The Southwest Fiber Alliance received LATC funding to purchase a horse trailer and converting it into both a mobile sheep shearing and wool processing unit, and an educational platform to connect animal fiber producers and consumer economies in Durango.

The funds went towards the purchase of a horse trailer (with an effort to purchase within Durango City limits) and associated mobile fiber processing setup costs, fiber washing equipment, and fiber processing and sales equipment. This is a two-part project; they offered fiber processing services to sheep farmers, and used that fiber for educational programs in Durango and to sell.

The Southwest Fiber Alliance purchased a horse trailer and equipped it to be a mobile fiber-processing facility. They partnered with Granite Peaks Ranch, a Vallecito yak ranch, to implement this project. Granite Peaks Ranch employs and ensures a qualified sheep shearer who staffed the mobile unit. A range of fiber processing services for farmers was also offered. They sent high-quality wool to a mill to produce it into yarn and other products.

For wool that is damaged or low-quality, a pelletizer from Granite Peaks Ranch utilized this otherwise wasted fiber. Wool pellets are valuable for soil development for both home gardens and larger agricultural operations. This fully utilizes locally-grown fiber, with waste wool going to pelletization and quality wool being available for crafting or other functional uses. Wool is environmentally sustainable and does not leave toxic microplastics in the environment like synthetic fibers.

For phase two, they partnered with the Durango Public Library and Create Art & Tea to offer educational programs like demonstrating fiber processing techniques and teaching fiber arts like spinning and weaving. They also had a presence at the Durango Farmers Market and the La Plata County Fair, where they sold wool pellets and yarn.