Congratulations to NLFA’s 2010 Award Recipients
During the 2010 Annual Meeting in Nashville TN, the Board of Directors was proud to announce the recipients of NLFA’s Cane of Appreciation. The 2010 awards were presented to Dr. Steve LeValley of Colorado State University and Bill Salina, Past President of NLFA. On behalf of NLFA, thank you both for your contributions to the association and the sheep industry.
Dr. Steve LeValley
Dr. LeValley, the sheep and wool specialist in the Department of Animal Sciences at Colorado State University, worked with Howard Wyman, founder of NLFA’s Sheep Industry Leadership School in the early stages of the Leadership School’s development. He served as the Coordinator for six Leadership Schools held in Colorado between 1989 and 2006, and assisted with the last year’s school held in Greeley.
In addition to his contribution to NLFA and the Leadership School program, NLFA acknowledges Dr. LeValley’s industry-wide contribution through his research, teaching, and assistance with the development of the Sheep Safety & Quality Assurance program, HACCP and TQM programs, standardized performance analysis, and yield grading rules.
Bill Salina
Bill Salina’s award was long overdue for his instrumental role in uniting the interests of the National Lamb Feeders Association with the American Sheep Industry Association and helping to lay the groundwork for a strong industry working relationship.
Bill Salina’s career in the sheep industry began when he and his father, Lui Salina, formed Salina Traders. Salina Traders became a major player within the Montana sheep industry, purchasing sheep, lambs and wool throughout Montana, as well as in most western states. In addition, they traded in sheep pelts, and other animal pelts, leathers and feathers. Salina Traders was an important part of the sheep industry in the western states.
During his career, Mr. Salina attended the Sheep Industry Leadership School, served as a member of NLFA’s Board of Directors, as one of the Leadership School advisors, in addition to serving as NLFA President through some of the industry’s tumultuous years. With his calm and considered manner, Bill Salina helped to rebuild bridges within the industry and establish a spirit of cooperation that ultimately enabled the two primary organizations representing the American sheep industry to work together on significant issues such as the 201 Trade Action and the development of an animal identification plan for sheep. Recently, Mr. Salina has become Commissioner Salina and is putting his skills to work for Cascade County in Montana as a member of the County Commission.