2004 Convention: National Lamb Feeders Association

Mar/Apr 2004 --

News from the National Lamb Feeders Association

The National Lamb Feeders Association (NLFA) joined with the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) for the 2004 Annual Convention in Sacramento, Calif. At the conclusion, Tom Watson, newly elected NLFA President, described this year's convention as, "?without a doubt, one of the most well-attended and positive conventions I have attended in a long time."

NLFA members and associates gathered separately for the Annual Business meeting to select new officers, review resolutions and discuss NLFA activities for the upcoming year. They then met with ASI attendees for general session presentations and special events, including the Awards Luncheon.

New 2004 NLFA officers are: President Tom Watson, Hermiston, Ore.; Vice-President Don Beerwinkle, Dimmitt, Texas; Treasurer Clay Drake, Windsor, Colo.; and Secretary Karin Watson, Hermiston, Ore. Don Gnos, Albany, Ore., was re-elected to the Board until 2007, along with Jeff Hasbrouck, Ault, Colo., who is new to the position of director.

Continuing in their director positions are: Martin Auza, Yuma, Ariz.; Ernest Woodward, McCamey, Texas; Clint Krebs, Ione, Ore.; and Dan Lippert, Blomkest, Minn.

The recent discovery of BSE in the United States prompted the membership to adopt a resolution stating NLFA's commitment to coordinate efforts with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and ASI to assure the discovery of BSE does not unnecessarily impact the movement of sheep and sheep products on a domestic or export basis.

The issue of tail docking was also addressed with the adoption of a resolution calling for the establishment of a uniform industry standard for the docking of lambs and endorsing the recommendations prescribed by the United States Animal Health Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners.

With the loss of the market support provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's purchases of lamb legs and shoulders, NLFA members adopted a resolution calling on the American Lamb Board to initiate efforts to continue industry assistance in the marketing of lamb, specifically shoulders and legs.

President Tom Watson thanked the 2004 sponsors for their generous support of NLFA and acknowledged the staff for their help in making this year's joint meeting one of the most successful to date.

The final action was NLFA's decision to join with ASI again next year when the Annual Convention will be held January 27-29, 2005, at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Reno, Nevada.

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NLFA's Cane of Appreciation Award Recipients

Each year NLFA selects certain individuals to receive the Cane of Appreciation in acknowledgement of their commitment and contribution to the domestic sheep industry. This year four recipients were honored by NLFA, including ASI Director Peter Orwick.

Orwick was honored for his overall contribution to the industry in spearheading the successful 201-trade case, lobbying for the adjustment assistance programs and for creating closer cooperation between industry segments.

Bob Fallon was honored for his career of 69 years as a wool buyer and strong supporter of the American sheep industry. Fallon was Manager for Cal-Wool Marketing in Stockton, Calif., before becoming an independent buyer for Fort?, Dupree, Sawyer and Prouvost-Lefebvre.

Also acknowledged for his career in the wool industry was Richard Whitlock of Murrells Inlet, S.C. Whitlock spent his early years with Wellman Industries and Draper Wool, before launching his own company in 1977. Currently, he continues to be an active wool buyer as president of Oneup Enterprises, Inc.

In addition to these well-known wool industry representatives, out-going NLFA President Cleve Dumdi was surprised with the Cane of Appreciation.

Dumdi operates a lamb feeding and marketing business in Junction City, Ore., and has been an active member of NLFA and ASI, spending countless hours working to improve and promote the domestic lamb industry.

Dumdi will continue to serve on NLFA Board as immediate past president and as the feeder representative to the ASI executive board.

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More NLFA News

National Lamb Feeders Association (NLFA) President Cleve Dumdi presented the NLFA industry report to the American Sheep Industry Association's (ASI) Board of Directors.

"The feeders just completed a busy yet productive year," stated Dumdi.

Highlights included:

• The Howard Wyman Sheep Industry Leadership School -- a great success with all spots filled. The next leadership school will be held in San Angelo, Texas.
• The obtaining of two grants from the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center. One grant will fund a project associated with the leadership school, and the other will be utilized to coordinate U.S. sheep industry participation in the 2004 meeting of the Tri-Lamb group in Australia.

In closing, Dumdi reiterated his support for solid coordination between the NLFA and ASI boards, and announced that the feeders would again meet jointly with ASI in 2005.

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