At its annual meeting last week, the American Sheep Industry Association elected three new members to its executive board.
Representing Region III was Westfield sheep producer Larry Hopkins. Region III consists of the Great Lake states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio.
“The American sheep industry is facing many challenges but also has some unique opportunities on the horizon,” Hopkins said. “Demands for a product with environmental sustainability, the rapidly growing need for solar farm grazing and a new-found consumer demand for American lamb coming out of the COVID years are all exciting developments for the sheep industry. I look forward to helping guide the association through these challenges.”
Hopkins runs a purebred sheep and wool operation nestled on the border between Zionsville and Westfield called Little Eagle Creek Valley Farm and has been raising sheep for over 25 years. He has previously served as president of the Indiana Sheep Association for four years and was elected to two terms on the Indiana Sheep and Wool Council which oversees the state check-off program. Among many other volunteer positions in the sheep world, Hopkins has also served as a breed manager for several years during the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.
A partner in his family dairy farm managed by his brother and life-long member of Indiana Farm Bureau, Hopkins recently retired from the State of Indiana where he managed operations during three separate administrations over 19 years for the Office of Attorney General.
About the American Sheep Industry Association
ASI is the national organization representing the interests of more than 100,000 sheep producers located throughout the U.S. from East to West, pasture-based flocks to western range operations, ASI works to represent the interests of all producers. It is headquartered in Englewood, Colo., and comprised of various councils and committees including the Wool Council, Lamb Council, Legislative Action Council, Production, Education & Research Council, Animal Health Committee, Genetic Stakeholders Committee, Public Lands Committee & the Predator Management Committee.
ASI also has several sister organizations that it works closely with including the American Lamb Board, the National Lamb Feeders Association, National Sheep Industry Improvement Center and the Western Range Association. Funding for many programs comes from the National Livestock Producers Association Sheep & Goat Fund. Together these groups represent all facets of the sheep industry.
About the Indiana Sheep Association
ISA is one of the oldest livestock organizations in Indiana. It was originally founded as the Indiana Wool Growers Association in 1876 to encourage local shepherds to come together to share ideas and expertise, to promote lamb and wool in the state, and to educate communities about the value of sheep and the sheep industry.