Service Awards

Tennessee Sheep Producers gives out awards to people who go above and beyond for the sheep industry in the state of Tennessee.  These awards are presented at our annual meeting.

Tennessee Sheep Producers Association Service Award

This award is given to an individual or organization for their promotion or service to the TN Sheep Industry.

2024 Recipient - ProTrition Feed, LLC

Pictured above is Grey Parks on the right representing Protrition Feed.

Previous Award Winners
  • TN Farmers CO-OP
  • Bill Morgan – Union Co 4H
  • TN Livestock Producers
  • Sumner Co 4H
  • Appalachian Fair
  • Jane Hobbs
  • Unionville Livestock Market
  • UT Food Science & Tech Dept
  • TN Tech University
  • TN Valley Fair
  • Warren Gill
  • Mid-South Fair
  • Wilson Co Fair
  • Tractor Supply Co
  • Martha Jo Tolley
  • Bob Brinkmann
  • Steve Sutton
  • Maury & Blount Farmers CO-OP
  • Richard Brown TN Tech
  • Jim Neel
  • Angie York Glascock
  • Oscar Peavy – Showstopper
  • Keith Harrison
  • Darrell Ailshie
  • John Riley
  • Ruth Correll
  • Julius Johnson
  • Snaps Ferry
  • Randall Kimes
  • Lacy Upchurch
  • Alan Bruhin
  • Joe Riddle – Edgefield Prime
  • Jerry Lamb
  • Ben Powell
  • Upper Cumberland Extension

Ben Powell Shepherd's Award

This award is given to a member of TSPA that has shown outstanding service to the Association & the TN Sheep Industry.

2025 Recipient - Robert Walker

Robert and his wife Kim own a farm along the West Fork river in the Alpine community of Overton County that has been in the family since 1904.  They have a flock of approx. 100 Katahdin ewes. Production goals are breeding stock and growing to scale for future solar grazing opportunities.  Previous President and board member for Katahdin Hair Sheep International, co-founder and board member for Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins, co-founder/previous board member and President of Tennessee Katahdin Association, current board member for National Sheep Improvement Program serving as the Hair Sheep Rep and member of TSPA. Robert and Kim have two grown children, Madison and Ben, and 1 grandson Brody. Other hobbies include beekeeping, fishing and woodworking. Robert has been great asset to TSPA over the years, previously serving on the board and President and V President. Congratulations!

Previous Award Winners
  • Thomas Montgomery
  • Herbert Patton
  • Herschel Ligon
  • Long and McDougal
  • Sue Welch
  • Jim Pope
  • Luther Agee
  • David Gordon
  • Jerry McCoy Family
  • Bill West
  • Paul & Judy Roberson
  • Randy & Sarah Gratz
  • Ralph Lovely
  • David Doan Family
  • Tommy Cannon Family
  • Ralph Meacham
  • Dewayne Perry
  • Shirley & George DeBusk
  • Edward & Carol Bowman
  • Jane & Kim Caulfield
  • Bill & Connie Kuecker
  • Ben Powell
  • West Family
  • Coonie Dalton Family
  • Rick Skillington
  • Chris Wilson
  • Dwight & Rita Loveday
  • Mark Shedden
  • James Trivett Family
  • Reyes Rich
  • Joe Hall
  • Greg Brann
  • Jerry Dickerson
  • Steve Officer
  • Mark Powell
  • Herman Radke
  • Debbie Joines

Tennessee Sheep Producers Extension Educator Award

This award is given to an individual or organization for their promotion or service to the TN Sheep Industry.

2024 Recipient - Jessy Shanks

Jessy is the Small Ruminant and Youth Programs Extension Specialist for Animal Science. She assist Extension Agents in helping small ruminant producers across the state with education, training, and any other assistance they might need. In addition to helping small ruminant producers she also creates and oversees the Skillathon contests at our state livestock shows. Jessy's favorite activity is spending time with her family and raising sheep. Jessy and her husband raise Southdowns and Dorpers with their daughter and are constantly working in the barn or somewhere on the farm. Jessy had been a huge asset to TSPA over the last couple years and we are so thankful to have her! Congratulations.

Previous Award Winners
  • Matt Webb
  • Amanda Mathenia