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A Publication of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative
Spring 2013 Volume 25, Number 2
Publishers of Iconic Sheep Wisconsin Sheep Breeder Magazine Honored Breeders Marks
35 Years of Master Shepherd Awards Following a tradition that goes back to 1979, the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative recognized two outstanding producer families during its annual meeting and awards dinner held in conjunction with the Arlington Sheep Day on March 16. The cooperative has held its annual meeting as part of the producer clinic since 2009 and is a co-sponsor of the event with the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of
The cover said it all: “Service to the sheep industry since 1880.” It was history both made and in the making, the bellwether publication for sheep producers for more than a century. Started by the Ewing Family of Columbia, Missouri, as part of Livestock Services, the Sheep Breeder and Sheepman magazine was the must-read for purebred producers until publication ceased in the mid-1990s. The Sheep Breeder and Sheepman was guided through
its final three decades by Larry Mead, assisted by his brother Bud. Larry Mead started with Livestock Services in 1961 as Associate Editor, taking over the publishing responsibilities three years later. That same year, the Meads started the Midwest Stud Ram Sale, which remains, nearly fifty years on, the preeminent sheep sale in the nation. Both Larry and Bud ((Bronald) Mead were recently honored as the recipients of the 2013 Art Pope Award at the recent annual
Agriculture & Life Sciences and University of Wisconsin Exten sion (UWEX). The fifth annual sheep day program drew a record crowd for its educational and youth programs. Held at the Public Events Facility at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station and at the Arlington Sheep Unit, the program featured Dr. Kreg Leymaster, Animal See awards on Page 2
meeting of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative. In making the presentation, WSBC board member Elmer Held referred to the Mead’s accomplishments as “the greatest job of marketing sheep in U.S. history.” Larry Mead could not be present at the recognition program, so the award will be presented to him at the Midwest Stud Ram Sale in late June. Bud Mead passed away on December 8, 2012.
The recipients of the 2013 Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative Master Shepherd Award in the Purebred Meat Division were Gene and Marian Stetzer of Melrose, Wisconsin. Sue Rupnow (l.), President of the WSBC, made the presentation at the annual meeting of the co-op held during the Arlington Sheep Day on March 16.
Diane Christenson, Chippewa Falls, WI, titled this entry to the 2012 Wild & Wolly Photo Contest “A Beautiful Day.” Photographers of all ages are reminded that the deadline for entries for the contest are due August 15. See Photo Contest on page 3.
The 2013 recipient for the Master Shepherd Award for the Purebred Wool Division was Hi-Way C Columbias. Shown are (l-r) Sue Rupnow, President, Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op, Alyssa Baumer, Marie Baumer, Todd Baumer and Alec Baumer. Missing were Paul and Dawn Hoff.