Short Summary
My wife and I started raising suri alpacas in 2007 starting
with just 4 animals. Over the past 7 years thru some breeding but a lot of adopting animals that otherwise might not have been well-taken care of or, worse, put
down, we now have 31 alpacas and 2 very large llamas. We only ever intended to have 20-25 animals
as we believe that is about what our land in this high alpine desert climate
can sustainably support. But by helping
others we have about 40% more animals than we intended when we started.
What We Need & What You Get
We need to fertilize our pastures. For a variety of reasons, we have not fertilized for a few years, but now we feel that we
must fertilize them not only for the animals but for the land itself. The terrible drought of 2012 was a major step
back in our otherwise successful efforts to improve our pastures from the overgrazing that the previous owners allowed. We have had our soil analyzed
and have found a source of the appropriate fertilizer. Applying fertilizer this spring will not only
help the land recover but will help us continue our preservation efforts on saving the genetic lineage of the Suri alpaca. The funds
received will go towards improving the pastures for these wonderful animals so
that they roam and exercise as nature intended. The more finds we receive the more consecutive years we will be able to guarantee that the pastures will be fertilized.
Take a look at the perks you can receive for a contribution –
notice that all of them are alpaca related.
What a wonderful way to help us and help spread the word of these amazing
animals and their fiber.
The Impact
Alpacas produce a wonderful
fiber that is shorn once a year.
The fiber is then processed and made into products just like sheep’s
wool. Like sheep’s wool, alpaca is a
natural fiber that is naturally water repellent and keeps you warm even when
wet. However, unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca is
stronger, warmer, much softer (many compare it to cashmere but it doesn’t pill),
and is hypoallergenic (nearly everyone that is allergic to sheep’s wool are not
allergic to alpaca). There are 2 breeds
of alpaca 90% of alpacas are Huacaya, the other 10% are Suri. The only difference between the two types of
fiber produced is that the Huacaya is fluffy and springy like sheep’s wool
whereas the Suri is straight and slick.
Suri fiber is known for its luster and high-end clothing manufacturers will
often use it in place of silk because of this characteristic. But the Suri breed is always at risk of being
“lost” due to low numbers. In fact, they
were almost eliminated during the Spanish conquests of South America in the
1500’s because Suri fiber was reserved for Inca royalty. Until about 20 years ago it seems that the Suri
breed was all but forgotten, but great efforts around the world, including the
United States have made great strides in bringing this breed back. My wife and I, both being science teachers,
are proud to be part of that effort, and you can, too. By helping us fertilize our pastures, you
will be helping us to save and improve the genetics of this wonderful species.
Other ways You Can Help
Let you friends know of our need and spread the word. As you can see, our current supplies of alpaca
items is limited, don’t let your friends and family miss out.
Visit the gallery during the campaign to view pictures of the animals and the perks