PILSTER ELECTED TO ASI EXECUTIVE BOARD

For More Information Contact:
Judy Malone (303) 771-3500, ext. 35, or judym@sheepusa.org
Peter Orwick (303) 771-3500, ext. 33, or porwick@sheepusa.org

DENVER, Colo. - Larry Pilster, Alzada, Mont., is one of two U.S. sheep industry supporters newly elected to the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Executive Board at the 2010 ASI/National Lamb Feeders Association Convention in Nashville, Tenn., on Jan. 23, 2010.

Pilster was elected to represent ASI's Region VII, comprised of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

Pilster sheep and cattle operation, lambing around 1,700 head of mainly Targhee/Columbia cross ewes. Pilster is a second generation sheep man, with his father starting the operation in Montana in 1940, having previously raised sheep in Nebraska. Each year, Pilster keeps from 350-400 replacement ewe lambs for his flock and uses Suffolk rams to breed the two-year olds as well as the courser-wooled ewes. White face rams are bred to the finer wool ewes to maintain the wool quality of the flock. In addition, the operation runs around 240 head of cows. Pilster's wife Madge, mother Helen, and sons Shawn and Lane (wife Dawn and two daughters) are all part of the family operation. He also has a daughter, Misti Richardson (husband Del and son and daughter).

Pilster earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture production from Montana State University, with a focus in agriculture economics and a minor in ranch management.

Pilster was on the board of directors for the Montana Sheep Growers Association, and served as president of the organization for two terms. He has been active in ASI's Resource Management Council, serving as co-chair of the Predator Management Committee and as a member on the Public Lands Committee. In addition, he is involved with the Montana Stock Growers Association, National Cattlemen Beef Association, national and state public lands councils and various county-level committees, to name a few.

"I think that if the opportunity presents itself, someone who has been involved should step up and lead the way with whatever issue arises," says Pilster of his election to the ASI Executive Board. "My goal is to make sure that we keep the wheels on the wagon."

ASI is a national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 82,000 sheep producers.