Montana State University launches a new Wool Lab to revive an old industry
On a hot August afternoon, wool expert Brent Roeder strode among sheep, combing his fingers through their fleece to assess…
On a sweltering August day, wool expert Brent Roeder observed the college-owned sheep flock at the Fort Ellis Research and Teaching Farm in Bozeman, Montana. Roeder, an extension specialist at Montana State University, tended to the animals housed at the historic cavalry barracks facility. The goal of the flock is to provide hands-on experience for agriculture students, including learning how to raise premium-quality sheep for sales.
Roeder is on a mission to revitalize the regional wool industry by leading the university's newly established Wool Lab.
Roeder has dedicated his career to witnessing the decline of wool production due to synthetic fibers. The Wool Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that opened in July, aims to enhance efficiency and profitability for Montana's sheep ranchers. The lab, which cost approximately $10 million, combines legislative appropriations and private industry donations. Previously, the Wool Lab resided a mile away and had been operational since 1945 when the wool industry experienced a resurgence following World War II subsidies.
Roeder's dedication to the next generation of wool producers is evident as he seeks to educate students on the enduring relevance of the wool industry. Only one similar facility remains outside of Bozeman, located at Texas A&M University.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
