Moore boosts sheep industry
Converse County rancher Frank Moore’s continuing responsiveness to the needs of the agriculture industry have allowed him to make a lasting impact in Wyoming.
“Throughout his working life, Frank Moore has made substantial contributions to agriculture through his entrepreneurial spirit as a sheep and cattle rancher and in the successful outfitting business he and his wife Elaine started while raising their three sons on the Spearhead Ranch north of Douglas,” says Liz Philp in her nomination of Moore.
Agriculture industry
Moore and his family have ranched north of Douglas for many years, emphasizing both sheep and cattle ranching.
After being married, Frank and Elaine began running the Spearhead Ranch as their own in 1978, running both cows and sheep since the beginning.
The family runs yearling cattle on their ranch, coupling the cattle with sheep.
“Sheep will go places where there’s not enough water for cows, and they’ll go in after the cows and still find good feed,” Moore explains.
Also on their ranch, the Moore family operates an outfitting business. Today, Moore’s sons Keith and David and their families run the ranch and outfitting business.
“Frank’s latest endeavor is starting a new business with his oldest son Todd who is moving to Douglas to run TF Water Transfer,” says Philp.
Lamb cooperative
Most impressive, Moore was intimately involved in the formation of the Mountain State Lamb Cooperative (MSLC).
“His leadership in the Wyoming Wool Grower’s Association and the American Sheep Industry spans three decades and continues as he currently serves as the chairman of the MSLC,” Philp comments. “Members of the cooperative have faith in Frank, as he has served on the Board since its founding in 2001.”
Representative Cynthia Lummis comments that Moore, with a small group of sheep growers, “literally saved the sheep industry by developing the MSLC.”
“I have witnessed first-hand the steady, focused, patient leadership and strategic vertical integration required to save the sheep industry,” Lummis continues. “The manner in which Frank lead the effort and successfully pulled many producers and box-ready product partners together was nothing short of miraculous.”
Further, Brad Boner, rancher and MSLC producer, notes that Moore’s ability to inspire, his leadership and his passion were integral to the success of MSLC.
“Without Frank’s outstanding leadership and strong passion for Wyoming’s sheep industry, I am not sure we would have been successful in our efforts to form MSLC,” Boner says.
National influence
Through his efforts, Moore has influenced positive changes throughout the U.S.
“Frank has given a tremendous amount of his time and expense by volunteering and serving on numerous committees and boards over the last 25-plus years that were all in an effort to make Wyoming agriculture better,” Boner continues.
Peter Orwick of the American Sheep Industry Association touts Moore’s dedication, leadership and involvement in the many aspects of the U.S. sheep industry organization.
“Frank has and continues to selflessly serve the sheep industry at the local, state and national levels,” Orwick says. “He is consistently motivated to do what is best for the industry over what might be best for him personally.”
Orwick cites work in the Scrapie Eradication program, National Wool Act, Guard Dog Program, MSLC and many others as being influential to the national sheep industry.
Moore worked to stabilize the sheep industry in 1990 when imports flooded markets, helped in developing the national lamb promotion program and checkoff and chaired a committee to fund the American Sheep Industry Association into the future.
“Frank was willing to make the hard decisions for the betterment of the industry,” Orwick adds. “His leadership is insightful and visionary.”
Leadership
Moore’s leadership extends from his work on the ranch and in agriculture to the Wyoming L.E.A.D. Class II, in the Wyoming Wool Grower’s Association and in the Wyoming House of Representatives.
After participating in the L.E.A.D. program while serving as president of the Wyoming Wool Growers Association, Moore was elected to serve in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1993 to 1996.
“Frank was also appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Board from 2002-07,” adds Philp.
Strong influence
All in all, Moore’s extensive efforts toward the betterment of the agriculture industry have led to widespread support and deserving induction into the Agriculture Hall of Fame.
“Frank’s undying efforts and outstanding successes that have really benefited the sheep industry speak volumes of his tremendous passion for the Wyoming sheep industry and Wyoming agriculture,” Amy Hendrickson, Wyoming Wool Growers Association executive director, notes.
“Frank has exhibited extraordinary commitment and leadership to help agriculture in his community, state and country,” Philp concludes.
Moore will be inducted into the 2014 Wyoming Agriculture Hall of Fame with Lincoln County ranch woman Mickey Thoman. Thoman and Moore will be recognized at the annual Agriculture Hall of Fame Picnic on Aug. 13, held at Riverside Park in Douglas at 5:30 p.m.
Saige Albert is managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup and can be reached at saige@wylr.net.
