Three members elected to ASI executive board

Three U.S. sheep producers were newly elected to the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) executive board at the 2006 ASI/National Lamb Feeders Association convention in Mesa, Ariz., on Jan. 28, 2006.

Angelo (Butch) Theos of Meeker, Colo., was elected to represent ASI's Region VI, which is comprised of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Nevada.

After receiving a bachelor's degree in animal production from Colorado State University in 1970, Theos returned to the ranch in northwest Colorado, where they run 4,000 ewes on a range operation. Theos' experience in the sheep industry dates back to 1957 with his first 14-day sheep trail. Now, his experience includes being past president of the Colorado Wool Growers Association and currently serves on its sheep and wool board and executive board. In addition, Theos serves on the ASI predator management committee.

Theos and his wife, Karin, have two sons and a daughter. Their youngest son, Anthony, is a partner in the sheep operation.

"I think I will represent our district well on the executive board as I have been associated with ASI for many years and know the processes. In addition, many of the sheep operations in this district have a lot in common, for example typography, predator issues and wool," explains Theos. "I am looking forward to my time on the board and I appreciate Anthony's assistance on the ranch as I would not be able to serve without him."

Elected to serve as the ASI Region VII (Montana, Idaho and Wyoming) representative was Bill Taliaferro of Rock Springs, Wyo.

Taliaferro's 4,000 ewe migratory-range sheep operation, which spans from Rock Springs to Kemmerer, Wyo., was established in 1909. Involved in the sheep operation since he was 10 years old, Taliaferro returned to the ranch after receiving his bachelor's degree in range management from the University of Wyoming.

Taliaferro has served on numerous boards within the sheep industry, including being past president of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association and an active member of the National Wool Growers Association, the grazing advisory board for the Bureau of Land Management and the Wyoming District IV Grazing Board. Currently, he serves as chairman of the predatory animal board and is vice chairman of the weed and pest board in Sweetwater County, Wyo. Taliaferro also serves as a director for the Rock Springs Grazing Association, on the Wyoming Livestock Board and on the board of his local bank.

Taliaferro and his wife, Jan, have six grown children and 13 grandchildren.

"I felt honored when members of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association asked if I would like to serve on the executive board," says Taliaferro. "I'm looking forward to the experiences I will gain while serving on this board."

Tom Watson of Hermiston, Ore., was elected to serve as the ASI representative for the National Lamb Feeders Association (NLFA).

Born and raised in California, Watson attended Elk Grove High School and graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of California-Davis. After spending three years in the U.S. Army as an infantry lieutenant and helicopter pilot, he joined Cohn Livestock Co. in 1965. Cohn Livestock Co. later became Superior Farms, where Watson worked as a feedlot manager, head lamb buyer and board member until retiring in 2005.

Watson has been a member of the NLFA for 25 years and served as the association's president in 2004 and 2005. Currently, Watson and his wife, Karin, run a seedstock flock of 300 ewes in Oregon. The Watson's have two children, Jennifer in Oregon and Joanna in California, and four grandchildren.

Watson says, "I am very much looking forward to serving on the ASI executive board and hope to be a solid contributor."

ASI is a national organization supported by 43 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of nearly 67,000 sheep producers.

Date: 2/23/06