The Washington Wool Growers Association is an organization of sheep
producers and wool growers in the state of Washington. The state association is
a branch of the National Wool Growers Association.
The membership of the Washington Wool Growers Association consists of
persons who are both directly involved in the production of sheep and wool and
those who are within the sheep industry or have an interest in it. The goals of
the Association are to promote the welfare of the sheep industry in the state
of Washington and to promote consumer usage of wool and lamb. They accomplish
this by working on and/or lobbying for Congressional bills concerning foreign
imports of sheep products, livestock taxes, public lands usage and predator
control. Wool and lamb consumption are boosted through yearly barbeques which
make people more aware of lamb and its many uses and through annual state and
national Miss Wool contests. Miss Wool is a public relations representative for
the industry.
Yearly conventions of the State and National Associations are both a
means of improving ranching practices and setting future goals. Among the
scheduled events at these conventions are programs and lectures on range
management and sheep diseases and their treatment. The wool growers also meet
to decide on their platforms and programs for the coming year and how they will
react to proposed Congressional legislation which would affect their industry.
The annual Ram Sale is also an important event for the Wool Growers.
The first Washington Ram Sale was held in 1950. Since that time it has grown in
importance. This auction provides the ranchers with the opportunity to restock
and improve their herds through the prime rams and ewes which are available at
the sale. It is also a means of supporting the Washington Wool Growers
Association.
Correspondence, ASPC Wool and Lamb Promotion (1972-1973), ASPC Wool
and Lamb Report (1979), constitution and by-laws, "Sheep Notes 'n News"
materials and issues, minutes of meetings, other associations' newsletters and
minutes.
Restrictions on Access :
This collection is open for research use.
Preferred Citation :
[Item Description]. Cage
523, Washington Wool
Growers Association Records. Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.