Starter Flock Gains Popularity

Applications Due March 1

The CSBA Starter Flock Program is entering its fifth year. The results, thus far, are very positive. In 2021 and 2022, eight or more applicants applied, resulting in two starter flocks being awarded. CSBA members responded, likewise, by donating more sheep to the program, and the CSBA Board ear-marked added funds. That kind of support has spelled S-U-C-C-E-S-S for the program.

Starter Flock Applications are due March 1st. The application is available online. Go to the CSBA website and click on the Starter Flock tab. Applications can easily be filled out and submitted online. (Thus far, all applicants have applied online.) The details and requirements for applying and winning a starter flock are, also, found on the same tab on the website.

The Starter Flock awardee(s) receives 3 registered, Columbia females that include 1 brood ewe, 1 yearling ewe, and ewe lamb. The new Columbia owner(s), also, receives a $500 voucher to purchase a ram (of their choice) at the National Show and Sale. There are more perks in following years and in year 5 recipients pay it forward by donating a sheep to the next starter flock.

Spread the news. If you know a potential shepherd, en courage him/her to fill out the application. Recent applicants have, characteristically, been couples with a young families. They have the desire to raise their kids with an agricultural background. Contact the Starter Flock Chair, David Brown, for more guidance and information.

CSBA MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Shifts into Gear FOR 2023!

January is the annual CSBA recruitment drive. Everyone who updates their membership will get their name tossed in the hat with the chance to win one of several nice prizes. The CSBA will randomly draw three lucky winners at the end of January.

Winners will get this sign from Fuller Built Equipment, Ty Fuller, from South Dakota. This is a metal sign that will be laser cut for the winners. The design is the winner’s choice. The sign is lighted from the rear for night-time interest. Size and shape will be flexible with an overall size of about 3 feet wide by 2 feet tall. It is a conversation piece!

Board of Directors

President: Steve Hampson, MA 978-761-5824 hampsonss@yahoo.com

Term: 2022-2024

Mountain: Holly Courtney, UT 435-840-4118 hcourtney@tooeleschools.org

Term: 2022-2024

Mountain: Doelene Pitt, UT 435-830-8430

Doelene.Pitt@gmail.com

Term: 2022-2023

Pacific: Zane Van Horsen, OR 541-223-8452 zane@ironwater.com

Term: 2021-2023

Pacific: Ron Brandt, CA 209-704-1073 rbrandt2141@gmail.com

Term: 2022-2024

Central: Tom Sloan, KS 785-841-1526 glsloan_ks@yahoo.com

Term: 2021-2023

Vice President: Sara Hildebrandt, WI 715-340-4812 sarahildebrandt15@gmail.com

Term: 2022-2024

East: Mike Moenter, OH 419-261-9555 michael.moenter@gmail.com

Term: 2022-2023

At Large: Mike Geerts, IL 815-772-3050 mgeerts55@hotmail.com

Term: 2021-2023

At Large: Matt Jarvis 801-376-1183

Jsandra8335@gmail.com

Term: 2022-2024

At Large: David Brown 701-840-7598 genevahillsfarm@gmail.com

Term: 2022-2024

At Large: Scott Bredahl, ND 701-578-5679 bredahlscott7@gmail.com

Term: 2021-2023

Executive Secretary: Charlie Worm, MN 507-360-2160 charliew@extendedag.com

Live Viewing Of Nss To Include Csba Annual Meeting

The annual CSBA meeting will be online just like the shows and other events held at the NSS. Steve Hampson and Charlie Worm observe the annual membership meeting for the Shropshire Association. The Shropshire Association uses Zoom and Zoom voting. It has worked extremely well. Steve and Charlie have, also, visited with a couple of other breed associations that use electronic communication. These groups use Zoom and Zoom voting as well. These breed associations have found their members eager to learn the technology using a computer, laptop, Ipad, or phone. More information will be available in the Sale Catalog to be in the mail around May 15, 2023.

Richard L. Gerber became the ninth Executive Secretary for the Columbia Sheep Breeders of America in April of 1967.

1941-43 Mrs. Elsie Mickelson

1944-45 R.E. Brown

1945-48 M.L. Buchanan

1945-49 E.M. Gregory

1949-50 LeRoy Johnson

1951-60 Alma Esplin

1960-62 Lawrence Patterson

1963-67 Lorraine Vigen

1967-2006 Richard Gerber

2007-2012 Doug Gehring

2015-present Charles Worm

Dick started his registered Columbia business in 1951 as a FFA project. He invested in exceptional genetics and built a reputable flock. He served as the Secretary of the Eastern Columbia Association, worked as an inspector, judged Columbias at state fairs, and showed Columbias at the Ohio State and local fairs. He loved the breed and the people - all of which inspired his future in the CSBA.

Dick was appointed as the Executive Secretary for the Columbia Sheep Breeders of America in 1967. At the time, the Columbia office was housed in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dick, and his family, relocated to Fort Collins for a couple of years. They returned home, to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, in the fall of 1968. A portion of the Gerber home was transformed into CSBA headquarters. The CSBA got a “two-fer” when Dick was hired. Phyllis, his wife, became integral to the operation of the Association. From 1967 to 2006, Dick and Phyllis were the face of Columbia sheep and the CSBA. They worked with hundreds of Columbia breeders and visited just as many ranches and farms, The two logged thousands of miles to attend National meetings and sales, represented the CSBA at the Chicago International, ASI Convention, Midwest Ram Sale, North American International Livestock Expo, and more.