In Morton County, just north of New Salem, a family farm known as Friesz Family Farm has carved out a distinctive niche by producing a range of items derived from sheep's wool. While New Salem is widely recognized for its cattle ranches and the iconic Salem Sue, Friesz Family Farm, established in 2018 by Joana Friesz, focuses prominently on its sheep flock, numbering around 120 head across various breeds. The farm also maintains cattle operations, which are managed by Joana’s son, Thomas Friesz.
Joana Friesz, who shepherds the farm's sheep, utilizes the abundant wool to craft a variety of products for local consumers. Among these, Joana Friesz has identified wool soap and dryer balls as her most popular offerings. The unique wool soap, in particular, is noted for several practical advantages: Joana Friesz explained that the wool integrated into the soap contributes to its longevity, provides natural exfoliation benefits, and enables the soap to dry out more quickly after each use. The process of preparing the wool for these products involves specific machinery, with Joana Friesz mentioning the use of a shredding machine for the material.
Beyond household and personal care items, Friesz Family Farm also manufactures wool pellets. According to Joana Friesz, these pellets are "good for the soil," suggesting an agricultural application for the wool byproduct. The farm ensures comprehensive utilization of its livestock resources, including the use of meat from its animals. This approach reflects a commitment to minimizing waste and maximizing the value derived from their agricultural endeavors.
Joana Friesz's dedication to her work stems from a deep-rooted family tradition; she attributes her strong work ethic to her parents, who were also farmers. Carrying this legacy forward, she actively engages with the community by organizing tours for local students at Friesz Family Farm. These tours serve an educational purpose, as Joana Friesz aims to instill the same values of hard work and diligence in the younger generation. The farm’s innovative use of wool showcases a model of agricultural diversification in the greater Bismarck-Mandan area, offering distinct products that resonate with local interest in sustainable and farm-direct goods.
