The SCHSBI is holding the 2022 election electronically. On Dec 6 (Tuesday), each active member will receive an email and a text from SCHSBI with a link that will give directions for voting. Votes will be accepted until Dec 11 (Sunday), 2022, 4:00 PM Eastern time.
Please ensure that your email and cell phone number are current in the member information contained in the member’s “Registry” link from the St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeder’s website. If your information needs to be updated, please email schsb@glmregistry.com with your member number and the updated information. The emailed link will come from “Election Buddy.” If you don’t receive an email on Dec 6, please check your ‘spam’, ‘trash’, or ‘clutter’ folder. If needed, call or email Director Lori Marion.
This year, there are two director positions being filled for 4-year terms (Dec 2022 – Dec 2026). This will form a board with 7 members to allow the work of the board to be divided more equitably and to avoid ties in voting. Please vote for up to 2 candidates. The 2022 election email will include information about each candidate.
This is the last annual election. From Dec 2022 forward, elections will be held in December of even years for 4-year terms starting January of odd years. About half of the directors will be elected bi-annually, reducing the rapid turnover of annual elections and the loss of continuity and experience. The by-laws contain guidance on the elections and are posted on the SCHSB website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact any board member.
Candidate Information
Elizabeth Hernandez
My name is Elizabeth Hernandez. I am the owner of Trillium Family Farms in Tornado, West Virginia. About 8 years ago, our middle son was diagnosed with severe food allergies, including most meats. After a round of allergy testing, venison and lamb were discovered to be safe meats for him. Our goal became finding a farm where we could grow most of our own foods and raise our own meat. A couple of military deployments later and we bought the farm in October of 2020. Careful consideration went into what breed of sheep we wanted to raise as breeders and for meat. I bought my first 4 St. Croix ewes and a St. Croix ram in June of 2021. We had our first lambing in March of 2022 and just started this year’s breeding season. Our plan is to grow our flock as we make improvements to our pastures and expand our farm.
I joined the St. Croix Hair Sheep Breeders, Inc. when I brought my flock home. I have learned many things being a member of this group and am very grateful. Reading books and asking questions has helped me along the way. As a newer shepherd and breeder, I feel that I can bring new insight as someone who is just beginning. I think adding more learning opportunities, online events and maybe even a mentorship program would benefit newer breeders and new members of the group, and in turn, help to maintain the integrity of the St. Croix breed. If I am elected, I will continue to read and learn about this amazing breed. I will also promote registration of St. Croix sheep, and teach my customers what I have learned about the breed. I will work whole heartedly at my goal of maintaining the integrity of the breed, teaching new shepherds what I have learned, and asking someone with more experience if I don’t know the answer.
Tamara Lambdin-Abney
Hi, my name is Tamara Lambdin-Abney. My husband, Marshall, and I, own a farm outside Richmond, Ky. (Aldenwood). We began raising St.Croix in 2017. We started our flock with 9 ewes- four, from Kellie Frame in Pennsylvania, five from Billy Place Farm in North Carolina, and a Stauber Farm ram from North Carolina.
Over the years, we have increased our herd to an average of 60 adults,with 60 or so lambs in the field after lambing season, both registered and commercial head. We researched the breed of sheep we wanted to raise in preparation for my husband’s retirement from his hospital work in Anesthesia. We found that St. Croix possessed every one of our requirements- easy-keepers, good mothers, parasite-resistant and all-season breeders. In the years since we have selected this breed, we have not been disappointed. They have added an extra dimension to the farm and our lives.
After acquiring our sheep, I began attending Eweprofit classes at the University of Kentucky Sheep Unit, under Dr. Don Ely. I have attended almost every class in that length of time, even to the point of repeating material, as I have found that I learn something new every time, and have benefited from the years of knowledge that Dr. Ely has been director of the sheep unit at the University.
I am a big advocate of our breed and am happy to see it is getting the recognition it deserves as a viable livestock market, and conservancy of this breed that is enjoying a resurgence. I hope to see it to continue to grow and believe it will provide a valuable resource for breeders and a sustainable source of food for our nation, and families.
Thank you for your consideration, Tamara
