John Landers – Former Longtime Secretary of ARBA

John Landers passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2013, in Albany, OR, with his daughter by his side. John was hired by Oregon State University’s Department of Animal Science in 1950. He served 27 years at OSU, principally as a State Extension Livestock Specialist traveling across Oregon helping farmers and ranchers. He also was a livestock judge at numerous county fairs and the Oregon State Fair for many years. In addition John ran the annual sheep shearing school at OSU for decades, as well as doing his own custom shearing in the Central Willamette Valley.

In an article in the agriculture newspaper The Capital Press in 1998, Suzanne Johnson wrote:

“He hasn’t owned a sheep since 1946. But his meticulous recordkeeping kept John Landers on the job as secretary of the American Romney Breeders Association for 37 years.”

As part of his position as secretary and registrar John wrote several pieces on the history of the Romney sheep in the U.S. and the quality of Romney wool. John was an active mentor to many beginning shepherds and wool producers.

John was involved in many organizations and activities during his long life ranging from ARBA to Kiwanis to the Benton and Linn counties Master Gardeners.

See this article for further biographical information and information on the memorial service, or contact Carolynn Avery, ARBA secretary (info in the ARBA directory).