Ron Wilkinson: Ron grew up on a farm and has raised animals nearly all of his life. Active in 4-H from 4th grade on, then FFA in high school, Ron’s animal projects included dairy, sheep, beef and swine. It was probably only natural that during college he started leading his first 4-H livestock club. (Ron and Gail continued to lead 4-H sheep clubs in Prineville and Walla Walla once their children were old enough to participate.) Following college, Ron began his career as a vocational agriculture teacher and FFA advisor in McMinnville, Oregon. In 1976, with the beginning of their family, Ron and Gail moved to a small farm and began raising and showing registered Montadale sheep. Ron immediately became involved as a leader within the Northwest Montadale Association and was elected to the national association board of directors in 1978, where he served through 2005. Upon his resignation from the Board, he was immediately named an lifetime honorary director of the Montadale Sheep Breeder’s Association. In 1977 Ron began his education administration career, which has included twenty years as a building administrator and eleven years as a central office administrator. He currently serves as superintendent of schools in Bend, Oregon. Although career moves as an educator have forced him to move his family and animals, his love and commitment to livestock production has not waivered. In May, 2002 he began his llama enterprise and is commited to producing top quality llamas.