In addition to using domestically produced wool, Shepherd’s Dream is supporting a series of other regional businesses. Raw wool needs to be cleaned and processed before it can be used in most products. As you read earlier, the decline in demand for wool products has caused many of the processing facilities to shut down over the years.

One example of a recent closure is Mt. Jefferson Woolen Mill in Oregon, an almost completely vertical mill (one of the last of its kind in the U.S.). By "Vertical" we mean that Mt. Jefferson had the ability to do everything except wash the wool (they could card wool, make roving, weave and dye cloth). They suddenly closed their doors in the Spring of 2001 for "lack of profitability" according to the distant new parent company.

The Sharp family who began this wonderful woolen mill in the 50's started it with support of local woolgrowers. By the time of their closing almost none of their wool came from the surrounding region.

Purchasing our products supports these domestic processing facilities. They are providing jobs and keeping an important trade alive. With each processing step that takes place in North America, value is added to the wool product and to our economy.