Whitehall Rancher Transforms "Waste Wool" Into Sustainable Garden Solution

At first glance, they might be confused for dog kibble, fire pellets, or little bundles of dirt – but Kami Noyes, a fifth-generation Montana rancher and fiber artist, is turning what many consider "waste wool" into a valuable, eco-friendly soil amendment. Through her company, Ranching Tradition Fiber, Noyes produces wool pellets, a natural fertilizer with significant environmental and agricultural benefits.

Noyes, a past Montana Fibershed Board Member and organizer of the Copper K Fiber Festival, brings a wealth of experience to her venture. With her husband, Reid, they raise Targhee Rambouillet sheep, selling their high-quality wool in yarn stores across Montana. "Ranching and fiber arts are my passions," Noyes explains. "And I've always sought sustainable solutions for our operation."

The concept of wool pellets, compressed raw wool used as fertilizer, intrigued Noyes. "We knew the benefits of wool in gardens, but the equipment was only available overseas," she says. "Then we found a U.S. company developing the necessary machinery. It was a long wait, but we now have the equipment and are refining the process."

What are Wool Pellets? Wool pellets are made from "waste wool," which includes skirted wool (belly, leg, head, butt, and back wool), fleeces with short staples or breaks, and milling waste. Noyes emphasizes that her pellets are 100% Montana-raised wool, with no fillers or binders.

Key Benefits of Wool Pellets:

• Slow-Release Nutrient Delivery: Wool pellets provide a gradual release of essential nutrients, feeding plants for up to six months.

• Enhanced Water Retention: The pellets significantly improve soil moisture retention, reducing the need for frequent watering by an estimated 20-25%.

• Improved Soil Structure: Wool pellets help to soften hard clay soils and enhance soil aeration, promoting healthier root development.

• Natural Pest Deterrent: Wool's natural properties can act as a deterrent to certain pests.

• Accelerated Plant Growth: Studies indicate that wool pellets can contribute to reduced grow times for vegetables.

• Weed Seed Elimination: The high-temperature pelletizing process effectively eliminates weed seeds.

"I've seen firsthand the benefits of wool pellets in my indoor plants," Noyes notes. "They help regulate moisture, preventing over- or under-watering."

Applications: Wool pellets can be used in a variety of settings:

• Potted Plants: Recommended application is 1/2 cup of pellets per 1 gallon of soil.

• Gardens: Pellets can be sprinkled around existing plants and worked into the soil.

• Fields: For larger areas, pellets can be tilled or worked into the soil to a depth of 1-4 inches.

Noyes and her husband, Reid, have built their business on generational knowledge and sustainable practices. They utilize regenerative ranching techniques to ensure healthy land and animals. Their wool pellets are available online and in local Montana shops, with various sizes to accommodate different gardening needs.

"We're committed to minimizing waste and maximizing the value of our resources," Noyes says. "Wool pellets are a testament to that commitment."

Noyes is working to refine the shredding portion of her equipment, and is currently focused on producing pellets, and does not have the ability to custom process wool for others. She confirms there is no patent on 100% wool pellets.

Ranching Tradition Fiber's wool pellets represent a local, sustainable solution for gardeners and agriculturalists seeking natural and effective soil amendments. The pellets are locally available at Wagner's Nursery in Butte and Smith Supply. For more information and to order online, visit https://www.ranchingtraditionfiber.com.