Western Massachusetts Fibershed has started a wool pelletizer business to create a value-added product from “waste” wool.
Wool pellets are a high-nitrogen soil amendment with other benefits, such as retaining moisture in the soil. Sourcing wool from local farms, we use machines to first chop, then pelletize the wool, compacting it at a ratio of 9 lbs. wool to 1 lb. pellets. We have field tested the pellets at the UMass Permaculture Garden and Rich Earth Institute. We have also sent samples for lab analysis to determine NPK values.
Farmers may bring their waste wool for processing into pellets at a cost of $5/ lb, minimum 25 lbs. Western Mass Fibershed will market pellets to gardeners as a local product alternative to other soil amendments.
FAQ
How can I get my wool processed into pellets?
Call Peggy at 413 625-2730 to make an appointment. Processing equipment is in Shelburne Falls MA. We can process 25 lbs/hour. Plan to stay and help process your wool. You don’t need to prepare the wool- as it goes into the shredder you will be sorting out large tags. Vegetable matter is fine. We can’t accept wool with moth damage.
What will my pellets look like when I leave?
You will leave with a much smaller volume of pellets, in the ratio of 9:1. Bring 5 gallon buckets to take your pellets home. One bucket will hold 20 lbs. of pellets.
When can I process?
Processing is in an unheated space, so it is seasonal, May through October.