Increasing the Marketing Efficiency and Profitability of Wyoming's Wool Producers Through Value Adding Under a Local Early Stage Wool

Although the state of Wyoming ranks second in the nation in wool production, a commercial scouring facility does not exist in this region. Raw wool, called greasy, is shipped out of the region, and more often out of the country for further processing. Rarely does this Wyoming product ever return to its state of origin. Value is added outside of the state. During Phase II, we will operate a localized experimental facility, using existing technology proving the concept that locally adding value to wool will increase producer wool income. Through a local processing facility, ranchers will be able to implement management practices in wool preparation which will improve their profitability and the efficiency of the marketing system. Producers will also see the benefit of retaining ownership of their premium wool fleece further into the supply chain and thus increasing their income potential.