2017 Purely Suri Winter Edition

PURELYSURI

â„¢

Fall/Winter 2017 Ten Dollars

A PUBLICATION OF SUR I N ET WOR K

www.surinetwork.org

In 2013, Eldora became Futurity Small Farm Breeder of the Year just four years after a devastating barn fire had wiped out ¾ of the herd. Since 2013, Eldora offspring have earned 10 Judge’s Choice awards, 25 Championships/ Reserve Championships, 14 ‘Best’ awards, 2 Spirit of the Industry and 92 Blue Ribbons.

At Eldora Suri Alpacas, each cria born is a potential Champion, a creation backed by 15 years of breeding experience, using careful consideration and industry science.

Beau’s Bronx Co-owned with Silverfield Farm

Eldora’s Accoyo Bravo

by Rockstar Co-owned with Silverfield Farm

WLK Electrofyre Co-owned with Raynay Alpaca Farm LLC

Eldora’s Tempo

by Rockstar

Co-owned with Raynay Alpaca Farm LLC and Sie Sutter Suri LLC

Contact us today to find out how you can improve your EPD, Biopsy, Histogram and Show results www.EldoraSuriAlpacas.com Leanne & Richard Nakashima RNA1501@msn.com 720-840-6585

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Message from the President Dear Network Members Greetings of the season to you all! As the days grow shorter and colder, it’s a great time to spend snuggling with your warm alpaca charges, or perhaps to curl up with a favorite beverage and this new edition of PurelySuri. It’s packed with lots of practical information you can put to immediate use, as well as some stories of how farmers in far away lands spend their time with suris.

Your Network Board of Trustees has been hard at work as usual. The Suri Symposium was a great success this summer, and the All Suri Fleece Show was a level III show with championships split by gender - the largest gathering of suri fleeces in the country. We anticipate that the 2018 Symposium, to be held August 3-4 in Loveland, CO, will be just as informative and educational as this year’s.

A new award was introduced at the Symposium this year, the Judy Steele Creativity Award. Judy Steele has provided the coveted suri sculptures awarded to Network fleece show champions for many years, but this year, found herself too ill to continue work in her studio. She graciously donated all of her remaining suri pottery to the Network to be used in fundraising efforts and as fleece show awards for as long as they last. In honor of her generosity, the Judy Steele Creativity Award will be given yearly to a member who has shown similar dedication to the Suri Network and outstanding artistry and creativity in promoting suri alpacas or using their fiber. 2017’s inaugural recipient was the very deserving Donna Rudd, a longtime member of the Product Development Committee and avid suri fiber enthusiast.

The Board is continuing to work closely with AOA as they navigate the creation of a huacaya breed standard and we hope, the adoption of the Suri Network Suri Breed Standard. The Board feels very strongly that a single, unified suri breed standard will only serve to strengthen the position of North American suris here and abroad.

On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed my ten years as a suri alpaca farmer, and my four years serving you all on the Network Board. It is with regret that I disperse my herd this year, as I truly feel that the best is yet to come for our industry. Enjoy the ride.

Warm regards, Jill McElderry-Maxwell, President Emeritus, Suri Network

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Suri Network Board of Trustees Sue King, President - We purchased our first Suri alpacas in 2011 after falling in love with their fine, luxurious fiber at the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. Our farm, Big Timber Alpacas, is located near Sherwood, Oregon and home to between 30 and 40 alpacas. We focus on breeding the highest quality Suri alpacas for seed stock. We also promote suri fiber in the commercial/cottage fiber industry, through participation in various trade shows and festivals. I have a background in corporate finance, executive leadership and general management through my career experiences with CH2M and KPMG and service on various corporate and not for profit governing boards.

Deb Christner, Vice President - My husband Doug and I raise Suri alpacas in the North Fork Valley of Western Colorado at Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas. We purchased our first alpaca in 2004 and agisted until finally, Doug and I, along with the alpacas, moved to the ranch in 2008. As chair of the Product Development Committee for three years, I was involved in creating the P2P educational DVD, the Suri Strut fashion show and educational and promotional events and publications.

I have taken numerous fiber classes through the University of North Carolina, along with grading and sorting classes. I also sort and grade suri fiber for Liz Vahlkamp’s company, NASCO. Nancy Lindemood, Treasurer - I am the owner of 2 Point Farm, LLC in Dry Ridge, KY. I got my start in the alpaca business about four years ago with two alpacas and now manage a herd of 20 Suri alpacas, two Maremma sheepdogs, a few beehives, two house dachshunds and three cats. I retired from Procter & Gamble several years ago with 28 years of experience in financial analysis, logistics and leading large organizations. I am a long time animal shelter volunteer and amateur dog trainer who enjoys clicker training. I am currently the Treasurer of our local beekeepers club and this year was elected Secretary of the Kentucky Alpaca Association.

