WE ARE SHANIKO WOOL

Working at the very roots of where sustainability begins.

JEANNE CARVER

Jeanne is at the forefront of an economic and rural revival, helping rebuild the importance of traditional skills, connections to the origins of food and fiber, and strengthening local, regional and domestic supply chain partners.  

Her story is one of successful adaptation to changing market needs. From her family’s Imperial Stock Ranch (est. 1871), she and her late husband Dan transitioned from selling commodity lamb and wool to selling retail products that are ecologically sensitive. With the founding of Shaniko Wool Company, she has overseen the expansion of RWS certified American wool into a variety of products and markets by working first with the ranchers, and with designers, brands and exclusively U.S. supply chain partners.  In an era of outsourcing and disconnect, she has led tirelessly with traceability and accountability, building relationships across the domestic textile industry. 

Jeanne serves on several boards related to agriculture, and in 2014, Jeanne became the source and voice of American wool for Ralph Lauren’s first Made in America Winter Olympic uniform program, and again in 2018 and 2022.

Jeanne believes the most important story she has shared is how well-managed herds of grazing animals on their ranch have revitalized grasses and contributed to healing streams and the restoration of traditional salmon runs in Buckhollow Creek, a major tributary to the designated wild and scenic Deschutes River. With the Carbon Initiative, she is investing in the research and measured and verified results of an even greater story: the positive ecosystem impacts of Shaniko Wool Company ranches across a broader piece of the American landscape.

AWARDS

  • Orchid Award for Women of Influence, Portland Business Journal

  • Oregon Agriculture Connection Award for leadership in connecting consumers to the source of food and fiber

  • Female Farmers Changing the Fashion Industry, Pratt Institute of New York

  • American Sheep Industry Innovation Award

  • Oregon State University College of Agricultural Sciences Hall of Fame

BEN CARVER

Ben Carver was raised on the historic Imperial Stock Ranch in Central Oregon and was immersed in the regenerative agricultural methods championed by his parents, Dan and Jeanne Carver. Now the vice president of Shaniko Wool Company, Ben joined the family business in 2022 after a successful career in the humanitarian sector as a national director of programs. He led projects in conservation, education, and public health, from Yemen and Haiti to Lebanon and Pakistan. He holds a bachelor’s of science in environmental economics from the University of Oregon, a master’s in international development from Clark University, and is a certified mediator.

At Shaniko Wool Company, one of Ben’s primary roles is to implement the Carbon Initiative, which measures the positive carbon impact of the regenerative farming methods on all of their partner ranches throughout the West. Ben meets with ranchers, collects field samples, coordinates with the laboratory team, and provides feedback which helps guide management decisions.

Ben also runs all certification programs, including the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) and NATIVA Regen, helping ranchers create management plans that meet stringent guidelines. Ben’s passion for the environment, community, and sustainable practices guides his work with Shaniko Wool.

ROBERT MILLER

Bob is a third-generation member of an esteemed U.S. textile family. With more than 40 years of experience in yarn production, fibers, fabrications, and marketing, he brings depth and industry knowledge to the Shaniko Wool Company team.