Exploring Barriers to a Sustainable and Regional Fibershed in the Central Plains of the United States

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted to understand potential reasons why a local and regenerative fiber system movement has not begun in the Central Plains. Research objectives were to understand challenges experienced by local sheep farmers and to reveal structural or knowledge gap barriers to a robust wool industry in the region. Data analysis revealed farmers raising wool sheep experienced challenges finding shearers and transporting their wool to market. Long distances to nearest markets reduced the economic value of their wool. Participants see the region as a perfect landscape for raising sheep with growth potential. Future investment in the region to develop greater fiber infrastructure (e.g., woolen mills, yarn production, weaving facilities, and fiber artisans) is necessary to reach the potential. Findings support the importance of establishing a regional fibershed organization in the Central Plains; however, unique characteristics, challenges and opportunities of the region must guide the path forward.