Jennifer Hack, Secretary - I established Triple H Ranch three years ago. As the owner and operator, I decided to breed solely Suri alpaca. For the past twelve years, I have served on the Board of Directors for the United States Equine Rescue League, Inc. (USERL) - a non-profit equine rescue - holding the position of Executive Director for the past ten years. I have been an Advertising Coordinator for PurelySuri for the past two years. This past year I was elected to the board ofmy AOA affiliate, the Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies (ABR) and serve as the Marketing Director for that organization.

Kristie Smoker, Director at Large - Before starting Sweet Valley Suris, Kristie held management and executive positions in private industry for more than 20 years. She spent 18 years with the Hershey Company before co-founding Turning Point Enterprises, a human resources consultancy. Kristie currently owns and manages a farm with more than 35 Suri alpacas. She is the former President of the Mid-Atlantic Alpaca Association, a seven state Affiliate to AOA, the national alpaca association. In 2010, she coordinated the largest alpaca show in the eastern United States. Kristie received her A.S. from Pennsylvania State University and her B.S. from Albright College.

Michael Alpert, Director at Large - My wife, Sherry, and I run Awesome Acres ‘Pacas & Pyrs in Oklahoma City. We have been raising and breeding Suris exclusively since 1999. I did clinical dentistry from 1975 to 1989, first in private practice and then as a Commissioned Officer in the US Public Health Service. In 1989 I was recruited by USPHS for a Systems Analyst position and served as Network Administrator and Telecommunications Manager for the Indian Health Service in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. I retired in 2011 and am now a full-time alpaca rancher. We also raise Great Pyrenees, and have placed dogs with alpaca ranches all around the country.

Jill McElderry-Maxwell, Director at Large - Jill began working with Suris in 2005, and purchased her first two females in 2007. She and her family moved to Maine that same year so that they could afford land for their new herd-to-be. Ten years and setting up two farms later, Bag End Suri Alpacas is now home to over fifty Suris - as well as heritage breed pigs, multiple types of poultry, Nigerian dwarf dairy goats, BLM burros, and even the occasional calf. Jill has a background in the biological sciences and paleontology, and enjoys researching and educating about alpaca health care and other topics.

Jill is responsible for PurelySuri and other Network publications.

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Table of Contents Features 10

Welcoming Young Visitors to Your Farm

14

Spinose Ear Ticks: A Prickly Problem

18

Where Do Suris Come From?

by Cari Corley

by Jill McElderry-Maxwell

by Andy Tillman

20 Understanding the Suri Breed Standard

by Patty Hasselbring

22

The Suri Network Breed Standard

10

by the Suri Network

31 A History of Suris and the Suri Breeding Program in Australia

by Fiona Vanderbeek

31

33 The Suri Breeding Program in Australia - Crossbreeding Suri and Huacaya

by Fiona Vanderbeek 36

Suris Around the World

47 SHIP - the Great Ah-hah!

by Linda Kondris 50 How to Succeed at Farmer’s Markets

by Barbara Coleman, Judith Korff and Alvina Maynard 56

Recognizing and Treating Hepatic Lipidosis in Camelids

by Dr. Robert Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD

66

The Suri Summer Symposium

4

Message from the President

5

Board of Trustees

9

Statement of Purpose

70

The Suri Network All Suri Fleece Show Results

84

Suri Network Membership Directory

90

Advertising Index

47

by Sue King

Departments

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Suri Network Statement of Purpose PURELYSURI

Dedicated to the preservation of the Suri alpaca.

The purpose of the Suri Network shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: To promote, through education to the alpaca community and the general public, awareness of and interest in, Suri alpacas and their fiber, and related business interest.

To promote the growth of the Suri alpaca industry.

To serve as an industry and marketing group to promote and protect the collective economic and legal interests of the Network’s members.

To organize and conduct, from time to time, a Suri alpaca event, which shall be open to the public and which shall further the purposes of the corporation. This event shall provide members and other participants with the opportunity to share with each other their ideas, encouragement, knowledge, and companionship.

Fall/Winter 2017 • $10

PurelySuriTM magazine is a publication of the Suri Network. Statements, opinions, and points of view expressed by the writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily represent those of PurelySuri, members of the Suri Network, the publisher, staff, employees, or agents. Suri Network does not assume liability for products or services advertised herein. Suri Network reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material.

