Developing a relationship with the farmers, the sheep, and the processors for ethical fiber.
For those who spin, knit, and weave with wool, sourcing fiber can be both expensive and labor-intensive. Beyond cost, there are critical ethical considerations regarding animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and fair labor practices throughout the wool harvesting and processing stages.
Wyoming, with its rich history of sheep farming, has long been a center for wool production. The state's dry climate, vast open rangelands, and mountainous areas provided ideal grazing conditions for herds, which were carefully tended by shepherds and their dogs.
By the early 1900s, Wyoming was one of the largest wool-producing states in the U.S., with sheep even outnumbering cattle. Immigrant communities—particularly Basque, Peruvian, Chilean, and Bolivian shepherds—played a vital role in the industry, bringing their traditional herding skills to Wyoming’s expansive landscapes. The industry wasn’t without conflict, as the famous "range wars" between sheep and cattle ranchers demonstrated the intense competition for grazing land. Despite these challenges, sheep farming thrived and became a cornerstone of Wyoming’s agricultural economy.
Although the scale of sheep farming has diminished over the years, Wyoming’s connection to the practice remains strong, upheld by local traditions and small-scale operations. These smaller farms, while often less profitable, are a gift to the dedicated craftsperson willing to connect directly with their shepherd. Many wool mills and home-dyeing businesses have cropped up, selling their fibers in local yarn shops. Farmers often rely on locals traveling through the area to transport their fleeces to nearby mills.
I advocate for a "farm-to-needles" approach to sourcing wool. By visiting the sheep, getting to know the shepherds, and touring the woolen mills, you gain a deeper understanding of and connection to the fiber. This hands-on approach helps you appreciate the craftsmanship and care behind each strand of wool. Even finding bits of native grass in your yarn while knitting can enhance that connection, reminding you of the land where the wool was grown.
My favorite local producers are linked here: Mountain Meadow Wool, A Sheepherder's Story, and Taste of the Wind