Idaho Wool Growers Association

10/17/2026

It was a productive and important day at the USITC hearing on lamb injury. Thank you to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for her support of our industry and our case!

Thank you for your support, Secretary Rollins and the U.S. Department of Agriculture!

Good luck to everyone in DC today providing testimony on behalf of American lamb producers!

10/15/2026

Happening tomorrow, October 16, a day we've been waiting for and working towards for years, the US International Trade Commission will hold a hearing regarding lamb imports and injury to the domestic industry.

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. MDT, the commission will hear from producers, importers, processors and more. The American Sheep Industry Association will present testimony documenting the injury we've experienced due to unchecked imports.

Interested in tuning in? A virtual call in link is available. Copy and paste the link in the comments to access how to call in.

10/15/2026

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Idaho sheepman, John Faulkner.

"Big John" was a true titan of our industry. His drive and commitment was second to none. He served as an IWGA President and Trustee and he chaired ASI's Public Lands Council. His determination, vision and inability to shy away from a challenge grew his sheep operation to one of the largest in the state, and oversaw the diversification into cattle and farming.

Even in his final chapter, he was still making rounds checking on his sheep.

Our industry is better because he was in it, and he will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that you eat more Idaho lamb and wear more wool!

His full obituary and funeral details can be found at the link in the comments.

10/14/2026

A total of 68 members of congress signed on to a letter to the US International Trade Commission (USITC) in support of American sheep producers and industry. This letter was signed by all of Idaho's Members of Congress.

The Idaho Wool Growers Association would like to thank Senator Crapo, Senator Risch, Congressman Simpson and Congressman Fulcher for signing on and their support of Idaho sheep producers and the American sheep industry.

This letter was in support of an affirmative determination in the global safeguard investigation into imports of lamb meat under Sections 201 and 202 of the Trade Act of 1974. The USITC has an injury hearing scheduled for October 16 to hear testimony from American processors, international exporters, and American sheep producers.

The letter with the full list of sign ons, as well as more information about the trade case, can be found at: https://www.sheepusa.org/issues/asi-trade-case

10/13/2026

Great work being done in Idaho in collaboration with Dr. Kelly Hopping, Boise State University and our very own sheep producers. Check out this podcast to learn more!

New Podcast Episode!
In this episode of the American Sheep Industry Podcast, Jake talks with Dr. Kelly Hopping, associate professor in human-environment systems at Boise State University, about leveraging targeted sheep grazing as a multifaceted tool to manage cheatgrass, restore range ecosystems, and mitigate wildfire risks in the Sawtooth National Forest. Tune in to discover how adjusting grazing timing and intensity to target green cheatgrass can help restore resilient native plant communities, reduce fuel continuity, and foster sustainable Western sheep production.

Subscribe and download our podcast wherever you listen!
Apple Podcasts: https://champ.ly/VOY2RPUg
Spotify: https://champ.ly/u23pbEF4
Amazon Music: https://champ.ly/2D77acxg

10/07/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Idaho sheepman and IWGA Past President, Ken Wixom.

Ken's tenacity and determination made him a staple of our industry. He served as President of the Idaho Wool Growers Association, and served in leadership positions for the American Sheep Industry Association. The Wixom ewe flock was known far and wide for its high quality wool staple and micron, all thanks to Ken's attention to detail and never quit attitude.

He built a beautiful life for he and his family, and our industry is better because he was in it.

Please keep the Wixom family in your thoughts and prayers.

View Ken Wixom's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/03/2026

With the election of our new President, we would be remiss to not give a special shout out to our now past President, Jack Blattner. Jack was elected in fall of 2023 to serve as the President of the IWGA, a role he took up wholeheartedly. In his tenure, our organization grew in many ways: new programs were implemented, membership grew, and our overall footprint was expanded. These would not have been possible without Jack's active engagement and direction.

The IWGA is grateful to Jack for his leadership, guidance, and enthusiasm these past three years. Please join us in thanking Jack for an exemplary job well done!

10/02/2026

JC Siddoway Elected President of the Idaho Wool Growers Association

On October 1, 2026, the Idaho Wool Growers Association held its annual member meeting. There, JC Siddoway of St Anthony was elected to serve as President. JC joins a legacy of Siddoway sheepmen to be elected to this office. Following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he is a 4th generation President.

JC is joined on the Board of Directors by newly elected Vice President Mark Henslee of Hagerman; Central District Director Todd Schwandt of Gooding; Northern District Director Oly Peterson of Kendrick; Western District Director Frank Shirts of Wilder; Eastern District Director Blake Ball of Lewisville; and Directors-At-Large: Liz Moss of Hamer, Forrest Arthur of Paul, and Liz Wilder of Caldwell.

Congratulations to our newly elected and reelected board members and thank you for your willingness to serve Idaho's sheep industry and producers!

09/02/2026

The second season of Sheep Stories, produced in partnership with the Community Library's Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History and The Trailing of the Sheep Festival, takes you into the archives to uncover the stories behind Idaho's sheep ranching tradition.

Listen to the trailer wherever you get your podcasts 🐑🎧

08/21/2026

Patxi Larrocea-Phillips Named Executive Director of the Idaho Wool Growers Association

The Idaho Wool Growers Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Patxi Larrocea-Phillips as the new Executive Director. Patxi is no stranger to the Idaho Wool Growers Association or sheep industry, having served as the Director of Policy and Government Affairs since fall 2021.

“The IWGA is excited for Patxi to step into this role to continue building the footprint and impact of the Idaho Wool Growers Association, furthering our mission, and strengthen Idaho’s sheep industry,” said President Jack Blattner.

Get to know Patxi more, here:

Patxi attended the University of Idaho and earned his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics in 2015 and Juris Doctor degree in 2018. Since 2018, Patxi started a business, LP Associates and Agriculture, LLC, to assist clients with the complexities of state government and supporting those clients with government relations and administrative services. Patxi has lobbied on behalf of the IWGA since the fall of 2021. Additionally, Patxi works part time for Sawtooth Law Offices assisting mainly with transactional work comprising of business law and estate planning. When he is not in the office, Patxi is part of the fourth generation to play an active role with his family’s commercial beef cattle ranch and diversified row crop farm. Patxi has served on the Ada County Farm Bureau Board of Directors since 2019. Patxi and his wife Alex reside in Meridian with their two daughters.

Over the next few weeks, Patxi and Liz will work closely to ensure a successful transition. Liz Wilder’s last day is set for September 30.