No part of PurelySuri may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronically, mechanically, by photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior express written consent of the submitting author to which the article, photography, illustration, or material is copyrighted. PurelySuri assumes all work published here is original and is the work and property of the submitting author. All product and company names are trademarked or copyrighted by their respective owners. ©2017 by Suri Network, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

Publisher: Suri Network Design & Production: Jill McElderryMaxwell

Managing Editor: Jill McElderry-Maxwell Advertising Coordinator: Cindy Grigg Contributing Authors: Cari Corley Dr. Robert Van Saun Jill McElderry-Maxwell Fiona Vanderbeek Sue King Linda Kondris Andy Tillman Patty Hasselbring Judith Korff Alvina Maynard Barbara Coleman Printer: Able Publishing Patient Print Guru: Steph Pride Cover Photo: Courtesy of Bag End Suri Alpacas, copyright 2017 Suri Network, Inc. P.O. Box 1984 Estes Park, CO 80517-1984 Phone: (970) 586-5876 office@surinetwork.org www.surinetwork.org

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Welcoming young visitors to your farm

by Cari Corley

O

n this gorgeous fall day, I am sitting here watching our last gang of cria. They have so much youthful, playful energy. They chase each other. They check on each other. There is usually a bully but there is always one that sets the group straight and gets them all pronking together again, and this years gang is no exception. Our youngest cria, Amelia, is the smallest but tries her best to keep up and often in her quest to keep up her upper body gets ahead of her legs and she goes tumbling only to spring right back up and continue her quest. These moments are some of my ranch favorites. Another one of our favorite ranch moments is watching a group of young visitors experience this sight for the first time. Watching nature have fun is powerful!

O

ur cria gang dynamics are not much different than a group of young people. We have had the privilege to host many people to our ranch young and old. Combining the youthful, playful energy of cria with the youthful, playful energy of kids is a synergistic experience I encourage all to try. It can be overwhelming to host a group of young people if you have not had much experience working with youth. There are three principles I would encourage you to adopt if you choose to host a group of young people.

1.

Plan the work, work the plan. Your plan should include a timed schedule, but it also needs to include a list of supplies that are needed for the group and a list of supplies that need to be prepared for each individual. These supplies need to be prepared ahead of time so that as your visitors arrive you are ready to spend time welcoming them each. We host a fiber camp each summer and our plan and to-do list preparation begins months in advance. If you have more than one adult helping host the event (which I HIGHLY recommend), delegate the work according to each person’s speciality. Each of us have our own skill sets and when the work is split up by areas of strength the workload feels lighter.

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2.

80/20 Rule. There are so many great things that can be done on a ranch tour. Our favorite is to have our visitors create something with alpaca fiber or yarn.

We also have a walking trail with educational stations where visitors can learn about alpacas, their fiber and their care. Young people love to move and interact much like our cria. We have had visitors create art from raw fiber and create art from alpaca yarn. When hosting youth we follow an 80/20 rule. 20% of the time is instruction and explanations, and 80% of our time should be hands on letting these young minds imagine, create, and interact. Often as adults we err by spending too much time talking or instructing. A written out schedule allows us to be intentional and mindful of the amount of time we have planned for instruction and for creation and movement.

3.

Be present, be adaptive. When your visitors arrive, take a deep breath and be fully present. Every plan has moments you need to adjust and adapt. Remember that when working with youth, being 100% engaged in their alpaca experience goes a long way to creating a successful event. Youth are very forgiving. It needs to be said again, youth love to imagine, create, and interact. At the end of the event they will remember the creative community time. They will remember interacting with each other and with our wonderful animals. They will not remember if our wonderfully crafted plan needed to be adjusted or had flaws. They will remember the time spent with you. It is so important that our youth have time spent with adults where we just enjoy them and our time spent with them. Adjustments will need to be made to every plan. If every adjustment prioritizes compassion and community, you will host a successful event!

Cari Corley has fallen in love with all things fiber!

Cari had no idea when they purchased their first alpacas she was beginning a creative journey that would open a world of possibilities and a community of (com)passionate makers. Cari oversees all things fiber at Alta Vida Alpacas and develops the fiber curriculum for their non-profit, Alpaca Partners. Cari is passionate about exploring career opportunities for individuals with special needs in the fiber arts. She is a born maker.

(In her spare time...she teaches High School math and sponsors National Honor Society.) Photographs courtesy of Cari Corley.

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Kumihimo Braiding and Wet Felting Soap Two Fun and Easy Activities for Visitors Sample Kumihimo Braiding Lesson Plan Objective: Participants will create a zipper pull or key chain flair using the Kumihimo braiding method. Allow two hours.

Materials Needed (per participant):

• Kumihimo disk • Zipper Pull Hardware (9 mm split ring and 1” lanyard hook) • 2” piece of yarn for center tie • Ziploc bag for supplies • Pre-cut yarn strands -- multiple colors (each strand should be approx 15 inches)

Approx Time Allotted:

Plan: 1.

10 - 15 min Sitting in a circle,

go around and introduce each other with a fun question for each participant to answer.

2.

