Benny Cox, ASI President
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to all those who might not really know me. I have had quit an enjoyable journey in my few 67 years, and in that journey sheep have been ever present.
For 50-plus years, I have been with Producers Livestock Auction in San Angelo, Texas. I am the sheep and goat sales manager in San Angelo, which is the nation’s largest sheep and goat auction. We also sell cattle. Upon graduating from Angelo State University in 1975 with a degree in agriculture economics, I decided to stay with the company. I’m happy to say it was the right decision.
Sheep production, as well as sales, have been a big part of my daily duties ever since. As a company, we ranch both sheep and cattle, and I personally have sheep and cattle operations separate from that.
I have worn many volunteer hats in the past 40 plus years, including: the San Angelo Stock Show, United Way, West Texas Boys Ranch, West Texas Rehab, school board, Lamb Blast, Running of The Sheep, Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers’ Association. I have also helped with numerous benefits in our area.
I was nudged into volunteerism on behalf of Producers Livestock and the Cargile family – mostly by John Cargile. John and his sister, Carolyn Cargile, were both proud to promote and support me in these efforts for all these years. Ten years ago I began attending the ASI spring legislative visits to Washington, D.C. Eventually I was elected first to the executive board and then as an officer of ASI. I must say I respect those that have immediately preceded me as president: Glen Fisher, Clint Krebs, Burton Pfliger and Mike Corn. I have watched and learned from these men with great passion for this industry, and I promise to do my best to lead with as much drive and passion as I have witnessed. I cannot go without also thanking ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick and the ASI staff for making this journey an easy one for me so far.
My wife, Elaine, and I call San Angelo home. Both of our daughters still live near by. Our oldest, Natasha, 28, is a registered nurse at one of the local hospitals. Bryce, 26, is our cowgirl. She works with our livestock business, where she started at a very young age. Elaine has been a great partner in life whether it be tending to our home, the girls, her work as an esthetician, or working livestock. There is no doubt trying to keep me in line has been one of her biggest challenges.
I welcome your contacts, but please remember that Tuesdays are not a good day to reach me. I still run the auction that day, and have precious little time for anything else until the sale is done.
On behalf of your ASI officer team, I promise we will make decisions to the best of our ability that will benefit the whole industry. To steal a phrase from the original thought for selection of the Roadmap Committees members: They should be an advocate for the long-term benefit of the entire American lamb industry, not just the individual vested interest of their business or organization.
Remember our ASI Spring Trip to Washington, D.C., is March 11-13. I look forward to seeing many of you there as we advocate for the American sheep industry.
