(April 1, 2010)  Oxarango Lamb and Wool Inc. is owned and operated by Robert and Rochelle Oxarango. Robert’s father was a Basque immigrant who started the outfit in 1962 with his wife Rose. Rochelle is the last Little, a fourth-generation ranching family, to be in the sheep business. Robert and Rochelle purchased the outfit from Rose in 1999, shortly after Roger passed away. They shed lamb five bands of ewes and lamb in Rupert, Idaho. The sheep graze a 500 mile round-trip area starting near the Crater’s of the Moon Lava fields, and ending on the forested mountains in eyeshot of the Wyoming Tetons, near their summer hometown of Soda Springs, Idaho. Robert and Rochelle have two children, Beau and Sophia, and take pride in seeing their children grow up with the ranching lifestyle as they did. The Oxarangos are proud members of Mountain States Lamb Cooperative and Robert has served on the board of directors from the beginning.  They market all of their lambs through the co-op.  

Why are you an ASI Guard Dog Member?
“We understand the value of providing ASI (American Sheep Industry Association) with unrestricted money to help defend sheep producers from the ever-growing legislative and regulatory obstacles that we face.”

How do you think the industry has benefited from the Guard Dog funds?
“The Guard Dog funds have helped us provide a voice in Washington, D.C. With critical issues such as the continuation of the H-2A sheep herder special provisions and important programs like Wildlife Services at risk, and the numerous issues facing public lands grazing, the need for representation in our nation’s Capitol is as important as it ever has been.”

What do you think are the industry’s biggest needs for the future? 
“This industry has a wonderful story to tell. America has become too far removed from production agriculture and consequently there is significant lack of knowledge about what we do. With a focus on educating the urban populations on how we care for the land and our animals, we could improve our image and sell our natural and delicious American product. Also, we need to continue to educate policy makers on the need for continuation of our vital H-2A program with the special sheep herder provisions, the necessity of Wildlife Services and the benefits of grazing. ASI provides the best bang for our buck for taking on these important issues.  Oh, and by the way, if ASI could convince Congress to improve the Endangered Species Act so that it protects species while maintaining production, that would be GREAT.  Too many acts of Congress have been manipulated to further anti-livestock activist’s agenda rather than the acts’ original intent. Easy, right?”     

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 business 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 at 303-771-3500 or info@sheepusa.org.