American Goat Federation, National Livestock Producers Association (NLPA), Western Range Association, the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center (NSIIC), ASI Women and contestants for the national Make It With Wool competition.
To meet the emerging demand for American lamb in the nontraditional markets, as well as supplies for our national lamb and wool processors, the ASI board of directors (BOD) approved a campaign to increase the U.S. sheep inventory. The campaign to be launched in 2011, titled 2+2+2= Rebuild, asks that each producer increase the size of their operation by two ewes per operation or by two ewes per 100 by 2014, increase the average birthrate per ewe to two lambs per year and increase the harvested lamb crop rate by 2 percent. This program provides an attainable, challenging, measurable and realistic plan for increasing sheep numbers in the United States and maintains jobs and infrastructure. The program will provide 315,000 more lambs and 2 million pounds of wool for the industry to market.
Mark Cabral, chief executive officer and president of Alamac American Knits based in Lumberton, N.C., made attendees aware that his company is new to the wool business but, that in a very short time, "wool has become a very important product in our company's structure." Alamac spent much of 2007 refining the wool enzyme treatment in an effort to make wool washable. It wasn't until 2009 that the company actually sold $100,000 of wool product. In 2010, Alamac began producing wool garments for the military and specialty companies and sales climbed to $2.6 million, 10 percent of Alamac's total revenue.
Having redefined its business in 2001 to service niche markets and the uniform trade, Alamac's work with wool and the U.S. military was a natural fit. Wool's inherent fire resistance properties make it the natural fiber for producing a high performance base layer, second layer and an outer layer of clothing for the men and women who defend our country. According to Cabral, the next homerun for the wool industry will be the use of wool products coming from the superwash line that is being assembled and commissioned at Chargeurs Wool (USA) Inc. in Jamestown, S.C. The superwash line will alter the fiber in wool products, allowing them to be washed and dried without shrinking and will meet "Total Easy Care" standards for consumers. ASI and the Sheep Venture Company made this process available through the help of an NLPA loan.
According to Chris Wilcox, a wool and livestock economist from Australia, the demand for wool will continue through 2011 and well into 2012 keeping prices high. 2010 brought with it an increased demand for lamb from countries like China and the Middle East. Low sheep numbers and wool production were experienced worldwide resulting in historically high prices for both products. Wool has become very competitive with cotton and the prospect for 2011 shows that the demand for wool clothing will continue to increase due to rising incomes in major developing countries, such as China, India, Brazil and Russia, as well as a rise in population growth.
Gary Williams, Ph.D., Texas A&M, reported to the BOD on research completed to support targeting lamb promotions to ethnic consumers, comparing lamb consumption behavior and preferences. The results, which sorted the ethnic market into two categories based on quality and/or price preferences, offer a tremendous opportunity to promote American lamb to the ethnic population of this country. Freshness, cleanness, smell, flavor, animal treatment and trust are the primary targets for quality-driven ethnic markets.
The ASI Bighorn Taskforce brought together representatives of state fish and game and agriculture departments from many of the western states as well as staff from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, researchers, state wildlife veterinarians, sheep producers and bighorn sheep advocates to participate in a day-long discussion to openly focus on ideas and solutions to sustain healthy bighorn populations while at the same time keeping the domestic sheep industry strong. Participants agreed to quantify and validate separation strategies, to convene a small group of researchers to evaluate the existing data and to identify gaps in the data and to continue the open dialogue.
New policies passed by the BOD included calling on the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and Congress to actively pursue returning productive and viable grazing allotments to domestic sheep producers; supporting a comprehensive program including fertility control, sex ratios and other humane means for wild horse and burro herd reduction; oppose any regulation that would prohibit the sale of horses for humane slaughter; and directed leadership to implement activities to affect the protection of the U.S. sheep industry against attacks from anti-farm and agriculture groups and to educate consumers about the responsible husbandry practices used in the industry.
The inaugural meeting of the new NSIIC was a significant event since ASI secured the authorization of the center in the 2008 Farm Bill with start-up funds of $1 million. The center is charged with advancing activities that build the capacity of the U.S. sheep industry and adopting flexible and innovative approaches to solving the long-term needs of the industry. Glen Fisher (Texas) was elected chair of the new center with Clark Willis (Utah) serving as vice chair and Linda Campbell (Va.) serving as secretary/treasurer.
The BOD elected a new slate of officers to lead the organization for the next two years -- Margaret Soulen Hinson (Idaho), president; Clint Krebs (Ore.), vice president; and Burton Pfliger (N.D.) secretary/treasurer. Elected to the executive board is Marsha Spykerman (Iowa) representing Region IV. Re-elected to the executive board for a second term are Tom Colyer (Mass.), Region I, Will Getz, Ph.D. (Ga.), Region II, Bob Benson (Ind.), Region III, Gary McGehee (Texas), Region V and Art Swannack (Wash.), Region VIII.
