The President’s Award is the only award given solely at the discretion of the ISA president, in recognition of service to some aspect of the sheep industry. Stanley Poe II, ISA president, presented this award to David and Brenda Day of Noblesville, Ind. David Day is a past ISA President and the current ISA Treasurer. The Days are active members of the Indiana Sheep Association.

The second award of the evening, the Flo Benson Friend of the ISA Award, was presented by Robert Benson. This award was set up as a memorial to Benson’s late wife to recognize service and support of the Indiana Sheep Association and the sheep industry. This year’s recipient, Gerald Kelly of West Lafayette, Ind., is the ISA’s newly appointed representative to the Indiana Livestock Breeders Association. Kelly is the manager of the Purdue University Sheep Unit.

The Shepherd of the Year Award was presented next by ISA Treasurer David Day. This award is given in recognition of innovative service to the sheep industry and to recognize producers who have excelled in their breeding efforts. The 2005 Shepherd of the Year award went to Bob Adams of Morristown, Ind. Although Day acknowledged that Adams began showing sheep at the age of 65, he praised the 2005 results of Adams’ efforts.

The final award of the evening was the Oren A. Wright Master Shepherd Award. It was presented by ISA President Stanley Poe II and his father, Dr. Stanley Poe. The ISA bestows this honor upon a shepherd with at least 25 years of service to the sheep industry in Indiana. It is a measure of excellence and reflects the reputation of breeding and selling of a quality product. This year’s recipient was the late Oren Wright’s son, Newt Wright of Greencastle, Ind. The Poes praised Newt Wright for his commitment to the sheep industry and contributions to the Indiana sheep industry. Wright is a longtime Rambouillet breeder and show judge. Oren Wright’s wife, Ida, was present to witness the presentation of the award to their son, Newt.

Indiana pork producers elected to national boards
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Two Indiana pork producers were elected to national pork boards during the National Pork Forum held in Kansas City in March. Boone County producer Alan Wilhoite was elected to the National Pork Board (NPB). Kosciusko County producer, Terry Vanlaningham was elected to serve on the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC).

Wilhoite, of Lebanon, will serve along with 14 other producers from the U.S. in overseeing the national pork checkoff program. A priority for 2006 is improving the image of pork production by the public about modern pork operations. Jasper County pork producer Danita Rodibaugh currently serves as NPB’s president.

Terry Vanlaningham, of Mentone, was elected to NPPC’s board of directors during the National Pork Forum. Priority programs for NPPC in 2006 are the formulation of the 2007 Farm Bill, getting congressional approval of the free trade agreement negotiated between the United States and Peru, and monitoring the rules and regulations affecting the pork industry.

Ohio FFA Alumni group elects 2006 officer team
ARCHBOLD, Ohio — The Ohio FFA Alumni recently held their organizational meeting and elected officers.

Officers for this year are: President Bruce Henney, Bellevue; Vice President John Juhasz, Edon; Secretary/Treasurer John Poulson, Pettisville; and Reporter Linda Daniel, Bellevue.

New council members include: District 3, Jess Hamman; District 4, Jason Fox; District 6, Jason Damron; District 9, Ron Tilford; and At-Large, Sherri Schulte.

Other council members include: District 1, John Juhasz; District 2, Bruce Henney; District 8, Kenny Schuck, District 10, Pat Smith; At-Large, Linda Daniel; and OAAE Representative, John Poulson.

This farm news was published in the March 22, 2006 issue of Farm World.