10 min Show and Tell -- Pass around some braid projects you have

completed and share the history of Kumihimo braiding. a.

History of Kumihimo Link https://www.interweave.com/ article/weaving/kumihimo-history/ b.

Tutorial Video Link https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=suUcFpj4OsA 3.

10 - 15 min Demonstrate weaving 4.

10 min Distribute supplies a. Have each participant choose four, 15” strands b. Pass out bag of supplies 5. 60 min Braid!

Depending on the ages of the participants, you may need a few adults to volunteer to help out with the activity.

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Photographs courtesy of Cari Corley

Wet Felting Soap

Wet felting soap is a fun and messy - yet clean! - activity enjoyed by all ages.

You will need:

• a selection of carded, feltable fiber (huacaya and wool work great for this, suri less so unless mixed with another fiber) • one or two bars of soap per participant • hot water • cold water

Begin by having your

participants lay out the fiber they want on the outside of their soap in a single, very thin layer, just large enough to wrap around the soap. Have them align the fibers in one direction. Have them then lay out two additional, very thin layers on top of the first, with each layer’s fiber perpendicular to that below it. If the layers are too thick, the fiber won’t felt down properly.

Wrap the bar in your fiber layers.

Starting with either cold or hot water, the participants should gently pat the fiber all over the soap bar with damp fingers until it begins to cling together. Adding water as needed, begin rubbing the bar all over in both back and forth and circular motions (don’t forget the corners!). Once the fiber begins to shrink, “shock” it by immersing the bar quickly in whichever temperature water you did not start with, and continue rubbing. If mess is a worry, put the bar of soap in a ziploc baggie to contain the suds.

Continue alternating hot and cold water with rubbing until the fibers have shrunk tight to the bar of soap. It’s now ready to let dry and then use - soap and a gently exfoliating washcloth all in one. Like all soaps, your felted soap should be allowed to dry out between uses. The felt will not mold or mildew, and will continue to shrink as you use your bar.

Many thanks to RaQuion Braxton, Kate Burkett, Meredith Keenan, Josua Lutian and Riley Whitmyer for allowing me to document their soap making fun! Photographs courtesy of Jill McElderry-Maxwell.

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SPINOSE EAR TICKS - A PRICKLY PROBLEM

by Jill McElderry-Maxwell

The spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini, is a strange little creature even by tick standards. It is a so-called soft bodied tick, and unlike the more familiar dog and deer ticks, it carries few pathogens of import to either livestock or humans (although it is a low incidence vector for Q-fever).

However, its fondness for inhabiting mammalian ears can lead to pain, deafness, and/or debilitating infections, which can in turn lead to significant illness and sometimes death. While it is commonly associated with arid Western regions and cattle, the spinose ear tick can be found throughout North America and it is not at all picky about hosts. Camelids are perfectly acceptable to these prickly little bloodsuckers.

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Otobius megnini begins life as an egg laid in protected areas on or near the ground in potential host environments. Eggs hatch anywhere from three to eight weeks later and the tiny (0.5 mm) larvae immediately crawl upwards to await a suitable host. They can survive a wait of several months under optimal conditions. Unlike other soft-bodied ticks, O. megnini remains with a single host throughout its lifespan, and feeds on blood only in the larval and nymph stages; larvae typically crawl to the ear and attach in the ear canal below hair growth. In some cases, spinose ear ticks have been found at the other end of their hosts, attached under the tail (Bulman, 1979). It may behoove alpaca owners to quickly check this location if their animals are prone to spinose ear tick infestation.

After feeding for several weeks, and molting twice, spinose ear ticks drop off their hosts to complete their final molt into egg laying adults in 60-110 days. Adults do not feed and mating occurs in the environment. Adult females may lay as many as a thousand eggs over several years, even though they do not feed during this time. Controlling ticks in the environment is difficult, but environmental use of ascaricides can reduce the number of ticks present in areas where alpacas feed and rest.

It is during the larval and nymph stages that O. megnini poses a problem for its chosen hosts. Significant infestations can result in direct damage to the ear canal and tympanic membrane, causing deafness and disorientation. Serious secondary bacterial ear infections may also result, that can lead to disability and/or death in the infested animal. Typical symptoms may include head shaking, head tilt, rubbing the head and face on hard surfaces, drooping ears, an odor in the ear canal, and poor coordination and/or inability to rise. Since these symptoms also overlap with a number of other serious conditions, a veterinarian’s advice should always be followed when diagnosing or treating a potential tick infestation.

While removing the ticks from the ear is ideal, the shape and length of the camelid ear canal makes this nearly impossible even with sedation. Introduction of an insecticidal product into the ear is more feasible. Avermectins such as Ivomec have been used for direct topical application, as well as phenylpyrazoles such as fipronil. Permethrin based sprays such as Catron IV may also be used. Regrettably, repellents have little effect on spinose ear tick larvae and nymphs (Niebuhr, et al.)

