WELCOME
The Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA) is a member association of the American Sheep Industry Association, Inc. (ASI). ASI is one of the most aggressive organizations in U.S. Agriculture today.
OSIA Mission:
To help make the future of the sheep industry viable and optimistic. OSIA members are kept up-to-date on all the events, regulations, research and promotional efforts underway throughout the sheep industry.
Download the December Issue of the Scrapie Newsletter (PDF)
Membership Activities
Ohio Sheep Improvement Association counts on sheep producer and industry alliance memberships to accomplish our mission as an association. Listed are some of the major activities that the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association provide with a brief description of those activities and programs:
- Major Sheep related activities
- Scholarships and awards
- Educational programs
- Animal Welfare Activities
- Marketing Activities
- State and National Legislative Activities
Major Sheep related activities sponsored by Ohio Sheep Improvement Association:
Buckeye Shepherd's Symposium -- The Buckeye Shepherd's Symposium is the highlight of our membership year; an educational program is held and annual membership and industry awards are also presented during the symposium.
Click here to view details for this year's event.
Ohio Sheep Youth Extravaganza -- This event brings together the club lamb and purebred segments of the industry together in the month of June for 2 major club lamb jackpot shows. a purebred breeding sheep show plus other events related to teaching our young people about sheep production.
Ohio Sheep Day -- A one day field day program on an Ohio working sheep farm or research facility, this program is being held in various parts of the state during the month of July.
Ohio State Fair Lamb Pavilion -- This program is a "major" fund-raiser for the association as well as a major promotional event for the lamb industry.We had many volunteers work and contribute to the success of this program and in 2009 our organization sold over 4,000 lbs. of Fresh American Lamb.
Make-It-With-Wool Contest -- This activity is our "major" wool promotional event of the year, it is held in November and highlights many of the fashions and modern outfits that can be made with wool from our sheep. This event is held in November.
"Ohio Sheep Producer" - All current dues paying members will receive three newsletters to keep them informed of current trends and events.
ASI Newsletters -- Remember if you are members of OSIA, you are also a member of ASI and will receive the benefits of a major national organization.
Scholarships and awards sponsored by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association
Providing at least one scholarship (2010 - $1,000.00) each year through the Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship program. This money is provided by donations and our annual silent auction at the Buckeye Shepherd's Symposium. As a member of OSIA, you are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Sponsoring the Master Shepherd Award to an outstanding sheep producer in the state of Ohio.
Sponsoring Distinguished Service and Service Awards to industry promoters and sheep producers who have helped make the Ohio sheep industry successful.
Sponsor of Ohio FFA Sheep Proficiency Award in cooperation with the Ohio FFA Foundation.
Sponsor of various 4-H and FFA programs and activities.
Educational programs sponsored by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association "District" Sheep Educational Programs
As an OSIA member, you will also be able to participate in educational activities at a "reduced" cost. These programs are developed by the OSU Extension Sheep Team, they are held during the months of January through March. A variety of speakers and topics are discussed at ten (10) different sites around the state of Ohio.
Ohio Sheep Day A one day field day program on an Ohio working sheep farm or research facility, this program is being held in various parts of the state during the month of July.
Buckeye Shepherd's Symposium The Buckeye Shepherd's Symposium is the highlight of our membership year; an educational program is held and annual membership and industry awards are also presented during the symposium.
Animal Welfare Activities
OSIA has a board seat on the Ohio Livestock Coalition, a coalition of agricultural organizations that work for the livestock industry to assist in the survival of the livestock industry in Ohio.
Collaborated with the many livestock and agricultural organizations to oppose animal welfare issues.
Marketing Activities for sheep, lamb, and wool products produced by Ohio sheep producers
Worked with marketing agencies in coordination with Ohio Sheep and Wool Program to develop markets for Ohio lambs and to increase the amount of lambs produced and marketed in Ohio.
Assisted the sheep markets to maintain a steady and profitable market for our members and sheep producers in Ohio.
Free website classified advertising for OSIA members
State and National Legislative Activities
Attend Spring Legislative Update in Washington D.C. to apprise our U.S. Senate and House of Representatives of the important issues affecting to the United States Sheep Industry.
Worked with other state and national organizations to increase funding for Eastern Region USDA Wildlife Services, which will help protect our sheep population from coyotes and black vultures.
Worked on the national level on Farm Bill legislation that will benefit the United States as well as the Ohio Sheep Industrr.
Worked on the national level to ensure that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) can be changed so that the Black Vulture can possibly be removed from the Endangered Species List at some point.
Continuously working with the American Sheep Industry each day to improve the sheep industry at the national level.
Working in partnership with Ohio Farm Bureau Federation to accomplish positive legislative direction for the Ohio Sheep Industry.
