Wool Industry to Recognize Lupton

Wool Industry to Recognize Lupton

(Dec. 1, 2012) Chris Lupton, Ph.D. (Texas), a long-standing American wool industry member will receive the prestigious American Wool Council Wool Excellence Award at the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI)/National Lamb Feeders Association Annual Convention, which will take place Jan. 23-26, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas. 

Having given nearly 40 years of service to the American sheep industry, Lupton is being recognized for his many contributions that led to growing superior, higher-value wool that is more competitive in domestic and international markets. Lupton has spent the majority of his career focusing on wool research at the Bill Sims Wool and Mohair Laboratory at the Texas AgriLife Research Center. He contributed to the research that revolutionized the way fiber diameter and modulation are measured. These technologies helped to make low-cost, on-the-farm fiber measurements available to countless breeders and producers.

“Lupton has developed a program and reputation that are highly respected throughout the world,” says Gil Engdahl, Ph.D., president of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association. “He is not only very knowledgeable but has been instrumental in looking ahead to find ways to better the wool industry.”

“It is nearly impossible to measure his total impact to the industry because he cooperated with and provided invaluable assistance to scores of researchers, educators and industry representatives,” says Larry Miller, Ph.D., past associate administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service.

Lupton will be honored during the Wool Recognition lunch on Thursday, Jan. 24. Associates will be given an opportunity to recognize Lupton for his service to the industry during this event. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be purchased in conjunction with a convention registration.

 “The Wool Roundtable chose well when they selected Lupton as the recipient of the Wool Award this year. It takes many individuals to build a successful industry and Chris definitely stands out in the crowd as being well deserving of this award,” says Rita Kourlis Samuelson, ASI’s wool marketing director. 

“We encourage everyone who knows and has been fortunate to work with Chris to join the Wool Council in celebrating his life-long contribution to the wool industry,” adds Dan Gutzman, chairman of the U.S. Wool Roundtable. “It will be an honor to recognize Chris for his service to the industry and we hope you will be able to join us.”