The 2008 IWGA Convention
Sun Valley, Idaho -- The Idaho Wool Growers held their annual convention in Sun Valley this November. Producers, industry representatives and associated agencies turned out to discuss current production issues and policy changes.
Speakers focused on industry issues pertinent to the wool growers in our state.
Meetings started Friday in the afternoon with a seminar by the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station. Dr. Greg Lewis, Station Director, presented current research highlights and discussion pertaining to different research topics involving sheep. Dr. Marie Bulgin, UI Caine Center gave an overview of “Johne’s Disease in Range and Farm Flocks in Idaho”.
The afternoon continued with a Lamb & Wool session, Kelly Crane, UI, Rangeland Extension Specialist, Gretchen Hyde, Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission and Linniea Collins, Executive Director for the Trailing of the Festival, gave updates for each of their programs.
During the “Getting to Know Ewe” Welcome Reception, which was new this year, attendees enjoyed leg of lamb, hor d’eourves and each others company. Mary Hasenoehrl, UI College of Ag & Life Sciences spoke about the Endowment Fund. The reception was well attended. Saturday’s meetings focused on market trends, state and federal lands, and trade issues. Mark Rey, Undersecretary, US Department of Agriculture spoke to the Convention crowd, Randy Hammerstrom, USDA Market News reviewed the market and Laird Noh presented his annual Rocky Mountain Sheep Marketing Report.
A state and federal lands panel featured Susan Giannettino, Idaho State BLM Deputy State Director for Resources, Kurt Houston, Idaho Department of Lands, Operations Chief South, and Rick Forsman, USFS Regional Range Program Lead.
Celia Gould, Director, Idaho State Department of Agriculture, hosted the Legislative Luncheon.
During the Saturday afternoon Lamb & Wool general session, the Big Horn/Domestic Sheep Panel featuring Don Knowles, Washington State University, Dr. Glen Weiser, University of Idaho Caine Center, Cat Urbigkit, Rancher/Writer & Wyoming Big Horn/Domestic Sheep Interactions Working Group Member, Jim Unsworth, Idaho Department of Fish and Game Deputy Director, answered questions and lead discussion on the issue. Bill Myers, Holland & Hart, gave an overview of “Big Horn/Domestic Sheep in the Courtroom”.
An ADC Issues Panel lead the Animal Damage and Disease Control general session. This panel consisted of Mark Collinge, State Director, USDA/APHIS-WS, Dustin Miller, Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, Jim Unsworth, Idaho Department of Fish & Game Deputy Director and Dar Olberding, Member of the Fish & Game Advisory Committee. Bill Taliaffero, ASI Regional Director and Margaret Soulen-Hinson, ASI Secretary/Treasurer gave an ASI update. The general session ended with the wool buyers panel and elections.
Approximately 120 people attended the Saturday night “President’s Banquet,” hosted by IWGA Vice-President Ken Wixom. The highlight of Saturday evening’s banquet, was the President’s address by Dr. Marie Bulgin when she passed the cane onto our new president, Ken Wixom.
Also that evening, Bill Hazen was given an IWGA Industry Appreciation Award for his long time dedication to the industry and Jim Unsworth won the Henry Golden Boy Rifle.
The 116th Annual Convention concluded Sunday morning with the Idaho Sheep Commission breakfast. Dr. Debra Lawrence, Idaho Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Industries also spoke to the attendees.
The morning finished with discussion of the Association’s Resolutions.
Idaho Wool Growers meet in Sun Valley, Idaho
