The Livestock Conservancy has started a three year program called Shave 'Em to Save 'Em. The goal for the program is to increase awareness of rare breeds of sheep. Merino has taken over the wool market in much of the world, reducing bio-diversity and increasing the risk of animals to disease.
The program is geared toward knitters and spinners. For a donation of $15, each participant gets a passport which lists the 22 breeds on the conservancy's priority list. The goal is to purchase at least 4 oz of fiber or yarn for each breed from conservancy verified farms. When you purchase the fiber, the seller sends a sticker for your passport.
Different wools have different qualities. This program is a great opportunity to sample different types of wool. It helps fiber artists gain experience with a range of new materials and it helps support the farms which raise these unique breeds.
The photos in this post are some of the projects I've completed so far. Yes, I made the model, too! The pillow in the photo is also another Shave 'Em to Save 'Em project as well.
I recommend checking out the program. Even if you don't knit, crochet, spin or weave, you can still support the conservancy through donation. The conservancy provides a range of services for farmers raising conservation breeds, including training and marketing and focuses on educating the public about conservation breeds and their importance.
Wool is life.