| We at Close-Knit Alpacas have learned quite a bit right out of the chute on this quest for knowledge and actual contact with the alluring alpaca. Most breeders, and those we call "Paca People," are very open and helpful to people new to alpacas... about the alpacas themselves, and the real business opportunity there for anyone sincerely willing to put in some careful thinking, planning and a reasonable amount of good ol' fashioned, all-American elbow-grease to make something wonderful of the whole affair. Whew! How's that for a sentence?
Since so many alpaca farms have expressed that they are incredibly busy with showing and other activities that take them away from the farm or otherwise dominate their focus, Close-Knit has noticed a need that most people new to alpacas have, and CKA is now offering to fill that need, with CLOSE-KNIT CAMELID CAMP. This program was written for college students as a summer internship for college credit and has, thus far, been going along terrifically (click here for a testimonial from our first intern). CKA now offers this unique, first of its kind, hands-on, day to day, week to week "dude ranch" type of opportunity to you, the person ready to obtain alpacas and take them to your own property to care for them. With zero to little experience with alpacas, you're bound to be a bit nervous, and you want to make sure you're as prepared as you can possibly be, SO...sign up for some time with Close-Knit Alpacas on Moon Ivy Hill here in Woodhull, New York this summer! Check out the program's details and contact us right away because we limit the number of participants to a maximum of four (4) on any given week to ensure one-on-one, focused and personal attention to each participant, whether a college student or not.
Anyway, probably the first thing just about everyone asks is, "Do you know which KIND of alpaca you're most drawn to?" "Suris (pronounced "sur ees") or Huacayas (wah ki yahs)?" and "Do you know which kind of alpaca you want to put your focus on?" Both are very good questions, and tough ones to answer when you're brand spankin' new to it all and have probably only seen a dozen alpacas at the most! After you've had a little more time to get in at least up to your elbows in fleece, you'll have a much better understanding of the differences between the two and you'll find yourself able to answer those all-important questions. Thank goodness, too, because ultimately it is unavoidable....YA' GOTTA PICK A PACA...or 2...or 3...or...4....or...! And guess what else? You can raise BOTH types!
Huacayas are the most common type of alpaca and, generally, the most popular with all types of people for all types of reasons. They're the ones that look kind of like fluffy teddy bears. They will be easier to market and sell, overall, and they might be a little easier to find in more colors than the Suri types.
Suri types of alpaca are very rare, worldwide. Of the hundred-thousand or so total number of alpacas in the United States alone in 2006, only ten percent (10%) are Suris. They are, basically, the same exact animal, except for their fleece. Their fleece grows in long, lustrous locks that can grow all the way to the ground in long locks if they're not shorn. Their fleece does not have "crimp," as does the Huacaya variety; nor does it stand out on end in a sort of "poof" like Huacaya fleece. It is long, silky smooth and extremely fine. If you think Huacaya alpaca fiber is super fine (and much of it IS), you will find Suri fiber to be almost indescribable. It's svelt, silky, slick, almost-oily in feel... Some spinners say that they love the Suri luster, fineness and incredible "handle" (the way it feels). They do, however, find it to be a little more difficult to spin and craft into garments in the beginning.
Keep in mind that since Suris are so much more rare, and their fiber is generally more silky and lustrous, they will be - of course - more expensive; BUT, they will SELL for you, too, and at premium prices! There will always be a market for Suris and Suri fiber. It will just take a bit of special marketing to a special customer. |
