Long-Time Sheep Industry Advocate Peter Orwick to Retire as ASI Executive Director
October 3, 2025
Peter Orwick, the long-time ASI Executive Director as given the ASI Board of Director notice of his intent to retire in November.
Peter began his career as ASI Executive Director in the late 1990's. For over 25 years, he's led the transformation of ASI to match the rapid changes in the nation’s sheep industry. He was brought on after dramatic downsizing in the 1990’s to rebuild lamb and wool promotional programs, establish national sheep disease eradication and lead livestock protection programs.
Peter was reared on a sheep and cattle ranch on the rangelands of western South Dakota. His parents and three siblings continue to make their living in sheep ranching as the family has done for nearly 100 years. He received Bachelor of Science degrees in animal science and business from South Dakota State University.
"Peter has been a champion for the lamb and wool industry for over 25 years," said ASI President and Montana producer Ben Lehfeldt. "Our membership owes a debt of gratitude to the incredible amount of dedication and commitment Peter has shown the sheep industry. As we look to transition to new leadership, we can only hope to find the same level of service and passion for the sheep producers as Peter Orwick has displayed for so long."
The ASI Executive Board and Board of Directors will now begin the search for a new executive director.
ASI is the national trade organization representing the nation’s 100,000 sheep-producing farms and ranches. ASI is a federation of 42 state sheep producer affiliates and provides the federal representation on legislative and regulatory topics of the industry. The Association operates on member dues for all legislative, regulatory, and membership services and provides American wool marketing, research, promotion and sheep production support via a mix of industry and federal funds at a $4 million level. The association headquarters in the Denver, Colorado metro area operates currently with nine staff and multiple contractors in China, India and Europe as well as federal government procurement contracts.
Source: ASI & Western Ag Network
