A brief description of the operation.
The Floras have a typical Midwestern farm-flock operation. They grow corn and soybeans, and sheep are their livestock of choice to harvest the rough ground and crop aftermath. They run about 80 breed ewes on 10 acres of rotationally grazed pasture in the summer. The Floras lamb twice: once in December, and those lambs go on the Easter market, and again in February, after the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) convention. Those lambs are heavily fed and hopefully get to market by the first of June. Rations are good hay and shelled corn.

Why are you an ASI Guard Dog Member?
“ASI needs a source of unrestricted funding to help us legislatively in this world of changing politics. When past ASI president, Frank Moore, began pushing this program, I was skeptical, but very quickly saw that Frank was right. We might need a source of funding outside the dues structure.”

How do you think the industry has benefited from the Guard Dog funds?
“Guard Dog funds have given our representatives the confidence to go to Washington, D.C., and work hard for us because they know that we are willing ‘to put our money where our mouth is.’”

What do you think are the industry’s biggest needs for the future?
“Our biggest need in the future is for more lamb production to meet an increased market demand. We need market protection until we reach that goal, which means we must have and maintain a political presence in D.C.”

Established in 2001, the Guard Dog Program utilizes the recommendations and donations of dedicated industry individuals to address a variety of issues. We hope you enjoy learning about these individuals, their businesses and their foresight for the U.S. sheep industry. If you would like to become a member of the Guard Dog Program, contact the American Sheep Industry Association.