ASI is a national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of the more than 82,000 sheep producers.
IDAHO SHEEP PRODUCER TAKES THE HELM AT ASI
Denver, Colo. - Margaret Soulen Hinson of Weiser, Idaho, was elected president of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) at the 2011 ASI/National Lamb Feeders Association Convention in Reno, Nev., on Jan. 22. Soulen Hinson is the second woman president in the association's 146-year history.
Soulen Hinson is a third-generation livestock producer. The Soulen family has a range sheep and cattle operation. Soulen Livestock runs approximately 8,000 head of ewes and 800 cows. They have been in business since the early 1920s. The business is headquartered in Weiser and operates in eight Idaho counties. Soulen Livestock's base property is comprised of approximately 50,000 acres that is used in conjunction with various state, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service and private land leases.
Soulen Hinson attended the University of Idaho from 1974 to 1979 majoring in special education and elementary education. After graduation, she came back to the family livestock business and has been actively involved in various industry associations.
Soulen Hinson is past chairman of the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission. She currently is a member of the University of Idaho's Citizen's Advisory Board for the Policy Analysis Group, is on the board of directors for the Associated Taxpayers of Idaho and serves on the Third Judicial Magistrate Commission. She chairs the Weiser Memorial Hospital Board and has co-chaired the ASI Prescribed Grazing Committee and chairs the ASI Resolutions Committee.
Commenting on her election to the office, Soulen Hinson says, "I feel so honored to be elected president of ASI. The sheep industry is such a unique and wonderful industry, filled with wonderful people, and we produce the finest products. We are at a truly exciting time in our industry. All segments on both the lamb and wool front are unified and working together. We have record prices and demand continues to increase. The future for the sheep industry is very bright."
Other officers elected to the ASI Executive Board at the convention were Clint Krebs of Ione, Ore., to the office of vice president and Burton Pfliger of Bismarck, N.D., to the office of secretary/treasurer.
ASI is a national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 82,000 sheep producers.
OREGON SHEEPMAN ELECTED
ASI VICE PRESIDENT
Denver, Colo. - Clint Krebs of Ione, Ore., was elected vice president of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) at the 2011 ASI/National Lamb Feeders Association Convention in Reno, Nev., on Jan. 22.
A fourth-generation sheep producer, Krebs, has been running sheep his entire life. He currently runs range ewes as well as operates a lamb feedlot. His only break from sheep was to get his bachelor's degree in agriculture economics from Oregon State University.
Before being elected to an ASI office, Krebs represented Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii on the ASI Executive Board. He has served as co-chair of the ASI Resource Management Council, has been a director for the National Lamb Feeders Association and currently serves as the chair of ASI's Re-Build the Sheep Inventory Committee. In addition, Krebs has served as past president of the Oregon Sheep Growers Association and has served as past chairman of the Oregon Sheep Commission.
Krebs and his wife, Maureen, have two daughters, Jessica Langley and Shelby, and a son, Cameron.
"I am both honored and excited to represent sheep producers with today's high prices and the challenges we have in front of us over the next two years. I know if we all work together, we can build sheep numbers, and I am looking forward to helping the U.S sheep industry with this important job," says Krebs of his election to the office of vice president.
Other officers elected to the ASI Executive Board at the convention were Margaret Soulen Hinson of Weiser, Idaho, to the office of president and Burton Pfliger of Bismarck, N.D., to the office of secretary/treasurer.
ASI is a national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 82,000 sheep producers.
NORTH DAKOTA SHEEPMAN ELECTED
ASI SECRETARY/TREASURER
Denver, Colo. - Burton Pfliger of Bismarck, N.D., was elected secretary/treasurer of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) at the 2011 ASI/National Lamb Feeders Association Convention in Reno, Nev., on Jan. 22.
Pfliger is a third-generation sheep rancher who was born into the business. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science from North Dakota State University in 1985. Currently, Pfliger and his wife Pattie run approximately 400 ewes, which make up a purebred Hampshire flock, a purebred Suffolk flock and a flock of Rambouillet/Dorset cross commercial ewes. The Hampshire and Suffolk flocks are used to produce range and terminal sires.
Prior to election to secretary/treasurer, Pfliger served as the Region IV representative and is currently chairman of the ASI Wool Council. Pfliger previously served as the chairman of the Production, Education and Research Council, and additionally he served on the Legislative Action Council and the Predator Management Committee. He was elected to four terms as president of the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers.
