In South Dakota, the wool and sheep production industries are evolving, steeped in tradition yet navigating modern challenges.
Center of the Nation wool warehouse in Belle Fourche, S.D. The warehouse and its sister warehouse in Billings, Mont., process between 4.5 and 5 million pounds of wool annually from approximately 1,500 regional producers.
In 2018, Larry Prager, Center of the Nation wool warehouse CEO, could sell wool for between $3.50 and $4 a pound. Today, he said the price is between $1.50 and $1.60.
Sheep explore their pens on Kitzan Family Farms.
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When an error at the butcher shop left Gwendolyn Kitzan with an abundance of ground lamb, she had to figure out what to do. Shepherd's pie was the answer.
Frozen lamb-based meals are made by Kitzan Farms.
Gwen Kitzan of Kitzan Family Farms displays cuts of lamb.
Melisa Goss, Assistant Editor for the Tri-State Neighbor, is a South Dakota farm girl whose love of travel has allowed her to see ag’s vital impact around the world, from America’s heartland to the rice paddies of Southeast Asia and many places in between. She makes her home in Hartford with her husband, daughter and miniature schnauzer. You can reach her at mgoss@lee.net.
Melisa Goss
Tri-State Neighbor Correspondent
