FOUNDATION
DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT
105
JOHN
NEW JERSEY
PECK
Why are you investing in the Foundation? As I said earlier, my family and I owe a debt of gratitude to the breed and those who work to promote it. I still work full time and manage our farm in my “spare” time, but it’s important to me to do what I can- devote time and energy to the Foundation, with hopes that our collective efforts will leave a positive and long lasting legacy. If you had one piece of advice to give someone who was considering the Suffolk Foundation through estate or gift planning what would it be? Think of your future- I think most Suffolk breeders are like me in that they feel that raising Suffolks is a privilege, and it is. I also think most of us have befitted and maybe profited from our flocks- either in dollars or experience, and, as such, ought to seek a way to give back- to give to the next generation of Suffolk breeders, to contribute to research that will help our breed thrive and grow. There are many worthwhile initiatives and charities that one can contribute to, but if you’re a Suffolk breeder, won’t you consider YOUR Foundation first? There are many ways to contribute! Please see the Foundation section of the Suffolk.org website or contact any Foundation trustee- we are here to listen and help!
What role do you see the Foundation playing in the future of the Suffolk breed? I see the Foundation playing a consistent, thoughtful and dynamic role in the future of the Suffolk breed. The Foundation has funds, grants and support available to help make a positive impact on the breed through the goals I mentioned above. Suffolks, like all domestic sheep breeds, have faced many challenges and the numbers continue to struggle. I believe the Foundation can and will promote Suffolks as a breed that can make a positive impact on new breeders, while hopefully helping current breeders stay involved and thrive. Share how you feel the Suffolk Foundation can be beneficial to USSA and UJSSA? The Juniors benefit from the education aspect and through the scholarships we offer. Also, the Foundation hasn’t yet fully discovered all of the ways in which we can devote resources to help promote our goals…we are open to discuss projects, grants and initiatives that might come from our partners in the UJSSA and USSA. The bottom line is we are open to your ideas and look forward to collaborating with any interested party that has an idea to help us promote the Foundation's goals.
Why did you feel it was important to serve on the Suffolk Foundation Board? We’ve been raising nothing but Suffolk sheep for 26 years on our small farm in New Jersey. Our two daughters learned very important life lessons at young ages from their experiences with our sheep. We’ve made lifelong friends far and wide and continue to make great memories as a result of our devotion to Suffolk sheep. I feel I owe a lot to the Suffolk breed, and the Suffolk Foundation is one of the most worthwhile organizations I can think of to ensure that, as a breed, we support our youth, promote scholarships and grants that will hopefully help increase the popularity of Suffolks, and aid those that have a desire to raise sheep to select Suffolk sheep. Why did we need a Suffolk Foundation? The Foundation fills a critical role for Suffolk breeders and enthusiasts in that its goals are simple and direct: education, development of youth, and research. While the direct goals are to provide support needed to fulfill these goals as they relate to the Suffolk breed, it’s the sheep industry in general that also stands to benefit from the Foundation’s initiatives.
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