In addition, Pfliger served as vice chairman on the executive board of the Ag Coalition in North Dakota, and has served as the chairman of North Dakota State University's (NDSU) Board of Ag Research, Livestock Granting Committee. He currently serves as the chairman of the Missouri Slope Wool Pool in Bismarck, N.D. Pfliger was nominated to NDSU's Agriculturist of the Year and was presented the North Dakota Master Sheep Producer award in 2005.
"It is with great excitement and humility that I look forward to serving the ASI and its members going forward," says Pfliger of his election to the office of secretary/treasurer. "I look forward to being an advocate for the sheep industry as well as agriculture, We are experiencing record markets for all classes of sheep and lambs with wool at a 23-year high. This is all positive and speaks well for our rebuild program. I hope to be more proactive with issues that confront our industry. The industry needs to be out in front of emerging issues and define the debate before we allow the debate to adversely affect and define us. I hope to convey to the consuming public some basic themes that identify animal agriculture as the bearers of the bounty enjoyed by all citizens, as the origins of sustainability and as the stewards and preservationists of the open land."
Other officers elected to the ASI Executive Board at the convention were Margaret Soulen Hinson of Weiser, Idaho, to the office of president and Clint Krebs of Ione, Ore., to the office of vice president.
ASI is a national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 82,000 sheep producers.
SPYKERMAN ELECTED TO ASI EXECUTIVE BOARD
DENVER, Colo. - Marsha Spykerman, Sibley, Iowa, has been selected to serve as the Region IV representative on the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Executive Board. This region is comprised of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Oklahoma.
Spykerman and husband, Vernon, began raising sheep when they moved back to the family farm in 1980 and today have a commercial Midwest operation, running about 450 ewes in an intensive lambing setting. The couple shed lambs their ewes and moves the later lambing group out to farm ground that has been converted to pasture when the lambs are about one-week old. The Spykermans lamb approximately 100 ewes in late February and early March to produce replacement ewes for their flock. The remaining ewes lamb later in the season, producing commercial lambs that are finished on the farm and marketed by the couple.
In addition, the Spykermans also raise corn, hay and have put acreage into grass, which is in a rotational grazing system. The majority of the hay and corn go back into the ewes and lambs on the farm.
Spykerman has served as treasurer of the Iowa Sheep Industry Association and most recently, retired last year from serving six years as the association's executive director where she was instrumental in helping the association rejoin ASI. She has also served on the ASI Lamb Council, was active in the Iowa Farm Bureau and has served on both the Iowa and American Sheep and Goat Advisory Committees.
"I am looking forward to serving on this board and in this capacity. We all need to work within and support our sheep associations. It is important to have producers provide ground-level input to the ASI staff, helping them to be aware of issues sometimes before they become larger problems," says Spykerman of her election to the ASI Executive Board.
Also elected to a second term on the executive board are Tom Colyer, Hubbardston, Mass., Region I; Will Getz, Ph.D., Fort Valley, Ga., Region II; Bob Benson, Noblesville, Ind., Region III; Gary McGehee, Mertzon, Texas, Region V; and Art Swannack, Lamont, Wash., Region VIII.
ASI is a national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of 82,000 sheep producers.
WOOL EXCELLENCE AWARD GIVEN AT ASI CONVENTION
Denver, Colo. - A longtime member of the U.S. wool industry was recognized for his years of service during the Wool Recognition Lunch at the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI)/National Lamb Feeders Association Convention on Jan. 20. Angus McColl, owner of Yocom-McColl Testing Laboratories Inc., Denver, Colo., was this year's deserving recipient of this industry award.
McColl graduated from the University of Wyoming after immigrating to the United States from Scotland where he was involved in family farming operations. Yocom-McColl Testing Laboratories Inc. was formed in 1963 by Angus McColl and Ira Yocom as an independent wool and animal-fiber testing facility and utilizes American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and International Wool Textile Organization (IWTO) procedures and methods when testing fibers.
The lab operates on both Sirolan LaserScan and OFDA100 instruments for the measurement of fiber diameter and distribution. McColl has been actively involved in developing equipment for raw wool in a commercial testing laboratory environment and has promoted correlation testing in the textile industry. He is currently a member of ASTM D13-13 wool committee and has represented the United States at annual technical meetings of the IWTO. Over the years, Yocom-McColl helped to develop new standards by measuring wool, mohair, cashmere, llama and alpaca samples to support acceptance of ASTM testing methods written by Robert Stobart, Ph.D., University of Wyoming (ASTM 6466-99 for LaserScan); and Christopher Lupton, Ph.D., Texas A&M University (ASTM 6500-00 for OFDA100).
