MSU Sheep Program Facilities
Red Bluff Research Ranch
- HISTORY: In about 1954, a discussion was initiated between Professors Van Horn and Drummond and the leadership
of the Montana Woolgrowers Association about the need for MSU to own a ranch for range livestock research.
In 1956, MSU, with the help of the Montana Wool Growers
and Stockgrowers Associations, received a special
appropriation from the Montana State Legislature and the ranch was purchased.
- LOCATION: Thirty-three miles southwest of Bozeman
- SIZE: Approximately 13,000 acres.
- PRESENT USE: Currently 700 mature ewes and 175 cows
- SHEEP:
- Rambouillet: 200 Breeding Project; 100 Commercial
- Targhee: 300 mature ewes
- Columbia: 100 mature ewes
Fort Ellis Research Ranch
- HISTORY: The old army headquarters known as Fort Ellis was turned over to the Experiment Station for
research in the early 1900’s.
- PRESENT USE: The main headquarters plus approximately 200 acres of pasture land is used for the sheep program.
The remainder of the fort is used for hay production and cattle grazing.
- SHEEP:
- Stud rams: 30 head
- Rambouillet Yearling Rams 30 head
- Targhee Yearling Rams 50 hd
Montana Wool Laboratory
- HISTORY: The Montana Wool Laboratory was established by the sheep producers of Montana to serve the sheep
industry. In 1945, the Montana Legislature established the Montana Wool Laboratory as part of the Agricultural
Experiment Station. Until about 1980, the Montana Wool Laboratory was operated as a separate unit of
the Montana Experiment Station. At that time, it was incorporated into the Animal and Range Sciences Department.
The purpose of the laboratory (as established by the legislature) "shall be the carrying on of effective
scientific and practical research and testing work to develop a complete and accurate knowledge of wools
as possible." It is one of only three research wool laboratories in the United States.
- LOCATION: MSU Campus
- PRESENT USE: The Montana Wool Laboratory’s purpose is to support MSU sheep research, teaching
and research efforts. In addition, research projects associated with objective measurement of wool are
conducted. This laboratory also collaborates with many scientists throughout the west concerning wool
aspects of their research activities. Cooperative work is currently being conducted with the University
of Nevada, the US Sheep Station at Dubois Idaho, and the University of Minnesota.
- SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: The Montana Wool Laboratory has two Objective Fiber Diameter Analyzer laboratory units
(OFDA 100) and one field unit (OFDA2000). This is the most advanced technological instrument available
for measuring fiber diameter. There are only two similar laboratory instruments and four other field units
operational in the U.S.
