Pioneering Oregon Company Provides Wool for Olympic Athletes in Paris

The thrill is palpable as the Olympic athletes of Team USA prepare for the grandeur of the opening ceremony in Paris, adorned in exquisite wool from an Oregon-based company. It’s a thrilling realization that the fine folks at Imperial Ranch Farms in Maupin, Oregon have been collaborating with fashion magnate Ralph Lauren to provide wool for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics for the past three cycles.

For Jeanne Carver, a trailblazer at Imperial Ranch Farms, the journey of supplying wool for the Olympics has been nothing short of a transformative odyssey. In fact, this experience sparked the creation of the Shaniko Wool Company in 2018, a collective devoted to marketing and selling sustainable wool.

And now, the excitement soars even higher as Imperial Ranch Farms broadens their Olympic involvement to include attire for the summer games and Paralympics. For Carver, who once graced the Summer Olympics as a volleyball player and track athlete while attending Oregon State University in the 1970s, this new chapter holds a special place in her heart.

The saga commenced in 2012 when Ralph Lauren approached Carver for wool. At the time, she didn’t realize it was related to the Olympic outfits, but she eagerly provided the finest wool from her ranch. Since then, Imperial Ranch Farms has been pivotal in supplying wool for the Olympic attire in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

This was just the beginning. After the 2014 games, global brands took notice of the superior quality and sustainable practices of Oregon-produced wool and reached out to Carver for orders. This interest not only displayed the ranch’s commitment to high standards but also underscored its sustainable land management practices.

Born and raised in Oregon, Carver has devoted herself to advocating for sustainable wool from her family’s ranch. In 2017, Imperial Stock Ranch achieved certification under the Responsible Wool Standard, becoming the first entity to do so. This third-party audited global standard acknowledges ethical and sustainable wool production. Following this, Carver founded the Shaniko Wool Company to extend the supply of Responsible Wool Standard-certified wool, representing over two million acres of land in the western U.S.

As the anticipation for the Olympic opening ceremony continues to soar, Carver eagerly looks forward to seeing Team USA athletes proudly adorned in Ralph Lauren’s blue blazer, woven partially with wool from Shaniko Wool Company.

But what truly elevates her excitement is the knowledge that athletes like Jade Carey from Oregon State University will be sporting wool from her efforts. It’s a personal connection that fills her with immense joy and pride.

When the Olympic grandeur commences, Carver will be captivated, not only witnessing her hard work come to life but also because she is an unwavering sports enthusiast. The thought of athletes like Steph Curry and Sabrina Ionescu wearing Shaniko wool fills her heart with profound gratitude and elation.

So, as you witness the athletes representing Team USA at the Olympics, take a pause to appreciate the rich history and unwavering dedication woven into every piece of wool they proudly wear. It’s a true testament to the passion and commitment of individuals like Jeanne Carver and the remarkable team at Imperial Ranch Farms.