"Over the years, Angus' bread and butter has been sampling core-tested wools for clean yield and average fiber diameter ... I've always been impressed with Angus' interest in research and technology and his willingness to participate in research projects," said award presenter, Lupton.
Through McColl's dedication and integrity, he has helped the wool industry throughout North America, as was evidence by the words offered in recognition during the awards banquet.
Rick Powers, trading manager at Lempriere USA Inc., said that his company and the industry cannot thank McColl enough for his work.
"Without his testing house, our business would completely stop. I just want to thank Angus for his dedication over the years," Powers related.
"It's a humbling effect to have your peers think so highly of you," McColl said upon receiving the award. "It's almost been 50 years that I have been in fiber, and it's been an honor working with the wool industry."
ASI is a national organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 82,000 sheep producers.
ASI RECOGNIZES FOUR AWARD RECIPIENTS
AT 2011 CONVENTION
DENVER, Colo. - Outstanding U.S. sheep industry members were honored for their contributions to the industry at an awards luncheon held Jan. 21, 2011, at the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI)/National Lamb Feeders Association Convention in Reno, Nev.
Harold Harper of Eaton, Colo., received a standing ovation as he accepted the McClure Silver Ram Award for his lifetime of achievement and dedication to supporting the supply chain of the American sheep industry. As owner of Harper Livestock Co., a lamb-feeding operation, Harper has had a significant impact on the national lamb market by being a key competitor for feeder lambs for decades and developing techniques to improve the quality of lamb carcasses. He has served the industry in numerous ways, which includes serving as a member of the ASI Executive Board and a national collegiate livestock judge at the National Western Stock Show and at many state-sheep association competitions. In addition to his leadership in the sheep business and service to the industry's organizations, he supports causes such as the ASI Guard Dog program, in which Harper Livestock hit the $50,000 contribution level this year.
Harper thanked his family and fellow sheep industry members for the years of support, saying, "I have enjoyed being a part of the sheep industry all my life. I love this industry and the people in it."
The Camptender Award was presented to Don Knowles, Ph.D., DVM, from Pullman, Wash., for his service as a key resource to the sheep industry concerning infectious diseases of economic importance. Knowles is the research leader at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal Disease Research Unit located at Washington State University and the University of Idaho. Knowles' scientific leadership has led to diagnostic and management solutions for a number of infectious diseases including scrapie and ovine progressive pneumonia. He is also working to bring the scientific community together to address issues raised by hypotheses concerning the role of domestic sheep in bighorn sheep pneumonia. Among his many awards, Knowles received the Secretary of Agriculture's Award for Professional Excellence for his work in the first practical live-animal test for scrapie and a 2010 USDA Unsung Hero Award. Recently, he completed a two-year appointment as the scientific quality review officer in which he worked with the Agricultural Research Service's (ARS) Office of Scientific Quality Review to oversee peer review of ARS research.
Expressing great honor for being recognized by both his professional and personal peers, Knowles said while accepting his award, "It is a joy to work with those who so deeply care about the people they feed and clothe in this country. I am blessed to have turned colleagues into friends."
True leaders and innovators of sheep management practices that have ultimately built a true sustainable operation, Max and Beverly Benne of Sturgis, Mich., were the recipients of the Environmental Stewardship Award. Partners in a southwest Michigan farm, the Bennes have 170 head of sheep in addition to hogs, corn, soybeans, snap beans, wheat and hay, and have put into place a wide range of environmental practices that enhance the soil, water, air and wildlife habitat that surrounds the farm operation. The Benne Farm has completed a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Program and is verified in the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) in the livestock, farmstead and cropping phases. Beyond MAEAP, Benne Farms is actively involved in Farm Service Agency and National Resources Conservation Services programs that have helped the operation utilize conservation tillage methods, plant buffer strips and windbreaks to minimize soil erosion, develop wildlife refuge, refine irrigation systems for water use efficiency and implement many other conservation practices. In addition, the farm has been accepted into the federal Conservation Security Program (CSP) which assists farmers in implementing proactive conservation practices on working farmland. The CSP assistance has helped Benne Farms with rotational grazing and improvements to pasture and timberland.
As stated in his nomination letter, Wayne Wood, president of the Michigan Farm Bureau, said that Max and wife Beverly are leaders, teachers, protectors, environmentalists and farmers. "They lead by example, teach by experience and protect the future of agriculture through sound stewardship practices. For them, it's not a matter of do we protect the environment or the farm, it is a matter of how do we protect both of them for future generations."
