The efforts of three individuals were recognized last week during the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) annual convention. Two longtime sheep producers and a relative newcomer to the industry walked away with an engraved plaque presented by ASI President Burton Pfliger, as well as recognition for their outstanding contributions to the industry.

Cindy Siddoway, who was elected as the first female President of ASI in July 1999, was honored with the McClure Silver Ram Award. She became president while ASI was still dealing with the cancellation of the Wool Act and working to determine its role in the future of the sheep industry. Prior to her election, she served as ASI’s vice president, secretary/treasurer, and chair of the association’s legislative council.

“If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with someone,” said Siddoway. “It’s been the love of my life to work with the sheep industry and I hope to do it for many more years.”

Third-generation rancher Jw Nuckolls, of Wyoming, was recognized with the Distinguished Producer Award. He played a significant role in the creation of Center of the Nation Wool and the Mountain States Lamb Cooperative, two entities that have assisted thousands of sheep producers in marketing their wool and lamb.

“There’s just something addictive about you people,” Jw told the hundreds of sheep industry leaders in attendance for the ceremony. “It’s been such a pleasure to work in this industry all these years.”

The 2016 Camptender Award went to Florida’s David Bossman, who was responsible for the implementation of the existing Livestock Risk Protection-Lamb insurance. He has played a role in establishing the Casualty Underwriters Insurance Company, the Sheep Venture Company, and the Food and Fiber Risk Managers Agency. He has also worked diligently on the new Working Dog Liability Insurance that was rolled out during the 2016 Annual Convention and is now available to all ASI members.

“I’m not a big surprise guy, but that was a good one,” said Bossman, who wasn’t told of his selection before the award ceremony. “As they started listing off the accomplishments for this particular award winner, I was trying to think of who it could be. Then I finally realized it was me.”

Four retiring members of the American Lamb Board (ALB), Reed Anderson, Dan Lippert, Betty Sampsel, and Angelo “Butch” Theos, were also recognized at the event, and Minnesota producers Dan and Mike Lippert received the National Lamb Feeders Association (NLFA)’s Cane of Appreciation.