SAN ANGELO, Texas — The wool industry has expanded in West Texas and sheep ranchers have the opportunity to save money on wool production.
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) partnered with the Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension Service’s Bill Sims Wool & Mohair Research Laboratory in San Angelo to build a testing lab that will help aid in manufacturing.
Reid Redden, a sheep and goat specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife, said San Angelo was the best place to house the wool testing facility because of the rich agricultural history the city has.
“The location in Denver, Colorado, has been closed for a few years and there was a need for a main source for wool distribution. Because of the growing San Angelo agriculture and high demand of sheep, this was the best place for us to do business,” Redden said.
Redden also mentioned the opening of the facility will increase jobs in San Angelo and give people a big opportunity to expand their understanding of the fabric world.
The facility has already started hiring a few people to help with the wool distribution and the hiring is only going to increase more as the facility continues development.