Sheep Industry News March 2022

2022 ASI Annual Convention

Brant Miller photo.

KYLE PARTAIN Sheep Industry News Editor A s it turns out, that rollercoaster ride American wool and sheep producers have been on the past couple of years was actually a Pacific Ocean wave that carried ASI into San Diego on Jan. 19-22 for its 157th Annual Convention: Where There’s A Will, There’s A Wave. The convention theme was a nod to both the location and ASI’s desire to again meet in person after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the association to host a virtual meeting in 2021. Resiliency peppered conversations in San Diego after a COVID-induced wave took its best shot at sinking the industry only to then carry it to record-high lamb prices and steady increases for wool. The American sheep industry proved its buoyancy and sustainability in the process. In the pages that follow, readers will find in-depth coverage of the ASI Annual Convention. From award winners to policy decisions to electing leadership, the gathering was a jam-packed week that both educated and entertained those who attended. ASI’s American Wool Assurance Program announced new ad ditions to the voluntary, producer-driven certification process for American wool. A handful of wool growers have already been certi fied through Level 1 (Educated) of the program and can now move forward to reach Level II (Process Verified). More than a dozen ex tension personnel and others with ties to the industry from all across the country have completed the process to become AWA evaluators. A second-party evaluation is required for Level II certification. The program also announced the addition of Ranch Groups to the AWA program. These groups will allow producers to work together with other like-minded producers in a joint certification process.

A first-ever Genetics Forum was conducted in conjunction with Sheep Genetics USA and the National Sheep Improvement Program. Producers heard how the adoption of quantitative genetic selection can provide opportunities for improving the productivity of their sheep operations. The Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan offered a training session not only for producers, but also for state executives, extension per sonnel and others who can now return home and train producers in their areas on the process of managing in the face of disease outbreak. Sheep producers and industry volunteers also elected and re-elect ed members to the ASI Executive Board during the meeting. John Noh of Idaho was chosen to fill the Region VII spot previously held by Montana’s Randy Tunby – who was not eligible for re-election. Three other regional representatives were re-elected to second terms on the board, however. They included Laurie Hubbard (Penn.) of Region I, Anne Crider (Ill.) of Region II and Tammy Fisher (Texas) of Region V. ASI’s officers were elected to a second year of their current leader ship roles. Susan Shultz (Ohio) will continue to serve as president of ASI, while Brad Boner (Wyo.) and Ben Lehfeldt (Mont.) were also asked to continue in their roles as vice president and secretary/trea surer, respectively. Some moments, however, almost defied description. Such as, New Mexico's Bronson Corn answering the call of his cowboy boot and yelling back like an old man trying to scare children off his lawn. It was one of those true you had to be there moments. If you missed out on the fun, the eduction and the entertainment, start making plans now to join ASI in Fort Worth, Texas, on Jan. 18-21, 2023, for the next annual convention.

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