Sheep Industry News October 2023

President’s Notes BRAD BONER ASI PRESIDENT

Awards Season Is Upon Us

A s I write this column for the October issue, ram sale season is in full swing. At the Wyoming State Ram Sale, av erage prices were higher by about $250 per ram than they were last year with an almost $1,300 per head average. The lamb market is much improved from last year, but seems to be experiencing some seasonal softness as we move into the fall. With fall approaching, I am reminded that it won’t be long before we are all getting together for the 2024 ASI Annual Convention in Denver. The convention will be a week earlier than normal from Jan. 10-13. An important part of the an nual convention is our awards program that recognizes those who have had a positive impact on our industry. There are five awards that we hand out annually. The McClure Silver Ram Award is dedicated to volunteer commitment and service and is presented to a sheep producer who has made substantial contributions to the sheep industry and its organizations in his/her state, region or nation. The award may recognize a lifetime of achievement or may recognize a noteworthy, shorter-term commitment and service to the industry. The Peter Orwick Camptender Award recognizes industry contributions from a professional in a position or field related to sheep production. Nominees should show a strong commitment and a significant contribution to the sheep industry, its organizations and its producers above and beyond what is called for in his/her professional capacity. Nominees should be well respected in their fields by their peers and by sheep producers. The Distinguished Producer Award was launched in 2014 to recognize the 150th anniversary of the national organization – the oldest livestock association in the country. This award is a way to recognize an individual who has had a significant long-term impact on the industry, including involvement with the National Wool Growers Association or American Sheep Producers Council, the predecessor organizations to ASI. The Industry Innovation Award recognizes the accomplishments of an individual or organization that improves the American sheep industry in a game-changing way, regardless of whether its impact is felt at the regional or national level. The Shepherd’s Voice Award for Media recognizes outstanding year-long coverage of the sheep industry by either print or broadcast outlets. The award excludes all publications and affiliates related solely to the sheep industry, allowing for recogni tion of outlets with general coverage for excellence in covering sheep industry issues. Please be thinking of deserving individuals or entities for each of these awards. You can find the nomination form online at SheepUSA.org/events-awards or contact Chris at chris@sheepusa.org or 303-771-3500, ext. 107, and he can send you the nomination forms. The deadline for these nominations is Nov. 17. As we move into a new season, I hope you all have an enjoyable fall and we all look forward to seeing each of you in Den ver in January. Until next time, keep it on the sunny side.

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