Highlights from the meeting...
2025 KSWPA Annual Meeting Minutes
The 2025 KSWPA Annual Business Meeting was held at the London Community Center on October 25, 2025. Below is the minutes.
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Secretary's report - presented by Cheryl Kersey approved.
Treasurer's report - presented by Kay DeMoss approved,
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Kentucky Sheep & Fiber Festival & Kentucky Fiber Trail presented by Sarabeth Parido, KSGDO Fiber Director. Please note- report is for information only and did not need to be voted on.
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Jim Mansfield, ASI Representative- ASI Report / Lamb Committee Report. Please note- report is for information only and did not need to be voted on.
Dr. Debra Aaron- PERQ Committee Report. Please note- report is for information only and did not need to be voted on.
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Bill Decker- Legislative Committee Report. Please note- report is for information only and did not need to be voted on.
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​Funding Reports from 2025. Each year KSWPA receives funds from the American Sheep Industry Association to provide programming in areas of wool and mentor support.
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Wool Outreach ($2144) (this is information only and did not require a vote)
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Mentor ($1000) (this is information only and did not require a vote)
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Scrapie Outreach (this is information only and did not require a vote)
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ASI Regional Director Report
Patricia Sanville,
Region 2 ASI Representative
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American Lamb Board Report Camren Maierle,
Sustainability Director
The following officer slate was elected:
President- Zack Schwartz
Zack Schwartz resides in Fleming Co. with his wife Margaret and children Bryce, Nora Mae and Parker. Zack is a 6th generation shepherd and has grown up raising and showing market lambs. Today Zack and his family own and operate Schwartz Show Stock as well as Schwartz Meat Company, where they raise and finish lambs and sell retail cuts of lamb and pork locally at farmers markets, restaurants and offers online ordering and shipping throughout the country. Zack’s goals include helping the KY Sheep and Wool Producers Association expand its membership and provide more resources and opportunities to our members
Vice President- Carey Holton
Carey Holton is a shepherd who operates his herd of 250 commercial Katahdin ewes in Morgantown, KY on reclaimed mine land. Additionally, Carey is a licensed CPA in Kentucky. When he is not busy with work or the farm he and his wife Rachel are chasing their two boys Lincoln (3 years old) and Theodore (1 year old).
Secretary- Cheryl Kersey
Cheryl (Sheri) Creech Kersey comes from a background in the Agriculture and Design Industry. Sheri grew up on a Dairy farm in Henry County, is a graduate from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Architecture and the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design where she developed an interest in Natural Fibers and Textiles. Sheri is a registered Architect and Certified Interior Designer and has served as President of KERSEY AND KERSEY ARCHITECTS, since its formation in 1992.
In addition to the Architecture firm, Sheri is Co-Owner of Creekstone Farm, and Owner of CLICK FIBERS which offers:
-Services: Sorting/Grading/Classing of Fibers and workshops on Fiber Grading
-Livestock: Registered Shetland Sheep
-Products: Wool-based products
Sheri has participated in several programs sponsored by the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office and Kentucky Natural Fiber Center. A few of those include:
-Completed the Small Ruminant Profit School Course
-Natural Fiber Center, attended several workshops as well as taught a class on Fiber grading
-Participated in activities, webinars, workshops, festivals, etc through the two organizations.
She is a Certified Fiber Sorter/Grader/Classer through State University of New York (SUNY)- Cobleskill Campus, a board member of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Producers Development Office, Secretary of the
Kentucky Sheep & Wool Producers Association, a committee member of the Kentucky Sheep & Fiber Festival and the Indiana Sheep Association.
Treasurer (appointee)- Kay DeMoss
The following Board of Directors were elected:
Jared Blankenship- 2 Year Term
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My wife, Tina, and I started with twelve commercial Katahdin ewes on 10 acres in 2017. Then a couple of years ago we bought a little over 100ac and currently have about 180 commercial and registered ewes. We’re planning on expanding to 300. Since starting with sheep, I’ve spent countless hours attending meetings, Katahdin Expos, EAPK Symposiums, along with watching webinars and YouTube. I wish I could say that I had it all figured out. Unfortunately, we still have our shares of struggles. So if elected, we’ll help one another along the journey. I would like to serve on the board of directors so that I can hear from members and help address their challenges. Also, I look forward to working with the current leaders to learn more about our association and the role it plays in the state and nation. We are located in Barren County.
Andy Jo Moore- 3 Year Term
​Andy Joe Moore is an 8th generation farmer on Moore’s Family Farm in Barren County, KY. Andy Joe and his wife Leah, (along with their three children Emma Kate, Joe Thomas, and Will Sutton) own 110 acres, which adjoins the original family farm owned by Andy Joe’s parents (Joe Michael and Kim Moore). Together, the 7th-9th generations of the Moore Family currently own and operate a combined 475 acres, where they raise Angus Cattle, Hogs, and Wool Sheep. In
2006, Andy Joe and his dad incorporated a direct-to-consumer meat business, and they now market all of the cattle, hogs, and sheep that they raise on the farm directly to consumers.
