Wool Quality Improvement Program
Strengthening U.S. Wool Markets
The Wool Quality Improvement Program is a multi-state initiative designed to strengthen U.S. wool markets by supporting sheep producers with direct funding, technical assistance, and market-building resources. The program helps producers improve wool quality, implement on-farm conservation practices, and access new and expanded markets for American wool and wool products. NCAT and its partners Fibershed and New York Textile Lab will be working to expand wool markets in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New York, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Region
The program serves wool producers across nine states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New York, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Commodity
Wool, including both fine and coarse wool types produced by domestic sheep operations.
Purpose
The Wool Quality Improvement Program supports producers in improving wool quality, strengthening supply chains, and increasing access to domestic and direct-to-consumer markets. By investing in on-farm infrastructure, conservation practices, and value-added processing, the program helps American wool compete more effectively in global and domestic markets while increasing producer income and resilience.
Timeline
The program will work with 100 wool producers until March 31, 2028, providing funding and technical support to implement practices, improve fiber quality, and develop market-ready wool and wool products.
Producer Funding Opportunities
The Wool Quality Improvement Program has three funds. Producers must participate in the Practice Implementation Fund to be eligible for the Wool Quality and/or Market Innovation Fund.:
- Practice Implementation Fund
The Implementation Fund provides cost-share assistance for producers to implement NRCS-approved conservation and land management practices. These practices support healthy grazing systems, improved forage, and long-term land stewardship while enhancing the conditions needed to produce high-quality wool. Program participants are required to implement a minimum of one of the following NCRCS conservation practice(s).- Cover Crop (340)
- Crop Rotation (328)
- Fence (382)
- No Till (329)
- Pasture and Hay Planting (512)
- Prescribed Grazing (528)
- Reduced Till (345)
- Soil Carbon Amendment (336)
- Wool Quality Improvement Fund
The Wool Quality Improvement Stipend supports producers in improving wool quality at the shearing and handling stage. Funds may be used to enhance shearing infrastructure, increase labor for sorting and classing wool, and access quality testing and education. The Fund is designed to help producers produce cleaner, more consistent wool that meets market standards. Producer will receive a per head payment upon providing evidence of the adoption of wool quality improvement practices. - Market Innovation Fund
The Market Innovation Fund supports producer-led investments that expand market access and add value to wool. Producers may use funds to purchase specialized equipment, improve processing and handling infrastructure, develop value-added wool products, or strengthen marketing and sales efforts. This fund encourages innovation and helps producers reach new buyers, mills, and consumers.
This project is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture
©2026 NCAT
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