LITERATURE CITED http://csu-cvmbs.colostate.edu/vdl/Pages/spinose-ear-tick.aspx Lora Ballweber Biology,Treatment, and Control of Flea and Tick Infestations, B. Blagburn, and M.W. Dryden, Vet Clin Small Anim 39 (2009), 1173–1200 A previously unrecorded feeding site on cattle for the immature stages of the spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini (Dugès, 1844), GM Bulman et al. J S Afr Vet Assoc 50 (2) 1979, 107-108 Efficacy of chemical repellents against Otobius megnini (Acari: Argasidae) and three species of ixodid ticks, Chris N. Niebuhr, Sarah E. Mays, Jeff B. Breeden, Barry D. Lambert, David H. Kattes, Exp Appl Acarol DOI 10.1007/ s10493-014-9799-6 Image by Mat Pound-USDA Agricultural Research Service Country-United States [CC BY 3.0 us (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/deed.en)], via Wikimedia Commons

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The following is a brief history of suri alpacas that originally appeared in our 2001 edition. While recent statistics clearly supercede those given in the article, the basic history of our breed remains the same. It is interesting to compare suri history here in the United States versus that detailed in the

where do suris come from?

by Andy Tillman

a

ccording to data supplied by the Alpaca Registry Incorporated (ARI), less than one-fourth of all alpacas currently residing in the United States are suri alpacas. As of December 20, 2000, there were 13,597 female huacaya alpacas registered in the United States, plus 8,473 males. This compares to a population of 3,015 suri females and 1,691 males.

So about 22 percent of female alpacas are suri and 19 percent are males.

The relative suri alpaca population of South America is actually much less than this on a per capita basis.

In fact, suri alpacas are so rare that there may be fewer of them than the vicuĂąa, the wild ancestor of the alpaca. According to data provided to the Suri Network by the Michell Brothers of Arequipa, Peru, over the last twenty years, only about 3 percent of their annual alpaca clip has been suri. According to Michell spokesman Juan Pepper, Michell has maintained a 60 to 70 percent market share of alpaca processing. In a typical year, this influential mill would purchase and process less than 150,000 kilograms of suri fleece. This compares to a yearly purchase of 4,000,000 kilograms of huacaya.

Suri Alpaca Population in the U.S. (As Of December 20, 2000)

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whereDoSurisComeFrom.pdf - Lumin PDF

9/4/17, 1:06 PM

article on the suri’s history in Australia. We have also included the complete, revised 2016 edition of the Suri Network Breed Standard. The Suri Network’s original 2006 Suri Breed Standard was one of the first of its kind, and remains a seminal document for suri breeders, here and abroad.

https://app.luminpdf.com/viewer/dceP7HC67bGrmMZBX

Page 3 of 4

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Understanding The Suri Network Breed Standard By the members, for the members

by Patty Hasselbring, Former Suri Network President

This article originally appeared in the 2016 issue of PurelySuri This year [2016] the Suri Network Breed Standard Committee reviewed and revised the Suri Breed Standard. It was a huge undertaking, particularly since changes in the Breed Standard must be approved by the membership. While it is impossible to achieve consensus with a broad membership such as the Suri Network’s, the Suri Network has worked hard to solicit input from both members and non-members, and to carefully consider all input in developing the current recommended draft.

Certainly it would be much easier, and much more expedient, to update the breed standard with only a vote of the Board of Trustees. But, I am sure most will agree that the end product as approved by the membership is both richer and more valuable to Suri breeders. And, it is characteristic of the Suri Network to solicit input from members and to really listen to that input…it is part of who we are as an organization. We know that it is impossible to please everyone. But it is possible to hear everyone.

Background The Suri Network established the first alpaca breed standard in North America ten years ago. This groundbreaking effort was tirelessly led by Suri Network member Dick Walker, with assistance and support from many other Suri Network members. A process allowing for Suri Network member input was followed by a membership vote, which approved the very first Suri Breed Standard in 2006.

In early 2016 a committee was formed to review and update the Suri Breed Standard. The Board President appointed Tim Sheets and Linda Kondris as co-chairs, who then recruited members Karl Heinrich; Gail Campbell, DVM; Amanda VandenBosch; and Cheryl Gehly. Randy Coleman, Board member, served as liaison between the Board and the committee. This committee provided perspectives from alpaca judges, long-time alpaca breeders, Suri fleece experts, a fiber processor, and an alpaca owner/veterinarian.

Coincidentally, the Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) identified development of a breed standard as an activity to take place in 2016. Two of the members of the Suri Network review committee are also involved in AOA’s development of the huacaya breed standard and will use the standard developed by the Suri Network for Suris as a model for the huacaya breed standard.

