The information contained in a histogram report is a valuable tool when assessing the quality of alpaca fiber. Yet, the histogram results may be the least understood factor for prospective or new alpaca owners, and even experienced breeders.

The results of a histogram, using a “good” sample (as outlined by Yocom-McColl Testing Laboratories), provide objective information regarding some of the characteristics and quality of the fiber produced by an individual alpaca. When tracked over time, histograms provide useful information related to the genetic propensity of an alpaca to maintain those qualities.

The basics: AFD, SD, CV, %> 30

AFD: Average Fiber Diameter is the measurement commonly known as the micron count and represents the average diameter of the fiber sample measured in microns. Of the four basic standards of measurement, the AFD is the most easily affected by variables, yet is often the one measurement that receives the most attention and consideration when making buying and breeding decisions. The three primary variables are: age, sex, and nutrition. Age is a factor because as an animal matures, the fiber tends to become coarser (higher micron value). Also, nursing cria may have a higher count because of the nutritional composition of the mother’s milk. Males frequently have a higher micron count than females due to the influence of testosterone. Nutrition can have a great affect. Often, overfed animals produce higher micron counts. A fourth and lesser influence affecting AFD is the color of the fiber. Whites and fawns tend to have lower AFD readings than the darker colors due to the lower color pigment of the fiber.

SD: Standard Deviation represents the variation from the AFD. Statistically, about 68% of all the fibers will have a micron count that is plus or minus one SD of the AFD. For example: an alpaca with an AFD of 24 and an SD of 4 will have about 68% of the fibers in the fleece measuring between 20 and 28 microns. Generally, the smaller the SD the better.

CV: Coefficient of Variation represents SD as a percentage of AFD. In the example above the CV is 16%…..4(SD) divided by 24(AFD) = .16 or 16%.

Breeding for uniformity (consistency) is a major goal in a breeding program and the CV is a good indicator of uniformity. Typically, an alpaca with a good “handle” will have a relatively low CV (<20%).

%>30: Represents the percentage of fibers greater than 30 microns and determines the CF (Comfort Factor). Essentially, the CF is the percentage of fibers smaller than 30 microns. The CF is calculated by subtracting the percentage of fibers greater than 30 microns from 100%. For example, if the %>30 is 2.0 the CF is 98%. The closer the CF is to 100 the more comfortable the fiber will feel next to the skin.

When making alpaca purchasing and breeding decisions there are many factors to consider (density, coverage, fiber architecture, conformation, phenotype, and genotype), that are not assessed by a histogram. When considered with these other factors, and clearly understood and used properly, histogram results are an effective marketing tool for sellers and a useful filter for buyers.

When you buy an alpaca or a breeding, keep your eye on the numbers…..the objective results of the histogram indicated by the AFD (aka micron count), SD, CV, and CF.

Volunteering….What’s In It For You?

By Dianna Jordan, Alpacas of Somerset Farm

Volunteers are unpaid helpers who are without a doubt, the backbone of strong organizations, associations, and events. As a group, volunteers donate countless hours of a limited and valuable resource….time. As individuals, they share their valuable time and unique talents with others.

There are many personal reasons for volunteering. Giving back to an organization or community for the benefits received from membership. A dedication to a “cause” or “project” that is very near and dear. Perhaps it is the desire to share special skills, talents, or interests. Motivation is strong because volunteers receive personal satisfaction for the work they do……there is something in it for them.

So, what’s in it for you? Taking the approach that you are interested in growing your alpaca business, volunteering can provide you with much more than money can buy. There are increased opportunities for ranch or name recognition, continuing education, advertising/marketing, and a few extra “perks.”

Ranch or name recognition:

Ranch or name recognition is invaluable. Volunteering is a great way to get your name out to other alpaca people. Successful event coordinators recognize that acknowledging volunteers by listing their names in programs is a great way to motivate volunteer participation. If you have a few of these programs on hand, look at the pages acknowledging volunteers. This will also give you an idea of the many available volunteer opportunities.

Plain and simple, the more times people see your name or ranch name the more likely they are to remember it. Also, the more your name keeps appearing the more likely the mental association is made that you are a serious alpaca owner and serious about this business.

Continuing education:

Volunteering offers many opportunities for continuing education. Education can take a variety of forms from the insightful information given by the fleece judge within the confines of the fleece judging room to working animal check-in and realizing what happens to the check-in flow when the paperwork is not in order.

If you are on a special committee or task force you have the opportunity to learn far more about that particular topic than those not on the committee.

