Sheep Industry News February 2024

backbone of our industry. And that’s been my privilege.” Prager has been instrumental in his own way in the area of educat ing sheep producers. Given his position as a wool warehouse manager, it comes as no surprise that he would constantly work with producers, shearers and wool classers on their wool clips. He’s also provided space and resources for collegiate wool judging competitions in an effort to educate the next generation on the qualities of wool. SHEPHERD’S VOICE Lorrie Boyer of Colorado is a longtime farm broadcaster who has covered a variety of agricultural issues with local, state and national implications through the years. Her efforts in support of the American sheep industry were recognized with the Shepherd’s Voice Award. Boyer used a favorite quote from a mentor to describe her involve ment with the industry, and it’s one that sheep producers can certainly relate to. “Find something you love so much that you’d be willing to do it for free, and do it so well that you’ll get paid for it,” she said. “I’m very blessed to do this job. It’s a very niche industry, and much like agricul ture, we’re a dying breed. I’ve interviewed Peter (Orwick) for years and years. It is a pleasure to be able to tell your story and make consumers understand how important agriculture is.

Wool Lunch host Jason Bannowsky first met Greg in 2004 and said he worked tirelessly to produce a consistent product despite the wide range of wools the company collected from all across the country. “He’d always say, ‘Is that the best you can do,’” Bannowsky recalled. “It was the hardest – and easiest – trade because it always took awhile to get it done, but I knew what to expect. They put out a tremendously consistent product.” Darrel Keese had similar experiences when trying to buy wool from Greg. “He was a unique individual, and not always easy to trade with.

But he was very uniform in the way he packaged wool. He was a true friend of the wool industry.” Before he was even old enough to drive, Greg was accompanying drivers to collect wool for the family-owned company. Eventually, he was the one driving the truck, collecting, sorting and selling the wool. While he fought the effects of multiple sclerosis for much of his adult life, Greg was always known as a hard worker. He rarely let the disease slow him down, continuing to work until his untimely passing. “He was a guy who was thankful for his suffering,” Gary said, add ing that his brother was a man of faith. “It refined his life.” ADDITIONAL AWARDS Various sheep industry groups taking part in the ASI Annual Con vention also recognized those who have contributed to the industry through the years by serving on their boards or otherwise assisting their organizations. The National Lamb Feeders Association presented longtime wool and marketing consultant Ron Cole of Colorado with an award. Cole has officially retired from the industry. The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center honored three retiring members in Brenda Reau, Jeremy Geske and Steve Lewis. Reau was the only one of the three in attendance. The American Lamb Board recognized retiring members Peter Camino, who has served as chair in recent years, and Salle Scholle. And finally, the National Livestock Producers Association honored Pierce Miller for his longtime service on the Sheep and Goat Innova tion Fund. David Johnson also retired from that board this year, but was not in attendance.

“Thank you for recognizing this work. It certainly is a privilege to work with ASI.” Boyd is farm director and morning show host at KSIR Radio in Fort Morgan, Colo., and regularly appears on RFD-TV. She’s also host of the Ag Queen podcast. W OOL EXCELLENCE Presented during the Wool Lunch on Thursday of convention week, the Wool Excellence Award went to Greg Groenewold of Groenewold Fur and Wool Company. Unfortunately, Greg passed away on Dec. 6, 2023, and the award was presented posthumously to his brother, Gary. “I was very surprised when I found out,” Greg said after learning he’d been selected for the award last fall. “Then, I was a bit emotional because my father (Grant) had won the same award. It kind of took my breath away.”

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