The Suri Network News Brief in January 2016 shared the status and plans for revision, as well as the members of the committee.

Process Given their mandate, the Committee went to work. They researched and reviewed the breed standards that are used by other livestock industries as well as the Australasian Alpaca Breed Standard. They identified formatting that they found beneficial. The committee used various industry resources, including The Art and Science of Alpaca Judging, published by the AOBA (now AOA); input from fleece expert Cameron Holt; and the Suri Network’s SHIP program, and of course, the original Suri Breed Standard.

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Following completion of the draft revision, the committee submitted it to the Suri Network Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees reviewed the draft and approved it for dissemination to and comment by the membership.

At that time various strategies for public comment were instituted: 1.

A page was developed on the Suri Network website, with copies of the original

breed standard and the proposed revisions, plus an on-line forum for discussion

about the proposed revisions.

2.

A letter was sent to all Suri Network members with a link to the revised Breed Standard and an invitation to review and comment.

3.

The proposed revisions were posted on the Suri Network Members’ Facebook group.

4.

An email was sent to all members of the Alpaca Owners Association, with a link to the proposed revisions and an invitation to comment.

The comment period was open for 30 days, allowing time for members to read and respond to the proposed revised breed standard.

The Suri Network received a number of comments, both through the on-line forum and by email, about the proposed standards. Those comments were reviewed and discussed at length by the committee.

The Result Once the comment period was completed, the committee refined the 2016 Breed Standard, addressing many of the comments that had been submitted. The final version was published for review. In addition to the final version of the Breed Standard, a side-by-side comparison between the original 2006 Suri Breed Standard and the 2016 revised Suri Breed Standard was published.

Although delayed from the original timeline, vote by the membership will be held later in 2016. Ultimately, by soliciting input from members – and all alpaca owners – the Suri Network demonstrated once again that it is a membership organization working in the interest of all Suri owners.

The proposed revised Suri Breed Standard, the side-by-side comparison between 2006 and 2016, and the original breed standard can be found at http://www.surinetwork.org/Breed-Standard.

The Suri Breed Standard is developed and copyrighted by the Suri Network. The Suri Network retains its copyright on the Suri Breed Standard (both original and revised), and all rights to ownership of the document. Any use of the Suri Breed Standard must retain notice of copyright and reference to it must include credit to the Suri Network.

Photograph courtesy of Margit Korsak/Over Home Alpacas @2016

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The Suri Breed Standard The ideal Suri alpaca is the epitome of true alpaca type with a distinctive elegant profile, perfect head, and outstanding conformation. Suri Network members strongly believe that it is important to preserve the purity of the Suri genotype by breeding Suri males to Suri females.

The Suri fleece exhibits highly aligned, draping locks of high luster, fine, slick and cool handling fiber. As Suri alpacas approach the ideal state, they express more positive fleece characteristics than less improved types. The concept of the ideal alpaca is not a static model. It is the process of the pursuit of excellence that will fuel genetic improvement for decades. Highly heritable traits are selected for genotypic gain in the individual offspring’s expression of positive breed characteristics, which exist along a continuum.

Photo representations of the ideal Suri alpaca:

Copyright 2016 The Suri Network

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1|Page

A. CONFORMATION 1. Phenotype

2. Balance and Topline

3. Head

Copyright 2016 The Suri Network

IDEAL TRAITS

ACCEPTABLE BUT LESS DESIRABLE TRAITS

UNACCEPTABLE/ UNDESIRABLE TRAITS

Elegant profile showing balanced proportions of neck, body and legs with a true to type head, level topline and strong substance of bone fit for efficient function.

Proper proportions demonstrated in a squared-off appearance of onethird legs, one-third body, one-third neck and head. Length is the same as height, with a level topline from withers to the hip, rounding at the croup.

Dense top knot falling forward in well-defined locks over a strong, wedge-shaped muzzle. Ears erect, spear-shaped and of appropriate length.

Eyes clear and bright, free from congenital anomalies. Nasal passages symmetrical.

Incisors meet the forward edge of the upper dental pad and the mandible and maxilla are vertically aligned.

Often phenotypically true to type, yet express subtle differences in frame and overall appearance.

Lacks overall balance, proportion and substance bone.

Slightly off in balance with the squared profile being elongated in any direction.

Obvious lack of balance and proportion and/or topline deviated in a humpback or swayback condition.

Wedge shaped muzzle and head shape but lacking well defined fiber coverage. May exhibit slight deviations in jaw alignment. Incisors may extend beyond or slightly behind the forward edge of the upper dental pad.

Mandible is slightly wider than maxilla.

Topknot often fluffy and open over a long muzzle. Ears out of proportion with the head, banana-shaped or fused. Jaw alignment incorrect with lower teeth extending well beyond or behind the upper dental pad.

