Darby Vannier, executive director of ARI, reported that alpaca registrations are showing a bit of growth, while transfers are flat. For most owners, alpacas are not their primary source of income, he said, with the average farm having from seven to 10 alpacas. He also provided copies of ARI’s recently completed strategic plan, which is included with Camelid Community’s final report.
The Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association (AOBA) was represented by Gordon Anderson, executive director, who reported that AOBA’s show system is very active and growing. Though the show system on the animal side is “way up this year”, he said the fleece side of the show system is “struggling”. AOBA is working on a strategic plan, and right now much effort is being focused on the World Alpaca Conference and AOBA National Conference scheduled for June 3-7, 2009, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cheryl Ryberg, executive director of the Alpaca & Llama Show Association (ALSA), said the animal and fleece sides of ALSA’s show system are just the opposite of ALSA’s this year. Attendance at llama shows has been light across the country, while the fleece side of the show system is “really coming into its own”. Since the UN General Assembly has declared 2009 the International Year of Natural Fiber, llama and alpaca owners would do well to focus on the unique qualities of our special fibers at fiber fests and shows in the coming year.
