Whitney and I have been working hard to prepare for this year's Wool Buy! We'll be spending 10 days traveling throughout the Southwest, going from Albuquerque to locations in New Mexico, Utah and Arizona. Every year we see many of the same faces, and love catching up with friends and acquaintances. There's been a good deal of rain this year, so sheep and shepherds alike are feeling thankful and happy. Lambs abound, and shearing has begun.

Many of our friends down there are doing amazing work throughout the year, and we would love for you to check out their work. Black Mesa Water Coalition has a long history with Peace Fleece, and is empowering the Navajo population by bringing back traditional, regenerative food systems, working towards a restorative economy, encouraging traditional shepherding with the churro sheep breed, and providing education and political action. We'll be attending Sheep is Life this year for the second year in a row, and look forward to meeting the vendors and educators who contribute to the event. 

Every year we are working to raise the price of the wool, and this year will be no different. We're also participating in a bag exchange for the first time, for every bag weighing over 150 lbs, the shepherd will receive a free bag to use next year. We're excited to once again be joined by Stanley from Mid States, who is responsible for putting so much of this week together, our amazing volunteers Lisa and Jen, and the Varndells, who buy all of the mohair that comes through the buy. This group of people has been working together for the past 8 years, and we are so honored to be a part of this project. Follow us on our journey via Instagram, and be sure to keep an eye out for our post trip email, giving you all the details of our visit to the Nation.

-Michelle