American Sheep Magazine March 2026

CONVENTION QUOTES

EMMA O’BRIEN , IN

MARGARET SCHWARTZ , KY “The biggest surprise was meeting so many younger producers, people building businesses, trying contract grazing, and taking smart risks. It’s reassuring to see peers navigating the same challenges and still pushing the industry forward.”

ASHLEY BULLOCK , NC “The most amazing thing I learned is how much this industry is powered by people, by their passion for sheep, and for the fiber. That energy is contagious. It pulls you in, makes you want to contribute, and reminds you that this work is bigger than any one operation.”

“The Wool Council conversation was surprisingly energizing: mid- and small sized mills compared notes and realized they’re facing the same bottlenecks. They’re meeting again in July to map solutions and keep domestic processing moving forward.”

MATTIE HOCHIER , PA “What stuck with me most was how Shaniko used wool certifications to build trust and drive demand, leading all the way to wool being worn on the Olympic stage. It’s a great example of how our industry can adapt and win.”

JACK BLATTNER , ID

SUSAN SHULTZ , OH “What stood out to me most was watching the fellowship in action. People from all over the United States genuinely showing up for one another. You see it in the hallway conversations, the problem-solving, and the way information gets shared so everyone goes home stronger.”

“What impressed me most was hearing how the American Lamb Board approved and funded several high-priority research projects—real, practical work the industry needs to solve problems and build demand.”

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