Implementation of a full service fiber mill in the State of Alaska would greatly benefit rural ranches and farms by offering value-added processing in state, thereby allowing ranches and farms to expand their fleece production. All fiber producers are currently required to process their fiber themselves or send it out of state and sometimes out of the country to obtain end products for sale, which can be cost prohibitive to the small breeder. There are no full service mills currently in operation in the State. Income would be generated in rural communities from the cottage industry of production knitters and fiber artists contracted by the mill to create end products.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research: A feasibility study will be conducted to determine the market potential for fiber producers and an outlet for end product sales. It is anticipated a mill will be self-supporting within the first two years of operation. In-state processing of fiber will give producers the ability to expand their operations and increase their number of livestock by creating an end product market.
