Andy Schwab, farm broadcaster for Northern Ag Network, received the Portavoz Award on July 13 at the 2nd Annual Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival.
The Portavoz Award recognizes outstanding year-long coverage of the sheep industry by a media professional who has exhibited a strong commitment to fair, balanced, and consistent reporting locally, statewide, and/or nationally.
Andy was honored to receive the award from the Wyoming Woolgrowers Association.
“To be recognized at this level is humbling for me,” Schwab said. “I want to help positively advance the sheep industry, so everyone understands what sheep production is really about.” He added, “I was excited to receive the award along side so many great producers who were recognized at the event.”
During Andy’s acceptance speech, he noted the important role media plays in the ag industry.
“Over the past five years, I’ve been able to contact many individuals in Wyoming and around the region to talk about the sheep industry,” Schwab said. “It’s been important for me to maintain strong relationships with sheep producers and industry leaders to help them navigate the challenges they have faced. I’ve also had a great opportunity to help people outside the agricultural industry better understand the sheep industry in general, while assisting producers to understand the news affecting their operation.”
Some of the stories the Northern Ag Network team continues to cover in depth that could greatly impact the sheep industry, include coverage of a significant news story in Colorado.
“There is a vote on the upcoming ballot in Denver that could ban slaughter in city limits, which would shut down one of the biggest packers in our area,” Schwab said. “Many of the sheep producers in Wyoming and beyond rely on that packing plant, and this vote could be devastating to them.”
The Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival handed out awards in three other categories as well, during the 2nd Annual Sheepherders Come Bye dinner. Those included the Harold Josendahl Patron Award that was presented to sheep producers who have made substantial contributions to the industry and have shown exceptional volunteer commitment. Being recognized in that category was Kay & Dave Neves, Laurie & Brad Boner, Jackie & Peter John Camino, and Clyde Peterson.
The award ceremony also included three recipients of the Compadre Award – Whit Stewart, Barbara Rasco, and Gerald Fink. The Compadre Award recognizes professionals who have shown strong contributions to the industry beyond their professional capacities.
WWGA also awarded Justin Williams, Chris Wichmann, and Doug Miyamoto with the Amigo Award for outstanding achievements in innovative resource management and a commitment to educating producers.
Andy wrapped up his acceptance speech with a personal story from his childhood days and his relation to almost being a sheep producer.
“Lord knows I’m no sheep producer myself,” said Schwab. “I remember when I was a young boy, my dad was trying his hand at owning a few ewes while they were in the lambing process. Being the adventurist and curious mind of a typical five year old country kid, I wanted to see if I could catch one of the lambs that were only a couple of weeks old and recently had their tails banded. After launching a sneak attack in the small lambing pen to a quickly evading baby lamb, I grabbed one by the tip of its tail and hit the brakes. Unfortunately, the man-made weak point at the base of the tail became the separation sight and left a footlong wool covered bone structure in my hand. Wide-eyed, I ran back to the house crying in the belief that I had just killed this poor lamb, and I was about to get the same treatment,” Schwab recalled. “Luckily that was not the case, and I am still here to enjoy the sheep industry from the other side.”
Wyoming Woolgrowers Association will host the third annual WY Sheep and Wool Festival in Buffalo, WY next summer in July.
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NAFB, Northern Ag Network – 2024
