Fate often times plays an amazing role in one’s life. Such was the case at the final luncheon of the Oregon Sheep Growers Association convention a couple weeks back. As I sat down to chat with a wonderful new acquaintance we were soon joined at our table with the delegation from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as our industry’s brilliant entrepreneur and stateswoman Margaret Magruder. Add to the mix a charming couple from Southern Oregon and the table was set, so to speak, for some titillating mealtime conversation.
The conversation was kick started with a number of humorous questions and comments about the proper method to eat the nearly half a head of lettuce presented to each of us as a salad. All of the fun and laughter about our dining experience led up to a myriad of conversations about a variety of issues in the agriculture industry. It was during one of these sessions the conversation turned to the success of the scholarship auction the night before. It was here that I mentioned as I was dressing for the days festivities I felt like my shepherd’s jewelry box was a bit sparse compared to many other shepherds who I had seen sporting a multitude of wool fashions over the past couple of days. It was at this time my wonderful mentor Ms. Magruder pointed out I should remedy this situation listing off a number of fine retail establishments that specialized in wool clothing.
So it was to our surprise when ODF&W director Mr. Roy Elicker enthusiastically chimed into the conversation and proceeded to impress us all with his knowledge of 100% wool garments. Listing off the major manufactures as if he was reading a glossary of advertisers in a fashion magazine, Elicker went on to sing the praises of wool attire. It appears as an avid sportsman Mr. Elicker has had first hand comparative knowledge of how time and again wool out performs synthetics in field tests around the Willamette Valley.
So it is with great pride I salute Mr. Elicker and his comrades from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for gracing us with their presence and helping to support our industry. Keep up the good work!
As for myself, it is time for me to start working on my shepherd’s jewelry box and start adding in more wool products. The hard part is deciding what I want to buy first. Will it be one of those gorgeous Pendleton wool blankets for my bed, a Umatilla wool shirt made from wool grown in Oregon for my husband or quite possibly a handmade item from one of my many fiber artist friends?
My challenge to you as a sheep producer is to look in your closet and take stock. What is in your shepherd’s jewelry box?
Oregon Sheep Connection 