Greenwood - The Indiana Sheep Association (ISA) held their annual symposium at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 25, 2006. A wide range of educational topics covering sheep and goats were discussed, and the program included lunch and an evening awards banquet.

The awards banquet recognized the winners of the Pride of the Barn, an award given at the Indiana State Fair. The ISA also bestowed awards on several members with outstanding accomplishments, service or contributions to the sheep industry.

The President's Award is the only award given solely at the discretion of the ISA President, in recognition of service to some aspect of the sheep industry. President, Stanley Poe II, presented this award to David and Brenda Day of Noblesville, Indiana. David Day is a past ISA President and the current ISA Treasurer. The Days are very active members of the Indiana Sheep Association and Poe says that they have been a driving force for the Indiana Sheep Association for many years. Among their ISA activities, the Days help coordinate and volunteer their time for Fleece Fair, Indiana State Fair, the Lamb Concession and the Symposium.

The second award of the evening, the Flo Benson Friend of the ISA Award, was presented by Robert Benson. This award was set up as a memorial to Benson's late wife to recognize service and support of the Indiana Sheep Association and the sheep industry. This year's recipient, Gerald Kelly of West Lafayette, Indiana, is the ISA's newly appointed representative to the Indiana Livestock Breeders Association. Kelly is the manager of the Purdue University Sheep Unit and has been involved in a variety of activities including the Replacement Sale, Ram test, Symposium, Carcass Show, Concessions, and the Indiana State Fair as well as having served the ISA as President, Vice President, Director, and Secretary at different times. Benson complimented Gerald on being the "behind the scenes force in publishing the new look of the association publication, Sheep Tales."

The Shepherd of the Year Award was presented next by ISA Treasurer, David Day. This award is given in recognition of innovative service to the sheep industry and to recognize producers who have excelled in their breeding efforts. The 2005 Shepherd of the Year award went to Bob Adams of Morristown, Indiana. Although Day acknowledged that Adams began showing sheep at the age of 65, he praised the 2005 results of Adams' efforts. At the 2005 Indiana State Fair, yearling ewes bred by Adams Texels took first through seventh place as well as Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion in the 4H and open show. Adams did well at the 2005 National Texel Show and Sale as well, his consignments winning every class but one.

The final award of the evening was the Oren A. Wright Master Shepherd Award. It was presented by ISA President, Stanley Poe II and his father, Dr. Stanley Poe. The ISA bestows this honor upon a shepherd with at least 25 years of service to the sheep industry in Indiana. It is a measure of excellence, personally and professionally, and reflects the reputation of breeding and selling of a quality product. This year's recipient was the late Oren Wright's own son, Newt Wright of Greencastle, Indiana. The Poes praised Newt Wright for his long-time commitment to the sheep industry and contributions to the Indiana sheep industry. Wright is a long-time Rambouillet breeder and show judge. Oren Wright's wife, Ida Wright, was present to witness the presentation of the award to their son, Newt. Ida Wright recently celebrated her 90th birthday and the attendees were also pleased to have a belated celebration of her birthday that evening.

The evening was brought to conclusion by Justin Armstrong of the Barn/Center for Agricultural Science and Heritage in Indianapolis. Armstrong is an Education Specialist for the Barn, conducting educational sessions at area elementary schools that focus on agriculture and its importance in our lives. He entertained attendees with the topic, "Farmers are Grumpy Old Men," giving a "city person's" views and misconceptions about agriculture, farming and farm life and had attendees rolling in the aisles. He also discussed the mission of the Center for Agricultural Science and Heritage and opportunities to support agriculture in Indiana. As their website at www.centerforag.com states, "The Center for Agricultural Science & Heritage bridges members of the agricultural community to the consumer public through education and entertainment, and to each other by addressing the needs of the industry. The Center's emphasis is on the future of agriculture, using the present as a springboard to the future, and honoring the past for the lessons and cultural perspectives it provides."


ISA Treasurer, David Day, presents the Shepherd of the Year Award to Bob Adams


Robert Benson presents the Flo Benson Friend of the ISA Award to Gerald Kelly


Stan Poe II, Newt, Ida and Diana Wright, Stan Poe I during the presentation of the Oren Wright Master Shepherd Award at the 2006 Indiana Sheep Association Banquet


ISA President, Stan Poe II, presents the President's Award to David and Brenda Day