Saturday, March 11, 2006

Alpaca Info

Alpaca Info

Rochelle Fairfield, Carrie Hull and Robyn Kuhl have just returned from >an intensive fiber sorter course in Alberta, Canada and have started work >on their in depth apprenticeships. They are the first Americans to >complete the course work and to start apprentiships and as such, would like >to offer a special deal to our fellow alpaca breeders. To complete the >course, we need to evaluate and sort 200 huacaya and 25 suri fleeces (per >person). We are offering to sort and evluate your fleeces during the 2006 >shearing season for free! Read on to find out how this process will >benefit you as an alpaca fiber producer or breeder.What does a sorter do during my shearing?As the fleece is removed from the animal, it is divided into sections and taken to a skirting table. Each section is weighed, skirted and graded. A sample is also taken for fiber analysis, if the producer chooses to do so. This information is recorded for you with any notes about that area or the fleece as a whole. The sections are then bagged, with the blanket in the bottom, leg & neck on the top. This is accomplished while the shearer is completing the next animal. It doesn't usually slow the process down, and as a benefit to you, all the sorting, skirting, and sampling is done for the year, during the shearing process! The sorter is happy to give suggestions for your fiber use and processing.> Here is how this would benefit you:>> 1. If you process your fiber, your end product will have a dramatic >improvementin handle and wear of the finished product. Ask to see our samples of graded and ungraded products to better understand and see the difference - you won't believe your eyes!> 2. If you do not process your fiber you will know what range of grade >each alpaca has and their total shearing weight. This is information you >have to present and share with potential buyers.> 3. Knowing the uniformity of grade in your alpacas will help you to make >breeding decisions and helps you to set goals for improvement on each >animal.> 4. Your shearing session can be more efficient, sorters can help you >improve the flow of your shearing process. We are happy to help you in a >friendly and supportive way!> 5. You will have an analysis of what you are producing. Something you >cannot get in the showring or from a histogram.Sorting your fleece can also help you understand your fiber analysis and the stengths and weakness of each animal. You will find that you appreciate the animals you have more as you see just what they can add to the fiber pool, and to your profits as a producer.>> Here is how the process works:>> The fiber sorter will> 1. Coordinate with the shearer to ensure proper shearing proceedure to >accomplish the results required by the processor.
2. Confer with the >producer to determine the expected end result of the producers fiber >harvest.> 3. Discuss options to maximize the net profit from the harvest.> 4. Sort the fiber according to color, grade, length.> 5. Ensure record keeping.> 6. Supervise the shearing and sorting operation.>> There will be no charge to you for this service during the 2006 >shearing! If you are happy with what we have done for you, we would be >most appreciative of a donation of grades 5 & 6 fiber.(29 microns or higher) If we have to travel some distance we would really appreciate it if you could supply a warm bed or even a sofa, and keep us fed. ( well Robyn anyway) If airfare is required, assistance would be appreciated.>Schedule your free alpaca fiber sorting now, so that we can accomadate you. If you have questions, or just want to know more about this process, please feel free to visit with any one of us. We will also have information at the Alpaca Perusal booth at Alpacapalooza. You will be amazed at the information this process gives you, and be suprised and delighted with products that can be produced in the current market place using graded fibers!Here's to happy shearing and bundles of beautiful fiber!>>> Rochelle Fairfield micaglen@verizon.net 208-664-6183> Carrie Hull, timber_basin@hotmail.com 208-265-2625> Robyn Kuhl alpaca@fromtheheartranch.com 208-265-2788>>
Why swim with a dolphin when you can hum with an alpaca!!!