The BLU board met for its organizational meeting on January 6th at 7PM EST. All board members were in attendance, including newly elected VP Joan Chapin of IN and board member Carol Densmore of MI. President Margaret VanCamp welcomed them to the board, and also recognized outgoing members Jared Lloyd and Cindy Cieciwa for their time and service to BLU.

Set/Treas Lisa Rodenfels gave the treasurer’s report. The current balance is $8068.70, with a net loss of $409.54 for the year 2015. Lisa went over some of the major reasons for this, which were some larger one time expenses such as computer financial programs and an ad in Spinoff Magazine.
In the secretary’s report, Lisa told the board that she has updated the membership list on the website with an alphabetic and by state list. It is also available to print out to use as a handout at events. She is working on a postcard to remind members to pay their 2016 dues. There are currently 82 members, of which 15 have paid their 2016 dues so far

Next were the committee reports. President Margaret VanCamp appointed Joan Chapin to the Youth Committee Chair. Still to be filled are the Bylaws/Standards, and Media chairs.
The Genetics Taskforce chair, Heather Landinr reported that although the border between the UK and the US has been opened, the new protocols that have been agreed upon between USDA and the EU make it difficult and expensive for UK BFL breeders to collect semen that passes these new rules. Now the entire flock must be bloodtested and all test negative on 2 separate occasions before a ram can be sent in for semen collection. A possible answer to this problem is the convince USDA to accept PRC testing semen for viruses, bacteria, etc., which is already an accepted practice in cattle.

The National Show Committee chair, Margaret VanCamp began a discussion on plans and ideas for the show at Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on May 7 & 8. Joan Chapin volunteered to serve on the committee along with Margaret and Hilary Chapin. Carol Densmore and Sharon O’Donnell with organize the fiber show events. Heather Landin will help with calling hotels and restaurants for a room block and reservations for the banquet. Margaret and Hilary will concentrate on hospitality and trophies. Lisa will work on getting sponsors for awards, and keep the website and FB page up to date with information as it becomes available. A sponsorship was set at $50. Karen Szewc has some items for a display, which she will ship to Margaret. She will also make T-shirts for the event.
Lisa reported that she had designed and placed an ad in the MS&W festival catalog to showcase the national show.
Margaret reported that she has promised 40-60 BFLs in the show. There will be classes for both white and natural colored sheep.

A life membership was awarded founding member Judith Colvin of MT. Congratulations, Judy!

The next scheduled meeting of the board is set for April. A national show committee meeting will be February 6th at 12 EST.