Advertising/marketing:

This benefit is associated with ranch/name recognition. Your name is on the volunteer list. What a great way to expand your advertising/marketing program without any out-of-pocket cost. Also, if you filled a major role during an event, chances are there will be an opportunity when the event coordinator acknowledges specific people and your name will probably be among them.

Perks:

This benefit can come in many different forms depending on the event. Shows I have been associated with allow early check-in for volunteers. If you show your animals, you know the value of being able to check-in ahead of the crowd.

If you are one of those people who likes to be “In The Know”, volunteering for events or serving on committees provides an opportunity to receive information before everyone else does and a “behind the scenes” look.

Volunteering for events or serving on committees also gives you opportunities to network with others within the alpaca community who are interested in the same things you are.

So, maybe by this time, I have given you a different perspective on volunteering. That there can be something in it for you beyond the service you provide. However, you would love to volunteer, but……….you just don’t have time. Or, if the event is a show, you are so busy showing and you really don’t know what your schedule is going to be.

Regarding time, we all have different obligations, commitments, demands in our lives, etc. Only you know how much time you have available. Perhaps your schedule is so full that you couldn’t begin to consider volunteering for a task needing completion before an event. However, let’s say the event we are talking about is a show, and you plan on showing so you are going to be at the event. What volunteer roles are available before the classes begin, when it wouldn’t conflict with your show schedule?

Please take some time to think about how you can utilize your specific talents through volunteering. Realize the “warm fuzzy feelings” that come along with knowing you are contributing are enhanced by knowing there are some real and practical results “in it for you.”

The Time Is Now to Focus on Fiber

By Dianna Jordan, Alpacas of Somerset Farm

We become alpaca owners for a number of reasons. Some of us may be looking for unique or novel pets (quality fiber producing alpacas may actually sell for less than registered dogs or cats), we may be lured by the inviting "alpaca lifestyle" and many of the associated benefits (financial and otherwise). Maybe we are looking for a way to supplement retirement income, or perhaps the plan is to build a full-time business breeding and selling alpacas. Integrated into this mix of reasons to own and raise alpacas are those owners focusing on the alpaca product…fiber. I believe that ultimately the sustainable alpaca business will focus on quality fiber production.

When looking into the alpaca business, how many of us asked the question "what do you raise the alpacas for?" Otherwise interpreted as...what do you do with them? The answer probably sounded something like...we are building the North America herd in order to meet the future demand for quality fiber production. And, we are a long way from having the number of alpacas needed to meet those demands. For many (probably most), that translates to we must continue to breed and sell in order to create that future.

If we have entered the alpaca industry as a way to build a financial future (supplemental or full-time) then we had best pay attention to, and gain knowledge about, the fiber industry. It has been my experience, personally and anecdotal, that in the early days of doing research the "fiber part" of the business is often overlooked or postponed. Unless someone enters the business already familiar with the end product there isn't much of an understanding, or sense of "need to know," associated with learning the essentials of creating a valued end product. Yet, in most cases, fiber production is the reason growing the national herd is so highly touted.

As we continue to move toward the future we would be wise to learn as much as we can, as quickly as we can, about how to create the fiber production future many of us are "banking on." We need to create a vision of our fiber business and we need to make breeding decisions based on the future we envision. We must then learn how to grow our business to match our vision.

Fiber production education is available...in books, on websites, at shows/conferences/ workshops, etc. As responsible business owners, we must meet the challenge to build our fiber business, and ultimately the alpaca business, through education and action.

Whether you choose mini mills, fiber pools and/or cooperatives, or a combination of both, please do something with your annual fiber harvest. As you look at your bags of fleece stop for a minute and picture luxury clothing, warm wraps/sweaters/coats, toasty toes and warm heads. Picture quiet evenings turning yarn into a special gift for that special someone. Think about the flourishing fiber industry we are on the verge of creating and become part of that process by choosing to process your harvest and getting it into the hands of the consumer.

Tips for Maximizing Your Alpaca Fiber Harvest

By Dianna Jordan, Alpacas of Somerset Farm

For some alpaca ranchers, fiber is the primary product. For others, breeding and selling alpacas is the primary product and fiber is secondary. Either way, all alpaca ranchers will reap a harvest of raw alpaca fiber every year. That raw fiber has the potential to add to the bottom-line of your alpaca business operation. This article discusses ways you can maximize the potential income from your fiber harvest.

If you followed effective pre-shearing practices…kept your pastures clean and free of debris and stickers; used feeders that minimize the amount of "loose" hay that always manages to make it's way into the crook of the neck area causing matting and tangling; provided good nutrition; kept the stress levels to a minimum, and sheared your alpacas when their fleece was dry, then you created a good pre-shearing environment for maximum results.

