Archives West Finding Aid

(From the guide to the Washington Wool Growers Association Records, 1969-1979)

The Washington Wool Growers Association is an organization of sheep producers and wool growers in the state of Washington. The state association is a branch of the National Wool Growers Association.

The membership of the Washington Wool Growers Association consists of persons who are both directly involved in the production of sheep and wool and those who are within the sheep industry or have an interest in it. The goals of the Association are to promote the welfare of the sheep industry in the state of Washington and to promote consumer usage of wool and lamb. They accomplish this by working on and/or lobbying for Congressional bills concerning foreign imports of sheep products, livestock taxes, public lands usage and predator control. Wool and lamb consumption are boosted through yearly barbeques which make people more aware of lamb and its many uses and through annual state and national Miss Wool contests. Miss Wool is a public relations representative for the industry.

Yearly conventions of the State and National Associations are both a means of improving ranching practices and setting future goals. Among the scheduled events at these conventions are programs and lectures on range management and sheep diseases and their treatment. The wool growers also meet to decide on their platforms and programs for the coming year and how they will react to proposed Congressional legislation which would affect their industry.

The annual Ram Sale is also an important event for the Wool Growers. The first Washington Ram Sale was held in 1950. Since that time it has grown in importance. This auction provides the ranchers with the opportunity to restock and improve their herds through the prime rams and ewes which are available at the sale. It is also a means of supporting the Washington Wool Growers Association.