new research and teaching ….

new research and teaching opportunities within the wool industry. As one of only two university-associated wool laboratories in the nation, the MSU Wool Lab plays an important role in supporting sheep producers while advancing research on wool quality and natural fibers.

Construction of the Combined State Labs building began in 2024. The project was made possible through appropriations approved by the Montana Legislature during its 2021 and 2023 sessions, as well as the Montana Board of Regents’ approval of using university land for the shared facility.

The building replaces aging laboratory spaces, some of which were more than 70 years old. The MSU Wool Lab portion of the project also benefited from private donations secured through the MSU Alumni Foundation.

From left; Mike Honeycutt, executive dir. of the Montana Deptartment of Livestock, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, Montana State University President Brock Tessman and MSU V.P. for Agriculture Sreekala Bajwa cut a ribbon to celebrate the opening of the Wool Lab and Combined State Laboratories Friday, July 17, in Bozeman.

Photo by MSU's Marcus 'Doc” Cravens