Montana Wool Lab

Montana Wool Lab The Montana Wool Laboratory’s purpose is to support MSU sheep research, teaching and outreach efforts.

The Montana Wool Laboratory was established by the sheep producers of Montana to serve the sheep industry. In 1945, the Montana Legislature established the Montana Wool Laboratory as part of the Agricultural Experiment Station. Until about 1980, the Montana Wool Laboratory was operated as a separate unit of the Montana Experiment Station. At that time, it was incorporated into the Animal and Range Sciences Department. The purpose of the laboratory (as established by the legislature) "shall be the carrying on of effective scientific and practical research and testing work to develop a complete and accurate knowledge of wools as possible." Primarily, its purpose was to sample and test wool clips and fleeces of Montana growers, and to conduct and carry on scientific and applied research to obtain knowledge of Montana Wool. Although the operation of the laboratory has changed, the guidelines and requirements established in the statute direct the general activities of the laboratory.

10/02/2026

The bill would establish a coordinated federal framework to reduce textile waste.

09/28/2026

The North Dakota Sheep Shearing School & North Dakota Certified Wool Classing School is set for November 21-23, 2026 at the Hettinger REC
🐑 ND Sheep Shearing School information and registration forms are available on our website: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/events/north-dakota-sheep-shearing-school-hettinger-rec-1
🐑 ND Certified Wool Classing School information and registration forms are available on our website: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/events/north-dakota-certified-wool-classing-school-hettinger-rec-2

09/28/2026

The MSU Department of Animal and Range Sciences is seeking a Sheep Foreman!

This employee will work closely with the Red Bluff Ranch Manager and Livestock operations management in carrying out day-to-day agricultural operations of approximately 12,000 acres of agricultural land, facilities, and livestock (cattle, sheep, and horses) used in the research and educational activities conducted at the Red Bluff Research Facility, BART Farm and Fort Ellis. The successful candidate will have a strong desire to develop their skills in sheep production management.

Screening of applicants begins Thursday, Oct. 8. Learn more and apply at https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/53076 . Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans / Disabled.

09/23/2026

The U.S. wool industry is staging a comeback. So where are all the sheep?

09/20/2026

Woolgrower, consultant and self-confessed science enthusiast Emily Stretch is helping shape the future of Australia’s Merino industry.

From her family’s self-replacing Merino enterprise in Western Australia to her work with livestock data, parasitology and animal health, Emily brings curiosity and practical thinking to everything she does.

Read Emily’s story in the latest edition of Beyond the Bale.

wool.com/btb

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AWI Extension NSW AWI Extension QLD AWI Extension SA AWI Extension TAS AWI Extension VIC AWI Extension WA Leading Sheep

09/17/2026
09/14/2026

For decades, we've used synthetic materials made from chemicals of ...

09/12/2026

John Helle ’87 of Dillon, Montana, earned a B.S. in animal and range science from Montana State University. He is owner and operator of Helle Livestock, co-owner of Duckworth, and a director of AgWest Farm Credit. After returning to his family ranch following graduation, Helle and his wife, Karen, expanded the operation, developed a renowned sheep breeding program, and helped launch Duckworth, a vertically integrated wool apparel company that takes Montana wool from “Sheep to Shelf.”

Helle's career has focused on sheep production, ranch management, agricultural business and creating value-added opportunities for Montana agriculture. He considers raising his family alongside Karen and building their businesses together his greatest accomplishment.

His connection to Montana State remains strong through partnerships with the department of Animal and Range Sciences and the Montana Wool Lab. He continues to support the people, programs and research that strengthen Montana agriculture and rural communities.

09/12/2026

Sheep Foreman Montana Ag Experiment Station

If you're interested in helping us develop an integrated GPS tracking, virtual fence, EID sheep and LGD production system that producers can use and also work on a very scenic ranch, this might be the job for you.

This employee will work closely with the Red Bluff Ranch Manager and Livestock operations management in carrying out day-to-day agricultural operations of approximately 12,000 acres of agricultural land, facilities, and livestock (cattle, sheep, and horses) used in the
research and educational activities conducted at the Red Bluff Research Facility (Norris, MT), BART Farm and Fort Ellis. The successful candidate will have a strong desire to develop their skills in sheep production management.

Applicant link: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/52915

Busy week at the lab continuing to get organized, running ram sale samples, visit from Mike with Montana Minute and part...
09/05/2026

Busy week at the lab continuing to get organized, running ram sale samples, visit from Mike with Montana Minute and participating in the Animal and Range Sciences Departmental Advisory Committee meeting. A huge thank you to those committee members to take time out of their busy schedules to give us advice.

Address

P. O. Box 172900
Bozeman, MT
59717

Telephone

+14069942100

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