(Nov. 1, 2012) Nov. 16 marks the deadline for the submission of nominations for the annual American Sheep Industry Association awards.
The McClure Silver Ram Award is dedicated to volunteer commitment and service and is presented to a sheep producer who has made substantial contributions to the sheep industry and its organizations in his/her state, region or nation. The award may recognize a lifetime of achievement or may recognize a noteworthy, shorter-term commitment and service to the industry. Nominees should be recognized as industry leaders with nominations spelling out the candidates’ contributions to the industry and its producers. Producers should be actively involved in sheep production and may or may not produce sheep as their sole income. However, their nominations should not be based in any part on a paid position serving the sheep industry.
The Camptender 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 what is 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 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.
The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes individuals actively involved in sheep production that have shown as 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.
The Shepherd’s Voice Award for Media recognizes outstanding year-long coverage of the sheep industry in either print or broadcast. The award excludes all publications and affiliates related solely to the sheep industry, allowing for recognition of outlets with general coverage for excellence in covering sheep industry issues. Nominations may be publications, networks or specific reporters exhibiting a strong commitment to balanced reporting and consistent coverage of the sheep industry locally, statewide and/or nationally.
Awards will be presented at the ASI Convention, Jan. 23-26, 2013, in San Antonio, Texas.