Targhee: Wool Educational Material for the Clothing Industry

Dual Purpose Breeds: Targhee

MATURE BODY WEIGHT

Ram 200-300 lb.
Ewe 140-200 lb.

AVERAGE fiber DIAMETER

Micron 25-21
Spinning Count 64-58

GREASE FLEECE WEIGHT

Ewe 10-14 lb.

YIELD

45-55%

STAPLE LENGTH

3-5"

Developed in 1926 at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho, the Targhee has 3/4 fine-wool and 1/4 long-wool breeding from Rambouillet x Columbia and Rambouillet x Lincoln x Corriedale crosses. The Targhee is a medium to large-sized, white-faced breed with wool on the legs and is adaptable to varied climate and forage conditions; they are predominantly located in the intermountain and northern states. They herd well, produce good quality market lambs, and yield a heavy, medium-wool fleece with good staple length.

Learn more about sheep & wool from the following resources.

Wool Research 

Wool fiber

Sheep Glossary

Benefits of Wool

Sheep Wool Grades

Wool Definition