Our Membership
Board Members
Bobby Grider – President
Farming has been a way of life for Bobby Grider from an early age. Born and raised in Kentucky’s Pennyrile region, he and his brother grew up working alongside their parents managing the family’s cow–calf herd and tobacco operation. These early experiences built a strong foundation in livestock stewardship, work ethic, and long-term farm management.
In 2010, Bobby and his wife, Sue, established Stablerock Farm and began raising registered Katahdin Hair Sheep. Over time, their program evolved as Bobby’s interest in functional, efficient sheep genetics grew. In 2021, Stablerock Farm added Australian White Sheep and slowly started the transition out of breeding Katahdin Hair Sheep. Today, all 75 ewes at Stablerock Farm are dedicated to the production and promotion of Australian White Sheep with an emphasis on consistency, adaptability, and practical performance.
Bobby’s entrepreneurial mindset has contributed to his success both on and off the farm. In addition to livestock production, he has owned and operated several small local businesses, developing strengths in vendor relations, customer service, and decision-making in competitive markets. These skills translate directly to his leadership approach within the AWUSA.
Bobby and Sue enjoy spending time with their four children, eleven grandchildren, and their active ewe-and-lamb operation. Whether welcoming visitors to Stablerock Farm, attending agricultural events, or speaking with producers interested in Australian White Sheep, Bobby is known for his willingness to share knowledge and encourage others.
As President of the AWUSA, Bobby is committed to promoting the integrity of the breeds, supporting members at all stages of production, and providing steady, practical leadership that strengthens the Association and its future.
Darren Hoffman — Vice President
Agriculture has always been central to Darren Hoffman’s life. A fourth-generation steward of the Hoffman Century Farm in Mexico, Missouri, Darren was raised working alongside previous generations and learning firsthand the responsibility of caring for both livestock and land. His commitment to practical, principled agriculture continues to guide both his family and professional life.
Since 1908, County Line Acres has remained in the Hoffman family. Over the decades, the operation has included horses, hogs, cattle, chickens, and row crops. Today, the farm focuses primarily on sheep, cattle, and livestock guardian dogs. In 2015, at the urging of one of his four daughters, the family added Katahdin hair sheep to their operation. For the past five years, they have participated in the Australian White Breed Up program, working to develop a flock that emphasizes carcass merit, maternal strength, and functional performance. The Hoffman family currently manages approximately 70 ewes, with each member actively involved in the operation.
Professionally, Darren serves with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), partnering with producers to strengthen conservation practices and improve grazing management. His work has given him a broad view of the challenges and opportunities facing livestock producers, and he is known for asking thoughtful questions, offering candid perspective, and standing firmly behind the people and programs he believes in.
Darren and his wife, Christi, enjoy time with their four daughters and seven grandchildren, continuing to invest in both their family’s legacy and the future of their farm. Whether mentoring the sixth generation, attending breed events, or visiting with fellow producers, Darren brings a steady voice and a deep loyalty to the agricultural community.
As Vice President of AWUSA, Darren is committed to supporting producers, strengthening carcass quality in American lamb, and helping ensure the long-term integrity and success of the Australian White breed in the United States.
Mark Fechtel — Board Director
Daniel Fagerman — Founder
Daniel Fagerman’s passion for livestock, innovation, and agriculture began early and has shaped the foundation of both Fagerman Farm and AWUSA. In 1999, he began raising Katahdin sheep, developing a strong interest in genetics, management, and measurable improvement. He later earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University, with a focus on sensor technology for precision agriculture — combining science, data, and practical application to improve farming performance.
In 2011, Daniel co-founded LiDARUSA with his father, Jeff Fagerman, building a company recognized as a leader in aerial and terrestrial 3D mapping technology. That same year, he established Fagerman Farm with a small group of Katahdin sheep and cattle. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a data-driven agricultural operation centered on genetic progress and performance-based results.
A pivotal moment came in 2018 while traveling in Mexico for a mapping project, where Daniel attended a world sheep conference and was introduced to the Australian White breed. Recognizing its potential to enhance meat quality, carcass characteristics, and growth performance within the U.S. lamb industry, he made the decision to import the first Australian White sheep into the United States — laying the groundwork for the breed’s development in America.
Since that time, Fagerman Farm has imported thousands of embryos and semen from leading programs around the world, working collaboratively to advance sheep production and product quality domestically. The operation has grown to more than 1,000 head of sheep and cattle grazing across thousands of acres, and remains a family-run enterprise operated by Daniel, his wife Lauren, and their seven children.
As founder of AWUSA, Daniel remains committed to genetic integrity, long-term sustainability, and measurable advancement — helping build a stronger and more profitable future for American sheep producers.
Kim Harrison – Secretary/Treasurer
Sheep became part of Harrison Valley Farms in 2005. The farm is a cow–calf family operation owned by Kim Harrison and her husband, John. Their sheep journey began with three Katahdin Hair Sheep ewes purchased to help train one of Kim’s Border Collies. While the dog showed little interest in sheep, Kim quickly developed a lasting passion for them.
Over time, the flock expanded to 150 commercial Katahdin Hair Sheep ewes. Harrison Valley Farms marketed grass-fed, grass-finished lamb directly to families, high-end restaurants, health food stores, food hubs, big-box grocery stores, and multiple farmers’ markets. In addition to lamb, the farm also marketed beef from their South Poll Grass Cattle herd, selling both sections and retail cuts. This phase of the farm’s evolution provided hands-on experience in animal management, recordkeeping, pricing, logistics, and customer education.