Another critical step in successfully shearing for maximum value, is selecting a knowledgeable and efficient shearer. You want to make sure your shearer understands fiber characteristics well enough to know when the traditional "blanket" area can be expanded, or needs to be reduced, based on the quality of the fiber. The shearer should strive to keep second cuts, short pieces of fleece caused by the shearer going over the same spot twice with the second cut being shorter, to a minimum. These second cuts (nubs) can be seen on the cut side of the fleece and need to be removed before processing.

Effectively preparing (organizing) for shearing day cannot be over-stated or over-rated. The larger your herd, the more critical the preparation. If you have ever experienced a disorganized shearing, you know what I am talking about. Fortunately, preparing for shearing day can be done months or days before the event. Following is a shearing preparation checklist. It is not all-inclusive and can certainly be modified to meet your individual needs.

_ Schedule your shearing date well in advance. Exceptional shearers are booked months in advance. In fact, in some cases, the shearers write their own schedules and let their regular customers know when they will be available for shearing.

_ Arrange for help on shearing days. Many ranches work together and exchange "labor" by assisting each other on shearing days. The number of helpers you need depends on how large your herd is, how many days you will be shearing, if you plan on doing regular herd maintenance (vaccines, toe nails, tooth trimming, etc) at the same time. Some of the designated jobs on shearing day include someone:

§ responsible for lining up the alpacas for shearing (gathering, haltering, and leading into shearing area)

§ to help shearer prepare the alpacas for stretching (securing front and back legs) or to be put on a shearing table, holding the head while alpaca is secured, holding the alpaca for any shearing done while the alpaca is standing

§ to gather the fleece as it is sheared and place in appropriate bags or other containers

§ to lead the alpacas away from the shearing area after shearing

§ to sweep the shearing area between alpacas

§ to give vaccinations, trim nails/teeth, etc.

§ to weigh the fleece and break out by total shear weight and blanket weight. Some ranches weigh the alpacas before and after the shearing for total weight and then break out the blanket weight.

_ Preparation that can be done well in advance of shearing day

§ purchase clear plastic trash/garbage bags

§ create labels for the bags to record alpaca's name and date of shear. These can be pre-printed with the information

• you will want a minimum of two bags—one for the blanket, and one for the neck fiber

§ attach the labels to the bags and have them ready for use

§ create a list of the alpacas to be sheared, in the order they will be sheared.

• This list can be adapted to fit the needs of the ranch. Some ranches shear the boys and then the girls. Most ranches shear by color starting with the light and moving to the dark (this helps avoid color contamination in case pieces of sheared fiber are left on the shearing area between shearing).

§ if your shearing is going to last most of the day, be prepared to provide a meal and snacks for your helpers. Also, have plenty of water on hand.

_ Schedule a time to prepare your fleece for processing. Experience has shown, if you don't schedule it you will put it off or not done at all.

Whether you are preparing your fiber to send to a mini-mill or one of the fiber cooperatives, there are certain steps you can take to help ensure you receive maximum return on your raw fiber. Whether you do it yourself, or expect the processor to do it for you (which will add to the expense of processing), your fiber will need to be skirted, cleaned, sorted, and graded. Please keep in mind, preparing a fleece to send for processing isn't nearly as involved as preparing a fleece for a fleece show.

The following list of "Terrible Toos" was created by AFCNA Board Member Starr Cash. She has graciously given her permission for this list to be used by anyone promoting effective fiber preparation. The list contains the most common reasons fiber is labeled as having NCV (no commercial value). NCV fiber is just what it says, of no value to the processor meaning no value to you as the producer. Most of the "Terrible Toos" can be eliminated during the skirting process.

The "Terrible Toos"

• Too short -- less than 1.5"

• Too long -- more than 7.5"

• Too tender – take a few strands and holding on to the ends, quickly try to pull (snap) apart. If the fiber breaks, it is too tender.

• Too stained – mostly a problem with whites

• Too much Vegetable Matter or other contamination (feels "crunchy" when you grab a handful of fiber and squeeze)

• Too matted

• Too molded – usually happens when fleece is wet or damp when bagged

• Too buggy - infested with moths or other insects

• Too Hairy - Topknots, tails, and lower leg hair, excess guard hair

Alpacas produce a wonderful annual harvest. It is up to each of us to promote "the fiber of the Gods" by getting it into the hands of the consumer. That is the only way we can build the future fiber industry.

Website created and maintained by Dianna Jordan

This site was last updated 03/08/08