Receiving the Shepherd's Voice for Media, Greg and Deb Deakin of Cuba, Ill., serve as publishers of The Banner Sheep Magazine, the nation's largest all-breeds sheep magazine. The Banner is a source of information for industry-wide sheep news, offers health nutrition and management tips and reports the major sheep show and sale results. In addition, the Deakins maintain a diversified farm operation that includes row crops, stock cattle and purebred sheep.
In addition to thanking their nominator, the Empire Sheep Producers, Greg said, "It is great to see all entities of the sheep industry working together. I believe we are a richer industry when we learn and share things with each other."
ASI is a national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 82,000 sheep producers.
National Make It With Wool Winners Chosen
at Annual Competition
Denver, Colo. - State-winning Make It With Wool (MIWW) contestants competed in the national finals and awards program in a "Fashion of Epic Proportion" style show during the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI)/National Lamb Feeders Association Annual Convention on Jan. 22. The designers taking top honors at the 63rd annual national competition were Erika Waalkes of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Marcela Lopez of Lexington, Neb.
Waalkes won the title of First Place Junior 2011 Wool Ambassador. She chose to make a magenta, grey and navy dress with a coordinating jacket. The wool, cashmere and lycra skirt of the dress has eight gores that were made fuller for more flare. Waalkes added her own personal touch to the design of the garment by replacing the tucks on the jacket with darts and adding magenta ruffles. In addition to other prizes, Waalkes' winnings included a $1,000 scholarship from Pendleton Woolen Mills and a $500 scholarship from ASI Women. The junior division was open to youth ages 13 to 16.
Lopez was selected as the First Place Senior 2011 Wool Ambassador by adding a few tailored touches to turn simple shape into something spectacular. She constructed a royal-blue wool coat that shows off her sewing skills with rows of slim tucking that shape the waist of the coat ending with inverted pleats that create a flared hem. Among other prizes, Lopez's first-place winnings included a $1,500 scholarship from ASI Women. The senior division was open to youth ages 17 to 24.
Kylie Manville of Valley Falls, Kan., and Lucinda Vernor of Campwood, Texas, won First Runner-Up Junior Division and Senior Division, respectively. Manville constructed a navy blue pea coat with a fitted waistline and princess seams in addition to navy blue and off-white micro-checked wool pants and complimenting top. Vernor created black wool pants and shirt that coordinate with a purple and black reversible mohair jacket with a lamb wool collar.
Susan Smith of Burnettsville, Ind., was named the 2011 National MIWW Adult Winner with her three-piece ensemble featuring a full-length coat, skirt and cardigan. Smith added leather trim to the coat's collar and sleeve bands and converted the pattern from double-breasted to a single-breasted style. As part of her winnings, Smith won an all-expense-paid trip to the national competition in Reno.
The winner of the Fashion/Apparel Design Award was Emily Parks of Bloomington, Ill., a recent college graduate currently working as a costume intern at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Her original design was inspired by the pale lilac fabric. Beginning with a simple bodice design, Parks used a flat pattern and draping technique to add a significant amount of detail to a simple silhouette and straight neckline and worked on a separate cut of fabric and marked a one-inch square pattern by hand for a basket-weave effect. The smocked piece tacked to the bodice uses hand beading of Swarovski crystals and semi-wide straps were added for stability. The peony-like fabric flowers were created with a raw edge and Swarovski crystals and attached by hand. Park's winnings include a $1,000 scholarship for her winning outfit from the American Wool Council and an all-expense-paid trip to the national competition.
A total of 62 junior and senior finalists representing 31 states modeled their creations at the national competition. Some 883 contestants nationwide entered competitions at the state level and utilized more than 2,716 yards of wool fabric and more than 446 skeins of yarn to create their garments.
Other winners and their awards include:
- Sarah Olson of Woodbury, Minn., $500 cash, Sew News Magazine Exemplary Construction Award; and $250 cash, Claire Shaeffer Pattern Award;
- Tori Willis, Southaven, Miss., $500 cash, Creative Machine Embroidery Magazine Award; and $250 cash, Wild Ginger Software Pattern Award;
- Vernor, $1,000 scholarship, Mohair Council of America;
- Parks, $200 savings bond, Mohair Council of America;
- Brittany Lippy of Manchester, Md., $100 savings bond, Mohair Council of America;
- Kaitlyn Klair of Wilmington, Del., $50 savings bond, Mohair Council of America; and
- Gabrielle Augustine, Palmerton, Pa., $75 scholarship, American Delaine Merino Record Association Award.
ASI is a national organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 82,000 sheep producers.
