Celebrating the 75th OSIA and 35th OSWP Anniversaries

By: Roger A. High, OSIA/OSWP Executive Director

On Friday evening, Dec. 6, 2024 at OARDC Shisler Conference Center, nearly 100 people in attendance for a wonderful anniversary celebration to honor the 75th  year since the creation of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and the 35th year since the start of the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program.  A delicious lamb dinner was sponsored by Purebred Lamb Company and catered by Exclusively Yours, and a limited item live auction assisted in raising OSIA scholarship funds with Past President Jim Percival serving as the Honorary Auctioneer.

Industry leaders from the past and present spoke on several different aspects of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and Ohio Sheep and Wool Program. Anniversary speakers included the 2023-24 OSIA President Allen Johnson, Past President Susan Shultz, Past Executive Director Jim Chakeres, and an original member of the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program Bill Simmons.

As a special anniversary celebration gift for those in attendance, a 75th OSIA and 35th OSWP Anniversary Keepsake History Book was presented. This keepsake history book has a great deal of history from the 60th OSIA Anniversary Celebration Keepsake Book, as well as additional history on the Ohio State Fair, OSU Sheep history and an appendix with some of the original materials from when OSIA was started 75 years ago.

The Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program are honored to be able to celebrate special anniversaries and are certainly looking forward too many more celebrations in the future. 

OSIA Past Presidents present at the 75th OSIA Anniversary Celebration

Left to Right: Cheryl Miller, Mark McCabe, John Anderson, Shawn Ray, Daryl Clark, Sam Wiford, Bob Hendershot, Jim Percival, Tim Barnes, Nick Forrest, Bill Shultz, John Bayliss, Allen Johnson, and Susan Shultz

OSIA Past Presidents present at the 75th OSIA Anniversary Celebration

Left to Right: Cheryl Miller, Mark McCabe, John Anderson, Shawn Ray, Daryl Clark, Sam Wiford, Bob Hendershot, Jim Percival, Tim Barnes, Nick Forrest, Bill Shultz, John Bayliss, Allen Johnson, and Susan Shultz

Charles Boyles Master Shepherd Award

Past Master Shepherds: Master Shepherd Award Winners 1987 – Present

2023 – Farabee and Joy McCarthy

2021 – Roger & Jan Cox

2018 – Dave Burkhart

2016 – Larry Shroyer

2014 – Karen Locke, Coshocton Co.

2012 – Dan Schlichter

Friend of the Sheep Industry Award

The Friend of the Sheep Industry Award recognizes industry contributions from a professional in a position or field that has contributed significantly to the sheep industry, but may not be directly associated with the sheep industry on a daily basis. Nominees should show a strong commitment and a significant contribution to the sheep industry, its organizations and its producers above and beyond that called for in his/her professional capacity. Nominees should be well respected in their fields by their peers and by sheep producers. Nominees may be involved with the agricultural industry as teachers, consultants, scientists, youth leaders, promoters, event managers, journalists, sheep shearers, or any other person that has contributed significantly to the sheep industry, enabling the nominee to affect the sheep industry in a positive and long-lasting way. Nominees may be recognized for lifetime service to the sheep or agricultural industry or may be recognized for a shorter-term commitment that resulted in significant benefits for the sheep or agricultural industry.

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes industry contributions from a professional in a position or field related to sheep production. Nominees should show a strong commitment and a significant contribution to the sheep industry, its organizations and its producers above and beyond that called for in his/her professional capacity. Nominees should be well respected in their fields by their peers and by sheep producers. Nominees may be involved with the industry as teachers, consultants, scientists, youth leaders, promoters, event managers, journalists, sheep shearers, or any other position directly related to the sheep industry, enabling the nominee to affect the sheep industry in a positive and long-lasting way. Nominees may be recognized for lifetime service to the sheep industry or may be recognized for a shorter-term commitment that resulted in significant benefits for the sheep industry. Distinguished Service Awards may be given to Ohio Sheep Improvement Association retiring board members and Ohio Sheep and Wool Program Board members who have term-limited after three consecutive three year terms.

Environmental Stewardship Award

The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes individuals actively involved in sheep production that have shown an extraordinary commitment to caring for natural resources and thereby enhancing the environment. Nominees should exhibit a dedication to resource management and a commitment to sharing new techniques of management to preserve resources or improve flock management through natural resources.