Asymmetry of nasal passages and crooked tooth alignment.

2|Page

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IDEAL TRAITS

ACCEPTABLE BUT LESS DESIRABLE TRAITS

UNACCEPTABLE/ UNDESIRABLE TRAITS

Movement demonstrates a fluid gait and balanced stride, with both toes pointed forward and tracking evenly in a straight line on upright pasterns.

Show excellent substance of bone, with correct angulation when viewed from the front and side with toes pointed forward, also demonstrating adequate chest width.

Deviations exist in foot placement and leg angulation when viewed from both the front and the side indicating improper joint structure. Gait not smooth.

Extreme deviations in angulation of the shoulder or hocks or collapsed pasterns.

Resultant movements are short, choppy, winging out, toeing in or rope walking.

May be slightly fine boned, have a moderate deviation in angulation from either front or side view, leg rotated slightly in or out as evidenced in foot position.

Very light boned, front or side view deviation in angulation is extreme, position of feet very close or too far apart, extreme outward or inward leg rotation.

6. Hind Legs

Hindquarters are broad, with strong, well-muscled thighs.

Legs show excellent substance of bone with correct angulation of the hock joint when viewed from the side and rear.

May be slightly fine boned or narrow in hindquarters. Hock angulation may be slightly deviated when viewed from the rear (cow hocked) or the side (sickle hocked).

Hindquarters are light boned and very narrow. Hocks touch during standing and movement. Extreme deviation appears from the side when the hock joint is either extremely angled (sicklehocked) or too straight (post legged).

7. Body Capacity

Shows breadth and depth of body, chest and abdomen.

Excellent size for age with broad, wellsprung ribs.

May demonstrate a slightly smaller frame for age or be slower to develop.

Very narrow through the chest and lacks spring of rib, resulting in a flat, slab-sided look. Small in overall size and stature for age.

A. CONFORMATION (cont.)

4. Movement and Tracking

5. Front Legs

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IDEAL TRAITS A. CONFORMATION (cont.)

8. Tail

9. Genitalia

Copyright 2016 The Suri Network

Tail set centers off the rounded croup and is palpated just off the pelvis as a natural extension of the spine. Tail is straight and easy to flex with a length sufficient to cover the genitalia.

External genitalia are anatomically correct in size, shape and position. Four teats are uniformly positioned. Males have two evenly sized, firm testicles that are descended into the scrotal sacs.

ACCEPTABLE BUT LESS DESIRABLE TRAITS

UNACCEPTABLE/ UNDESIRABLE TRAITS

Tail set may be slightly high and length may be less than ideal.

Tail set high on the croup, kinked or bent and unable to be straightened, too short to cover genitalia.

Four teats exist in close proximity to each other. Small vulva opening.

Testicles small, but descended into scrotal sac.

Vulva that is too small, incorrectly positioned or angled, closed at birth requiring surgical intervention. Males with only one testicle, very small testicles, or very soft testicles.

Other than four teats.

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B. FLEECE 1. Phenotype

2. Luster

3. Fineness*

4. Uniformity of Micron

Copyright 2016 The Suri Network

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IDEAL TRAITS

ACCEPTABLE BUT LESS DESIRABLE TRAITS

UNACCEPTABLE/ UNDESIRABLE TRAITS

Clearly demonstrates the ultimate function of being a fiber producing species.

The fleece exhibits highly aligned, draping locks of high luster, fine, slick and cool handling fiber.

An essential characteristic of Suri fleece is the natural expression of glistening, high-gloss luster throughout.

This most valued trait is exemplified as low micron fiber, relative to age, expressed across the blanket of the alpaca and extending to the extremities, making fleece ideal for processing into garments which may be worn next to the skin. The rate of change in micron over time is minimal.

This additional critical component for processing is evident within organized locks and across the blanket.

Little difference can be seen between the size of primary and secondary follicle fibers.

Exhibits some degree of lock organization of average density and luster throughout.

Exhibits little evidence of Suri lock organization and density resulting in a very open, lofty appearance. Fiber groups that express crimp.

Average levels of luster are present throughout the fleece expressed as a velvety, satin sheen.

Poor level of luster evident. The overall fleece is very dull, flat and chalky.

Higher micron fibers relative to age exist and vary in their expression within the lock and across the blanket.

Coarse, high micron fibers exhibited throughout the blanket and produced at a young age and throughout the lifetime of the alpaca.

These high micron fibers are not able to be processed for high end garments worn next to the skin.

Variation in the size of primary and secondary follicle fibers is distinctive and easily recognized.

Extreme micron variation exists within the lock and throughout the entire fleece.

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B. FLEECE (cont.)

