By Amy Conner
November 2004 -- The National Grazing Land Conservation Initiative (GLCI) Steering Committee held its annual fall business meeting in Fort Worth, Texas, Sept. 9-11, 2004.
Each steering committee member reported on the progress in his or her industry?s grazing activities. Aggie Helle of Montana and Frank Philp of Wyoming served as the representatives for the sheep industry, and reported on the joint efforts made with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services utilization of sheep as efficient grazers.
Kimberli Stine, national GLCI coordinator, says that one of the highlights of the meeting was the report given by the Montana GLCI Committee. It teamed up with the Montana Stock Growers Association to develop a marketing plan to bring awareness to the public about the benefits of good grazing management.
?Participants were really excited to learn about the marketing plan from the Montana GLCI committee and to see if something similar could be implemented in their home state,? said Stine.
Other business included the election of new GLCI officers. Bob Drake from Oklahoma was elected chairman, Flavius Barker, Tennessee, vice-chairman and Rooter Brite, Texas, secretary/treasurer.
The GLCI steering committee also decided to sponsor its 3rd National Conference on Grazing Land Dec. 9-13, 2004, in St. Louis, Mo. Several producers will make presentations regarding their experiences with good grazing practices.