Auxiliary develops breeder directory

“The Wyoming Wool Growers Auxiliary put together a Sheep Breeder’s Directory some time ago,” comments Auxiliary member Kim Bell. “It has been decades since it was updated. Creating an updated directory has been on our agenda for a while and recently, Kelly Barlow, Charlene Von Krosigk and I were charged with compiling the information.”

Bell notes that the directory will include contact information and breed details for each operation listed.

“We are trying to get as much information as possible as soon as possible,” Bell says. 

Bell hopes to have the information gathered and complete by their next bi-annual meeting in December. 

“We would like to have the directory available as soon as we can,” she adds.

In producing the Wyoming Sheep Breeder’s Directory, Bell notes that the Wool Growers Auxiliary has thrown around several ideas for production.

“We talked about making a book, but we’d have to involve advertisers and have the funding to produce a book,” she explains. “Printing a book isn’t feasible right now, so we are looking at making it available online.”

If producers would like a hard copy of the directory, Bell says one will be available to be printed on an as-needed basis for a small fee.

While final decisions haven’t been made yet, the directory will likely be attached to the Wyoming Wool Growers Association website, wyowool.com. 

“Our goal is to develop a directory that involves every operation in Wyoming,” says Bell.

Bell notes the document will have positive implications for Wyoming’s sheep industry and for individual breeders.

“This is a free advertising opportunity for sheep breeders,” she says. “People in other states will be able to see the directory, and it will also be a place that people looking for new breeding stock or lambs can search.”

Additionally, Bell says the directory will help to pull Wyoming’s sheep industry together. 

“I like to think of Wyoming as a very traditional place with tight-knit people,” she comments. “The state, however, is very spread out, and I think it is important to have a place where breeders can see who else is out there.”

“The directory will help to consolidate the sheep industry and help keep it tight-knit and close,” Bell continues. 

Sheep producers are encouraged to contact Bell or Kelly Barlow to submit their information. Producers should include a contact name, ranch name, address, phone number, e-mail address if one is available and the breed of sheep raised. 

Bell can be reached at k.d.bell108@gmail.com or 111 Napier Road, Gillette, WY 82718. Information can also be send to Kelly Barlow by calling 307-682-9639.

Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.