LARAMIE — The Wyoming Wool Initiative, in partnership with the University of Wyoming College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 Lamb-a-Year program.

This flagship program offers UW students valuable industry experience and provides regional sheep producers with individualized lamb quality data.

“Broadly speaking, the Lamb-a-Year program is important because it allows us to partner with Wyoming sheep producers in a program that integrates all aspects of the University’s land grant mission — extension, teaching and research,” said Whit Stewart, UW Extension sheep specialist. “The proceeds from these lambs help us strengthen the sheep industry by training the next generation of industry professionals and conducting relevant research that improves animal management.”

Participating producers are asked to donate feeder lambs of 70-90 pounds. All lambs must have a valid brand inspection. The Wyoming Wool Initiative coordinates with donors to arrange drop-off and pick-up locations during the fall, with all lambs delivered to the Laramie Research and Extension Center at the beginning of October. 

In order to receive meaningful results, donors are encouraged to enter at least two lambs into the test, which begins in mid-October and runs through February 2027. 

The program supports research that improves animal health, nutrition and production efficiency. “Past research has allowed us to better understand the genetic potential that isn’t often measured when animals leave the ranch,” says Stewart. “We collect animal performance and meat quality data that is shared with the rancher so they can use it for genetic selection and marketing to buyers.”

In 2025, 23 ranches donated a total of 93 lambs to the program. 

Lamb sales help support educational programming for students and producers, workshops at the annual Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival, UW meat science curriculum, lamb quality research, and more. Students receive practical experience with feeding and managing sheep through multiple UW courses.  

To learn more about the Lamb-a-Year program and its impact on students, visit bit.ly/lay-impact.

For those interested in donating lambs, visit bit.ly/lay-2026 and fill out the online form by Sept. 30. Producers receive a tax-deductible charitable gift receipt based on the market value of their lambs.

The Wool Initiative also accepts financial contributions and in-kind donations, such as feed, to support the Lamb-a-Year program. Visit bit.ly/lay-2026 to make a donation.

Contact the Wyoming Wool Initiative at lstewar9@uwyo.edu with questions.