蒙大拿州立大学在7月开设了一座新的羊毛实验室，投资规模约为1000万美元[1]。该实验室由专家Brent Roeder管理，将与学生合作开发更高效、更具商业可行性的羊毛生产方法，以帮助复兴该地区日益衰落的羊毛产业[1]。
美国羊毛产业面临严峻形势。过去80年间，美国羊群数量下降了90%[1]，蒙大拿州在过去30年内的羊毛产量下降了三分之二[1]。截至2024年，蒙大拿州仍有约190,000只羊和约1,100个羊毛经营单位[1]。Roeder指出，"没有足够长期的行业盈利能力，就没有对设施、结构、新谷仓和处理设备的投资"[1]。
新实验室的工作重点包括改进羊毛纤维质量。下一代羊毛需要纤维细度低于30微米（0.001英寸），才能在贴身穿着时保持舒适[1]。这恰逢羊毛商品价格上升之际——过去两年羊毛价格翻倍，目前处于六年高位[1]。该实验室由立法拨款和私人捐赠资助，蒙大拿羊毛种植者协会为其捐赠了10万美元[1]。
Montana State University launched a new Wool Lab in July with approximately $10 million in investment, funded through legislative appropriations and private donations, to help reinvigorate the region's struggling wool production sector.[1] The facility, directed by expert Brent Roeder, will work with students to develop more efficient and profitable methods for wool production.[1]
The wool industry faces steep headwinds, with the U.S. sheep population declining by 90 percent over the past 80 years.[1] Montana has been particularly affected, experiencing a two-thirds drop in wool production over the past 30 years and a 50 percent reduction in sheep ranching operations.[1] The state currently maintains approximately 190,000 sheep and about 1,100 wool operations as of 2024.[1] According to Roeder, sustained investment in facilities and infrastructure depends on long-term industry viability: "Without sufficient long-term profitability for the industry, there is no investment in facilities, structures, new barns and processing equipment."[1]
Despite the decline, market conditions have begun to shift in wool's favor. Commodity prices for wool have doubled over the past two years and currently stand at six-year highs, creating an opportunity for industry revival.[1] The Montana Woolgrowers Association has signaled its support by donating $100,000 to the new laboratory.[1] The lab aims to address quality standards required for contemporary markets, focusing on developing fibers with fineness below 30 micrometers—approximately 0.001 inches—to ensure comfort for next-generation apparel.[1]