In 2018, Kim and John shifted the focus of Harrison Valley Farms from direct-to-consumer meat sales to seedstock production. They began selling Katahdin sheep and South Poll Grass Cattle genetics to producers throughout the central United States, later expanding beyond the Midwest. This transition required a deeper emphasis on genetics, consistency, and long-term sheep flock and cattle herd improvement.
In 2022, the Harrison’s refined their sheep program again, downsizing the flock to 20 ewes and adding registered Australian White genetics. The long-term goal of the program is to raise and market AWUSA-registered Full Blood Australian White Sheep as seedstock for both new producers learning the breed and established breeders who value predictable, functional genetics.
In addition to her on-farm sheep management and livestock marketing experience, Kim brings extensive leadership experience to the AWUSA Board. She has served on boards spanning the sheep industry, equestrian organizations, K–8 education, advertising, and public relations, civic, and has held senior-level administrative positions in privately held businesses serving national and international Fortune 500 clients.
As Secretary/Treasurer, Kim is committed to clear communication, accurate records, and responsible financial stewardship, ensuring the Association remains transparent, well-managed, and positioned to serve both current and future members.
Rick Adams — Board Member
Rick Adams brings a lifetime of sheep industry experience and a broad agricultural perspective to the AWUSA Board. He has been involved in the sheep business longer than any current board member, beginning with a flock of Hampshires purchased during his 4-H years. Rick and his wife, Brenda, built a highly competitive Hampshire club lamb program, earning championships at major shows throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including the Indiana State Fair, NAILE, the National Western, and Oklahoma City.
In addition to their sheep operation, Rick and Brenda grain farmed corn and soybeans and fed market hogs. After concluding their hog enterprise in 2003, they expanded their commercial sheep flock, incorporating Ile de France genetics, implementing rotational grazing, and growing to 250 commercial ewes. They developed a strong direct market for both hothouse lambs and 90–100 lb. roaster lambs to meet consumer demand.
Their diversified flock also includes Border Leicesters, reflecting Brenda’s interest in fiber arts and wool spinning. Today, one of their granddaughters shows the Border Leicesters, which frequently earn high-quality fleece honors.
Rick and Brenda were introduced to the Australian White breed in 2018 as they evaluated transitioning to hair sheep. They began with Katahdin and White Dorper rams before purchasing their first Australian White ram in 2020. Since then, they have invested in embryo purchases and fullblood Australian White genetics, steadily growing their program. They have found the breed’s superior eating quality to be especially appealing to their lamb customers.
Rick also contributes significant governance experience to AWUSA. He served 12 years on the American Shropshire Registry Board of Directors, including two years as President. He remains active in producer education through Linessa Farms LLC., sharing management and health insights with sheep and goat producers nationwide.
As a member of the AWUSA Board, Rick offers seasoned perspective, steady leadership, and a deep understanding of both commercial and seedstock production. His long-term industry experience strengthens board policy discussions and supports AWUSA’s continued growth and credibility.
Claire Sandbothe — At-Large Member
Claire Sandbothe of Saddle Rock Ridge Farm in Wardsville, Missouri, entered the sheep industry in an unexpected way—through her Australian Shepherd, Fly. After attending a sheepdog herding clinic, Claire developed a passion for sheep and soon established her own flock. She began with one Katahdin and one St. Croix ewe and gradually expanded to a 25-ewe
commercial flock, selecting breeds that were efficient, productive, and well-suited to a forage-based system. With a background in industrial engineering, Claire applies a disciplined approach to flock management, emphasizing planning, organization, record keeping, performance benchmarks, and profitability analysis.
Over the past 12 years, she has utilized Dorper, Tunis, and Katahdin Hair Sheep rams to improve lamb quality and performance. Katahdin rams aligned well with her regenerative farming system and supported her grass-fed freezer lamb and seedstock markets.
In 2022, Claire discovered Australian Whites and began raising Fullblood and Purebred (percentage) sheep. The 2025 lambing season confirmed her enthusiasm for breed, with exceptional rate of gain and overall lamb performance.
Claire and her husband Randy enjoy spending time with their two adult children and twin grandbabies. Claire also enjoys sheepdog herding trials and quilting when she is not busy with their sheep operation. Visitors are welcome at Saddle Rock Ridge Farm, and Claire is known for being an ongoing resource to anyone buying sheep from their farm.
Claire's experience serving on civic and sheepdog industry boards, along with her active participation in sheepdog trials and clinics across the United States, brings a unique perspective to the AWUSA Board. As a Member at Large, she is committed to supporting the mission of the Australian White Sheep Association and advancing the growth of the Australian White breed nationwide.
Raymond Smith - At-Large Member
Raymond Smith, a lifelong farmer from Georgia, has dedicated his life to agriculture, livestock, and family. Raised on a dairy farm, Raymond learned the values of hard work and stewardship of the land from an early age. He married his wife—who was also raised on a dairy farm—and together they built a life centered around farming, family, and faith.
After spending several years with Purina Mills as a District Sales Manager specializing in animal nutrition, Raymond branched out into other entrepreneurial ventures before returning to his true passion—raising livestock. For the past 20 years, he and his family have successfully raised Katahdin Hair Sheep, earning a reputation for quality and excellence in the field.
In recent years, Raymond has expanded his focus to include Australian White sheep, spending the past four years experimenting with and developing this breed. He is enthusiastic about their potential and remains committed to improving genetics and producing outstanding animals.
A proud father of four daughters and grandfather to 13 grandchildren, Raymond's greatest joy comes from seeing his family carry forward the farming legacy he helped build.
Raymond brings to the AWUSA Board a strong combination of practical production experience, industry knowledge, and a collaborative approach that supports breed integrity, member success and the proliferation of the Association.
Member Directory
Member Directory
Australian White breeders all over the US. Browse our online directory to find breeders near you.