Custom Processing - What you need to know

Whether you are a large-scale sheep operation or a small hobby farm, questions arise such as “how can I bring more value to my wool clip” or “what is the best product to make with my fiber”.  I get asked these questions more times than I can count and decided it was time to put a blog together that highlights some of the key points to consider on your journey to the creation of a quality, custom product whether it be roving, yarn, a finished blanket, hat, sweater, or other apparel. 

Have a clear goal in mind

Motivations for custom processing are numerous but here are a couple big ones:

• Fun: Looking for fun, unique, products for personal use, gifts, giveaways, etc.
• Business: Looking to create a custom product with your fiber with the intention of selling it as part of your business.  Either as a hobby/craft fair/farmer’s market or as a dedicated retail and possibly wholesale business

Photo: MMW Processing Line

Amazing products can be made in each of these categories, but your strategy and approach will be drastically different.  For value-added business decisions remember that processing costs are directly related to production volume (i.e. smaller lot sizes and more customization = greater cost) and keep in mind marketing is equally as important as production (have a written marketing plan before you begin production)

Learn from others

I’ve worked with numerous producers who have done a fantastic job of adding value to their wool and creating beautiful products but I also see people make many mistakes.  Here are a few of the top mistakes that we want to help you avoid:

• Lack of understanding regarding the sales/market side of the business
• Underestimating production costs
• Looking for an easy fix to an existing financial problem

The biggest lesson from others…. those who are successful have invested a lot of time, money, and grit to bring their products to life. 

Photo: Watching the sun set in Wyoming

Take pride in what you have to offer

Less than 1% of the US population are farmers/ranchers (USDA-NASS ACH12-3) but you carry a tremendous responsibility to feed and clothe society.  You have a great story to tell.  Consumers are growing more and more conscience of where their food and clothing originates.  Here are a couple things consumers are looking for:

• 100% traceability of fiber origin
• Best-In-Class: sustainability, animal welfare, land management, and fiber quality

Poor Quality Control is Costly

Quality starts with genetics and breeding but animal nutrition, mitigation of environmental factors, and control of contaminants such as dirt, vegetation (burrs, seeds), hay/straw, paint, twine and others are all important. Skirt your fleeces heavily prior to sending your fiber for processing to save money and improve your finished product quality.

Photo: Heavy vegetation contamination (this will be picked out prior to scouring)

We are here to help

Making a new product with your wool is an exciting endeavor and we are here to help with any questions along the way.  Custom processing is “custom” by its very nature.  Sheep breeds, fiber blends, lot sizes, type of product being made etc all play a factor in processing costs. Call or email us with any questions.  If a standard product doesn’t fit what you are looking for let us know and we can work with you to price out other custom products and evaluate your best options forward. 

Email Us: custom@mountainmeadowwool.com

Phone: 307-684-5775

We look forward to working with you!

Ben Hostetler

Co-Owner