American Sheep Magazine March 2026

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ANDY SCHWAB SHEPHERD’S VOICE AWARD FOR MEDIA

BRIAN, CAROLYN, & BRANDON (NOT PICTURED) BITNER DISTINGUISHED PRODUCER AWARD

"Every one of these awards tells the same story: when sheep people step up, at home, in their communities, and for the industry, we all move forward. This is what leadership looks like in action.”

BRAD BONER | ASI EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER, ASI PAST PRESIDENT

ASI’s annual awards spot light the people and programs pushing the sheep industry for ward, often quietly, always consis tently. This year’s honorees repre sented the full spectrum of work it takes to keep U.S. sheep pro duction strong: volunteer leader ship, producer-first problem solv ing, applied research, data-driven breeding, and year-round commu nication that helps sheep produc ers stay visible and informed. The McClure Silver Ram

Award recognized Bob Buchholz for long-term service and steady leadership rooted in the Texas Hill Country, where his family’s ranching history dates back to the 1850s. His work reflects practical stewardship and resilience through changing conditions, including predator pressure, and he has served in leadership roles at both the state and national levels, including ASI executive board service and Farm Bill testimony. The Industry Innovation Award honored Dr. Reid Redden,

PhD, for turning animal-science training into real-world progress, through 15 years as an extension specialist and professor at North Dakota State University and Texas A&M University, helping producers solve on-the-ground challenges. The Peter Orwick Camptender Award went to Dr. Christopher Schauer, a highly published researcher whose work in sheep nutrition has delivered meaningful, collaborative impact, advancing research in reproduction, genetics, and whole-

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