The 2007 IWGA Convention
Sun Valley, Idaho -- The Idaho Wool Growers held their annual convention in Sun Valley this fall. 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. Michelle Mousel, Genetics Scientist, Dr. J. Bret Taylor, Nutrition Scientist and Dr. Mary Kay Tinker, USDA/APHIS-Vet Science presented current research highlights and discussion pertaining to different research topics involving sheep.
The afternoon continued with Mark Collinge, State Director for USDA/APHIS-WS and Kirk Gustad, Assistant Regional Director, Western Region; USDA/APHIS-WS informing attendees on the undertakings at Wildlife Services. Dr. Don Knowles, Washington State University, gave an update on “The Bighorn/Domestic Sheep Issue” Nate Fisher, Administrator, Governor’s Office of Species Conservation spoke about the Wolf Recovery Program and gave an update regarding federal funding to the State of Idaho for the program.
During the “President’s Banquet”, Master of Ceremonies, Rick Haines, Independent Ag Network, kept the crowd entertained and IWGA President, Marie Bulgin gave her President’s speech. The banquet was well attended.
Saturday’s meetings focused on market trends, state and federal lands, and trade issues. Dr. Carolyn Bohach gave an interesting review of the e-coli situation and Laird Noh presented his annual Rocky Mountain Sheep Marketing Report. Ron Cole, ASI, gave a presentation and Gary Peiffer, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing from Superior Farms reviewed “Retail and Market Place Trends”
A state and federal lands panel featured Tom Dyer, Idaho State BLM Director, George Bacon, Idaho Department of Lands Director, and Rick Forsman, USFS Regional Range Program Lead.
Senator Tom Gannon, Chairman, Senate Agricultural Affairs Committee, hosted the Legislative Luncheon
Kole Swanser, Custom Ag Solutions, spoke during the Lamb & Wool general session, giving information on the ”Risk Management and the New Livestock Risk Protection(LRP) Lamb Program”. Diane Peavey gave an update on the Trailing of the Sheep Festival held in Hailey, Idaho and Margaret Soulen-Hinson gave an ASI update. Kevin Quam spoke about the American Lamb Board issues and John Noh gave the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission report. Bob Padula, ASI Wool Consultant, then spoke to the convention goers and the general session ended with the wool buyers panel and elections.
Approximately 100 people attended the Saturday night “Thank Ewe Banquet,” hosted by IWGA Vice-President Ken Wixom.
The highlight of Saturday evening’s banquet, was speaker, Ken Sanders, University of Idaho Professor of Rangeland Ecology and Management. Ken was later presented with an IWGA Industry Appreciation Award for his continued support to the industry
Also that evening, Laird Noh was given an IWGA Industry Appreciation Award for his long time dedication to the industry.
The 115th Annual Convention concluded Sunday morning with the Idaho Sheep Commission Breakfast during which Congressman Mike Simpson addressed the audience on issues concerning the industry. Dr. Greg Ledbetter, Idaho State Veterinarian, Idaho Department of Agriculture, also spoke to the attendees.
The morning finished with discussion of the Association’s Resolutions.
Idaho Wool Growers meet in Sun Valley, Idaho
