(September 1, 2011)  Gary McGehee and wife, Carolyn, own and operate 4,500 acres in western Texas. It is family operated with the McGehees handling the daily work and hiring crews for shearing and other special large jobs such as fence building. The McGehees consider themselves conservationists and raise grass. They use livestock (sheep, goats, cattle) to harvest their grass much the same as a farmer uses a stripper for his corn and cotton harvest. By using a proper rotational system, the sheep not only provide meat and wool income but are also very essential in control of weeds. This is an excellent natural control device and saves the expense of chemical control. A few years back they started a hunting operation and this extra income has been helpful and has not hurt the ranch operations in any way.

Why are you an ASI Guard Dog member?
“The political world today is all about numbers. By becoming part of ASI Guard Dog, it enables me to not only work with other ASI members across the country but other ag organizations as well. I have found that when in Washington, D.C., the lapel pin that you are wearing carries a lot of influence when visiting in a congressional office. ASI Guard Dog allows my voice to be heard throughout D.C. not just in my home congressman’s office.”

How do you think the industry has benefited from the Guard Dog programs?
“Respect that our industry has earned could never have been achieved without Guard Dog. In Washington, D.C., you don’t do things once and they stay that way forever. You have to stay on top or you might lose something that you thought you permanently had. Guard Dog enables us to stay in touch with the people in D.C. on a daily and permanent basis.”

What do you think are the industry’s biggest needs for the future?
“To me, there is no ‘one’ big issue we face today. Predation, foreign trade and inheritance tax are probably the three most important in my view for the sheep industry. Americans are proud and competitive people with those in the sheep industry at the top of the list. If we can keep the competitive field level, I think we not only survive but will come out on top. ASI Guard Dog is working for us to keep the field level.”

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.