The following is a press release from the Montana Woolgrowers Association:
On Monday, the Montana Wool Growers Association reported in from the American Sheep Industry National Convention being held presently in Scottsdale, Arizona to announce its new officers and directors. The national sheep industry convention’s theme this year is to “grow our flock”. Participants at the national convention, including MWGA’s members, will focus on the sheep industry’s Let’s Grow or Flock initiative, which seeks to have sheep producers increase their flocks by 2 ewes and by 2 lambs per year until the year 2014. In addition, at the Arizona convention, Montana’s sheep producers will be tackling a wide range of topics including bighorn sheep and sage grouse management, opening markets for America’s sheep products in Asia, and proper range management techniques.
Randy Tunby was elected to take the reins as President of the Wool Growers Association.:
Randy and his family own and operate a diversified sheep and cattle operation located in the Northwest Corner of Fallon County. Randy raises purebred and commercial Targhee sheep. Randy has been a long time member and long-time officer in the Wool Growers Association, first being elected in 2000 to serve on the Board. Prior to his election as President, Randy served as Vice President of the Organization. Randy hopes to build on the good work performed by past MWGA leadership , while tackling constantly evolving challenges to Montana’s Sheep Industry. Randy’s first priority is to work with MWGA’s members to build Montana’s sheep inventory. America’s sheep industry saw record setting prices in 2011, and Randy intends to ensure that MWGA is ready to put the association in a place to compete in a global marketplace. Randy replaces Dave Hinnaland as President.
Brent Roeder was selected by the Board of Directors to assume the duties as Executive Director:
Brent and his family have a small irrigated sheep operation on the Greenfields Irrigation District east of Fairfield, where Brent continues his family’s multi-generational sheep raising and shearing tradition. As Executive Director, Brent will run the day-to-day operations of the Association. Brent is honored that he was selected to lead the oldest agricultural organization in the state. Brent believes that Montana has some of the most progressive and dedicated sheep producers found in the world and today, but that Montana’s sheep producers face numerous challenges. Brent believes the main challenge facing Montana’s sheep industry is encouraging younger generations to keep or add sheep to their operations, while maintaining the state’s current sheep base.Brent would like to recognize and offer thanks to those people who have had to fortitude to stay active in the sheep business through the low times and wish everyone the best of luck this shearing and lambing season. Brent takes over the Executive Director position from Jack McRae, who has served the MWGA in various capacities for many years and will continue on as honorary secretary of the organization.
Hollenbeck and Penrod join the MWGA Board:
Mike Hollenbeck and Dana Penrod became the newest members of MWGA’s Board. Dana is from Miles City. Mike hails from Billings. Dana and Mike were elected to the Board by MWGA’s membership during the Wool Growers annual convention, which was held in Billings this past December. MWGA greatly welcomes the addition of these two to the Board, as their long-time knowledge of Montana’s sheep industry will be vital to the Association’s advocacy and membership services efforts.
Source: Montana Wool Growers Association
Posted by Haylie Shipp
