Record Attendance Adds to Success of Leadership School

Record Attendance Adds to Success of Leadership School

Thirty-one students graduated Wednesday, July 23, 2003, from the 18th Annual Howard Wyman Sheep Industry Leadership School sponsored by the National Lamb Feeders Association.

This year?s session was supported and attended by founder Howard Wyman as well as representatives from the American Sheep Industry Association, National Lamb Feeders Association, American Lamb Board, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center and other national and local industry leaders.

The fundamental principle on which the intensive four-day school was founded is that unless everyone involved in every aspect of the sheep industry is given the opportunity to view and learn about how his or her specific operation fits into the total picture, there will never be a unified effort to better conditions for all involved.

?I want the rancher who puts the sheep on the truck and slams the door shut to know what happens next,? Wyman said during the first evening?s orientation.

Indeed, during the next three days students heard from industry resource people regarding key issues, toured three sheep farms and visited the Iowa Lamb Corporation?s slaughter, packing and pelt grading plants, Rule Sheep Co. and Pipestone Veterinary Clinic. Students also were challenged throughout the session to formally come up with new ways for changing their own sheep businesses to make them more financially rewarding.

During the last 17 years, a total of 397 students -- 288 men and 109 women -- from 39 states have attended the school. (Note: Numbers reflect individuals who have attended more than once.) Schools have been held alternatively in California, Colorado, Illinois, South Dakota and Texas.

For more information on the 2004 Sheep Leadership School, contact the National Lamb Feeders Association; 1270 Chemeketa St NE; Salem, OR 97301-4145; or call (503) 370-7024.

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