American Sheep Magazine March 2026

MEETING COVERAGE

Team USA’s Milan-Cortina Olympic looks created with Ralph Lauren, feature American wool from Shaniko producers, spotlighting U.S.-grown fiber on the world stage. Panelists Rick Powers, Jeanne Carver, and Erin Dorf share what’s driving wool demand now, traceability, credible claims, and stronger buyer confidence.

WOOL COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT: TRACEABILITY + MARKET MOMENTUM A follow-up Wool Council meeting explored

is still evaluating including governance, verification, data management, and the risk of creating a two-tier market. The session also highlighted a bright spot for U.S. producers: Olympic uniforms featuring wool from U.S. RWS producers in the Shaniko group. Panelist Erin Dorf provided an optimistic outlook, pointing to what she believes is a renewed interest in heritage suiting, a return to business at tire, and steady demand for wellness-driven, natural fibers.

what’s helping wool sell right now, beyond the fi ber itself. A panel moderated by Julie Hansmire and Rodney Kott unpacked traceability models and sus tainability claims, noting traceability can strengthen buyer confidence, support brand storytelling, and improve response in the event of a disease outbreak. Traceability can add value, but it’s not just a cost question (Australia cited $0.85 per bale for RFID tagging and $4- $6k per year for audits, plus data base upkeep). It also raises bigger issues the industry

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