Award recognizes CFAES partnership with Ohio sheep industry

Cathann Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and dean of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), was recently named a Friend of the Ohio Sheep Industry.

The recognition was presented at the 2023 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium, held in December at the CFAES Wooster campus, from the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA) and the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program (OSWP). 

“In CFAES, we strive to develop partnerships that are transformational, increasing opportunities for meaningful participation from our stakeholders and alumni, and creating additional pathways for lifelong learning,” said Kress. “Our partnership with OSIA and OSWP is enduring – together, we prepare the next generation of scientists and industry leaders.”

The Friend of the Sheep Industry Award recognizes industry contributions from a professional in a position or field that has contributed significantly to the sheep industry, but may not be directly associated with the industry on a daily basis.

“Dr. Kress has been committed to the Ohio sheep and lamb industry through her continued support of Ohio State University sheep programming,” said Roger High, executive director of OSIA. “Cathann’s dedication to this program and her assistance to our industry has brought her recognition in this very important role for our industry.”

As the largest sheep and lamb producing state east of Mississippi River, Ohio ranks 11th in national sheep and lamb production and every Ohio county has a sheep operation. With an estimated 3,400 sheep and lamb farms in Ohio, the industry is vitally important to the state. It provides an estimated economic impact of over $25 million yearly and provides move than 3,000 full- and part-time jobs, according to the Ohio Livestock Coalition.