Andy Joe began raising sheep in 2012, when he purchased a group of Kahtadin ewe lambs and a ram from a local salebarn. After raising Kahtadins for a couple of years, Andy Joe realized that incorporating some heavier muscled wool animals into his flock would help him better achieve the carcass traits that he was looking for. With this decision, Andy Joe became one of the few
breeders in Kentucky raising Texel sheep at the time. The Texel and Katahdin crosses quickly moved Andy Joe’s flock in a desirable direction, and he soon transitioned his entire flock to all wool animals. To date, his flock still presents a heavy Texel influence, but in an effort to increase lambing rates while maintaining premier meat quality, Andy Joe has recently introduced additional breeds including Polypay and Ile De France.
Andy Joe received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees from Western Kentucky University, with his disciplines of study being Agricultural Education and Educational Leadership. Andy Joe has spent the last 19 years of his professional career working in Agricultural Education. His first year of teaching was at Westmoreland High School in Westmoreland, Tennessee, and he has worked the remaining years as an Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor at Barren County High School in Glasgow, Kentucky. On July 1, 2025, Andy Joe transitioned to the position of Farm to School Coordinator for Barren County Schools.
In addition to his deep family roots in the agricultural industry, Andy Joe has a passion for advocating for all things agriculture - but especially the food and fiber sectors. He has worked with countless agricultural education students and FFA members over the years, helping them to discover their agricultural skillsets and future career paths. Andy Joe is someone who recognizes the significance of heritage and tradition, but also embraces progress and innovation. Andy Joe understands the unending challenges that farmers and agriculturalists
face, but will always work diligently to move the industry forward while supporting and defending
the producer.
Leanne Reed- 2 Year Term
My name is Leanne Reed and I’m running for the board of directors for the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association (KSWPA). My family and I have been raising Katahdin sheep since 2019 in Menifee County. We originally purchased a commercial flock of ewes and a registered ram. Since that time, we have incorporated additional registered stock into our flock and have begun using the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) to help guide the future of our agricultural business. The education we have received from other shepherds has contributed to our flock in so many ways and I hope to be able to be a part of this experience for other shepherds.
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I enjoy learning and talking to others about the sheep industry, the Katahdin breed and the future of sheep in Kentucky. Education is vitally important to move the industry forward. KSWPA continually works to bring education into the hands of shepherds. I look forward to helping drive the direction of KSWPA to bolster our involvement with education and moving Kentucky’s sheep industry forward.
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I am a member of Katahdin Hair Sheep International (KHSI) and Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins (EAPK). I have served on the symposium, sale, and communication committees for EAPK. Recently I was elected to serve on EAPK’s board of directors and was appointed as treasurer. I have also served on KHSI’s expo committee. I have fostered good working relationships within the sheep community and will continue to work to further grow these relationships as well as develop new ones. Development of good rapport with other producers, buyers, and stakeholders in the sheep industry is important to me.
I previously served on the local board of education for 4 years with one year of that as vice-chairman. This opportunity gave me experience to work with leaders at multiple levels within the education system as well as the working within the local community. Currently, I am on the local Agriculture Development Council which helps with a local grant program within Kentucky counties.
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I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve on the KSWPA board of directors and educate, help train, and mentor other sheep producers as I strive to pay it forward with enthusiasm and teamwork.
Gary Rose- 3 Year Term
After more than 30 years in corrections, I retired in 2023 and, together with my wife Becky, returned to Kentucky to take over the family farm in Breckinridge County. As first-generation farmers, we explored our options and chose to raise Registered Katahdin sheep for their manageable size and exceptional quality. Starting with a small flock, we focused on breeding premium stock while marketing surplus lambs directly to consumers. This hands-on approach inspired our passion for expanding the direct-to-consumer lamb market, highlighting lamb as a delicious, high-quality protein for every household.
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Today, our farm has grown to 30 ewes, and we will be adding a terminal sire soon to strengthen production. By introducing a terminal sire, we aim to strengthen our premium stock, producing healthier, higher-quality sheep for both the consumer and breeding markets. Through active involvement with the Sheep and Wool Association, I’ve built connections with fellow producers and remain committed to advancing the small ruminant industry in Kentucky. My desire to help strengthen and grow Kentucky’s small ruminant production is what drives me to serve on the KSWPA board.
Rachel Scallan- 1 Year Term
My husband Shane introduced me to sheep when we first started dating so I am newer to sheep farming. We started a grazing business though so I have learned quickly as I’ve been involved in every aspect of the business. I would like to serve on the board to bring ideas to draw new producers to the industry as well as providing insight as a new producer. I would also like to the opportunity to learn more from other experienced producers on the board. We raise sheep in Fayette County.
The following bylaw changes were approved:
