North Dakota State University Extension and University of Minnesota Extension are hosting a webinar at 7 p.m. CDT on March 14 for producers to learn more about current wool production, processing and industry dynamics for the future.

 “Wool value for Midwest producers has been stagnant for production of fine and medium wools,” says Travis Hoffman, sheep specialist for NDSU Extension and UMN Extension. “Opportunities exist to create value from their 2024 wool clip by working with processors and artisan wool marketing.”

A majority of fleeces from sheep originating in the Midwest are worth a minimal return. While finer fibers are worth only $1 to $2 per pound, medium wool values are substantially less, which can be frustrating to producers wishing to pay for shearing and see return on the year’s wool production. Also, the wool loan deficiency payment provides incentive for ungraded wool worth $0.40 per pound through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency.

“We are working with the fiber industry to connect sheep producers with wool processors,” says Sabrina Florentino, UMN Extension educator for alternative livestock systems. “We hope to build a network of wool producers to match the demand for wool and wool products to add value throughout the supply chain.”

Jessie Monson, owner of Yarn Factory LLC; Theresa Bentz, owner of Get Bentz Farm and Badgerface Fiber; and Maddy Bartsch, president of the Three Rivers Fibershed will share their expertise for producers and wool/fiber enthusiasts.

“Join us to learn the next steps to profitability with fiber-producing animals, creating new markets, and offering products that reach an expanded audience of people that share a passion for generating fiber garments and crafts,” Hoffman says.

Sheep and goat producers and fiber enthusiasts are invited. Pre-registration is required and available at ndsu.ag/2024wool or z.umn.edu/GSWool. A Zoom link will be emailed to participants upon registration. Those unable attend the live session will receive the recording via email.

For additional information, please contact Brenda Miller at nels4220@umn.edu or Travis Hoffman at travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu. 

NDSU Agriculture Communication – March 1, 2024

Source: Travis Hoffman, 701-231-2222, travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-7006, elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu