Becky Weed and her husband, Dave Tyler, do not use lethal methods to protect their sheep from bears, coyotes and other predators. Their operation is certified as "Predator Friendly".

"The certification has given us a fair bit of attention over the years, so it has been a good marketing tool," says Weed.

The certification program was started in 1991 by a coalition of ranchers, conservationists and clothing manufacturers to certify wool growers using Predator Friendly practices. In 2003, it expanded to include producers of meat, eggs, honey and more. In 2007, it became part of the newly formed Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network. Today, both "Certified Wildlife Friendly" and "Predator Friendly" labels recognize producers whose actions contribute to wildlife conservation around the world. Predator Friendly producers commit to not using any lethal control (shooting, trapping, poison) to protect their livestock, hens, hives and such.

Applicants for certification fill out a pre-assessment form and, if approved as eligible, fill out a formal application with a $100 fee. A field visit and audit review verify the applicant meets program standards. They include providing habitat for native predators and other wildlife, how the livestock is protected from predators, and when emergency lethal protection can be considered.

Once certified, the producer pays a logo license fee of $150 the first year and, after reinspection the second year, pays a $250 license fee for operations with less than $250,000 turnover. The logo can be used with any product that has been raised from birth (or in the case of hens, first day after hatching) on the certified farm or ranch.

In Weed and Tyler's case, they produce organic lamb as well as wool products that are marketed directly to consumers. Initially they used llamas to protect their sheep, but they still lost several head to black bears. They then added a guard dog.

"He is getting quite old now, but he has been 100 percent effective," says Weed.

Weed and Tyler currently have a small flock, having recently sold many of their animals to a neighbor. They're working on developing a localized breed that does well in their area on the edge of Bozeman, Mont. Small producers are more likely to be Predator Friendly certified, suggests Weed, although large producers may follow similar practices.

"I've communicated with a lot of ranchers much bigger than us, and many are using predator friendly practices," she says. "I think the certification has served as a benchmark and educational tool, and the center of gravity has shifted on the issue."

Weed is quick to admit that sticking the label on products doesn't guarantee profitability. She considers it part of the "whole package" of running a business. Thirteen Mile is also certified organic and has operated a wool-processing mill since 2003.

"We process our own fiber and sell it as yarn and finished products," she says. "We also do custom processing. We offer washing, carding and spinning services, whatever the customer wants. We deal with a diverse array of people."

"It has worked out financially and adds value to a small flock of sheep," she says.

It also exposes her to the diversity of fibers produced from grass, something she appreciates. Even though most of the fibers she processes are from within a 100-mile radius, they have included bison, alpaca and rabbit. They have also included wool from nearly every breed grown in the U.S.

"There is a wonderful diversity in American sheep flocks, and I think that is a good thing," she says.