From The

Outside

Looking In

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In all viable agricultural businesses the end product or service determines the future of the business. The future of the U.S. alpaca industry ultimately lies in the market for products made from alpaca fiber. Obviously this is not the driving force behind alpaca sales today and will not be for quite a while. But just as the meat on the table is the main determining factor in the cattle industry the alpaca products people wear will be the driving factor behind the future alpaca market.  

My Conclusions: From Conversations With Those In The Industry

 

Alpaca owners must do a better job handling their alpacas to have cleaner, higher quality fleeces to send to the processors. This includes everyday care (bedding, feeding ect,) and shearing practices.

 

Owners must become educated on how nutrition effects fiber quality. Be sure of what you are feeding your alpacas.

 

There must be a more consistent standards grading fleece quality

Fleece testing will become more and more important, this will be a major factor in determining fiber value.

 

Owners need to have larger quantities of each color and if the diversity of color is desired they need to have more

    research on color genetics to keep the colors true. (Predicting Cria Color) 

 

As the fiber market grows there will be a need for more white fiber.

 

The Trading of Herdsires or Herdsire Service? 

   In the last few weeks I have had some comments from some smaller alpaca farm owners about the need to ad new genetics into their herds, but they are unable to justify the capital outlay that it would require to bring in a new herdsire. Some  of these farms may not have the capital to invest, some may have too many herdsires already.

    Small size alpaca farms may need to look into the old idea of barter. Where herdsire services are traded or even herdsires are swapped and no or only a little cash is involved.

    What do you think? Email your comments

 

Why Test Your Fiber

Ultimately the future or the end of the American Alpaca industry will depend upon the demand for products made from American Alpaca Fiber. The higher the quality of the raw fiber the higher quality of the finished product. Alpaca breeders must know the quality of the fiber their animals produce. Breeding programs must stress quality fiber first. While confirmation should always be an important in a breeding program, fiber quality should be be most important area of future Alpaca shows. 

     As the Alpaca industry moves from a expansion driven market to a fiber driven market fiber testing will be even more important. The selection of herdsires will be based on their ability to produce cria that with the best fiber.

     Can quality fiber be judged by it's look? Or it's feel? Fiber testing is the tool that will lead to a much better ability to select herdsires and dams.

Some Suggestions For Those Thinking About Becoming Alpaca owners.

 

Research.....Research....Research.....Learn all you can before you buy. Talk to owners (not just to those who you are buying from). Visit internet sites. Talk to fiber mills. Feed suppliers. Check out your local area for potential buyers for your raw or processed fiber products and know what their needs are.

 

Be clear in what you expect from your alpaca farm: Is it going to be a hobby or a business.

Learn the tax laws that apply to your operation.

Develop a long term plan: know where you want  to be in five years.

 

Specialize in one color: while there are 22 colors of alpacas and variety looks nice in the field. Start out with one color so you can have large enough quantities fleece to meet the needs of a prospective buyer.

 

Know what you are feeding your animals.

 

Do not allow yourselves to get caught up in the "make big bucks overnight with alpacas" thinking. The potential for nice returns is a definite reality but several owners I have talked expected unrealistic quick profits.

 

                                                        The Future Of Alpaca Fiber