Aspen Roots

Aspen Roots raises American yak in Smoot, Wy in Lincoln County and the Greater Yellowstone area near Jackson. They have dedicated years to careful breeding and follow standards set by the International Yak Association, with routine health screening for Johne’s disease, hoof trimming and parasite management to support herd vitality.

Animals graze on open pastures around the base of the Wyoming Range, where rotational grazing plans and shaded barns offer balanced nutrition and protection through all seasons. Daily handling and calm training sessions help yak calves build trust in people and develop the gentle temperaments valued by fiber producers. Their attention to gentle husbandry has made their animals well regarded among local farmers and conservation groups interested in low impact livestock.

Visitors often note the yaks’ calm presence in the open barn and share how quickly the animals adapt to simple enrichment activities. This hands on approach began over a decade ago when the founders recognized yak’s potential for sustainable fiber and range restoration on their mountain pasture.