5. Density

6. Lock Structure

7. Handle

8. Color Uniformity

Copyright 2016 The Suri Network

IDEAL TRAITS

ACCEPTABLE BUT LESS DESIRABLE TRAITS

UNACCEPTABLE/ UNDESIRABLE TRAITS

Fleece exhibits highly aligned fine fibers growing in highly organized locks, demonstrating firmness and solidity throughout.

Individual locks are highly aligned from skin to tip, comprised of clearly defined smaller locks, and fall in layers throughout the entire fleece.

The lock groups exhibit firmness and solidity.

Soft, silky, cool, slick feel throughout the fleece that also exhibits a high degree of uniformity of micron.

The fleece is solid colored and void of any variant colored fibers, thus making it well suited for commercial processing.

Fleece is comprised of locks that are less solid and firm, more open, demonstrating less highly aligned fibers.

Fleece is open, lacks clear lock definition, and exhibits loft rather than firmness.

Clear lock expression is evident in at least half of the lock length but is less firm and more open at the skin.

Very open, unorganized fibers exist, characterized by volume rather than solidity of lock.

Expression of crimp might also be evidenced.

Less smooth and soft, the fleece will have a slightly cool feel and demonstrate some variation in micron.

The fleece is not soft, feels warm, harsh and dry, and has excessive variation and/or high micron fibers throughout.

Variant color exists throughout an otherwise solid colored fleece.

Cottage processing required.

Some color variation present, especially in fawn and grey color groups that make it better suited for cottage processing.

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IDEAL TRAITS

ACCEPTABLE BUT LESS DESIRABLE TRAITS

UNACCEPTABLE/ UNDESIRABLE TRAITS

Dam exhibits longevity in her ability to produce healthy offspring throughout an extended lifetime.

Dam has difficulty in achieving pregnancy, has delayed milk production, or remains open for an extended time after delivery.

Dam is repeatedly unable to deliver full term cria, is unable to achieve pregnancy, or is unable to produce milk.

2. Birthing Ease

Female possesses the appropriate pelvic conformation and has the ability to give birth with ease and without assistance.

Occasional minor dystocia requiring minimal assistance without damage to the dam or cria.

Repeated major veterinary intervention.

3. Mothering Skills and Maintenance Efficiency

Dam bonds well with her cria, and has the udder capacity to consistently produce quantities of good quality milk in order to rear and wean a healthy cria, while maintaining her own health.

Female does not bond with cria and needs human intervention to develop bond. Dam produces minimal milk and cria is slow growing or needs supplementation.

Dam rejects cria, offspring development indicates failure to thrive and requires medical intervention and supplementation.

4. Fertility

Healthy, well grown female achieves pregnancy with a minimum of breedings.

Female requires multiple breedings, or suffers early embryonic loss.

Female requires hormonal intervention regularly to achieve or maintain pregnancy.

C. MATERNAL TRAITS 1. General

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IDEAL TRAITS

ACCEPTABLE BUT LESS DESIRABLE TRAITS

Alpacas demonstrate a calm, docile nature as a herd species.

Expression of dominance is expected as they form herd groups, but overt aggression is not acceptable.

Female is overly protective of her cria and asserts dominance in the form of spitting and kicking when approached. An alpaca that is overly interactive with humans.

An alpaca that aggressively challenges and attacks humans.

2. Breeding Vigor

Males have good libido and breed females with high impregnation success on minimal matings.

Male that is timid and reluctant to breed.

Male with low sperm viability that requires multiple matings to achieve pregnancy.

Male or female lacks interest in breeding.

3. Handling

Alpacas should be easy to handle and train.

An alpaca that is more difficult to handle, resists restraint, or consistently spits, kicks or runs away.

An alpaca that is dangerous to handle, and aggressively challenges and attacks humans.

D. TEMPERAMENT 1. General

UNACCEPTABLE/ UNDESIRABLE TRAITS

* FINENESS Points

1st birthday – 2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

10+ years

5

<18 microns

<20 microns

<23 microns <25 microns

4

18-20

20-22

23-25

25-27

3

21-23

23-25

26-28

28-30

2

24-26

26-29

29-31

31-33

1

27+

30+

32+

34+

Suri Network SHIP (Suri Herd Improvement Program), Classifier Fiber Evaluation Form

Copyright 2016 The Suri Network

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References: Suri Network Breed Standard, The Suri Network (2006) Suri Herd Improvement Program (S.H.I.P.), The Suri Network (2014) www.suriship.org The Art and Science of Alpaca Judging, AOBA (2011) Show System Handbook, AOA (2016).

This document and supplemental documents can be found on the Suri Network website: http://surinetwork.org/Breed-Standard

“A strong breed association is vital to any livestock industry” The Suri Network has been breaking ground in the alpaca industry since it was founded. First to adopt a breed standard and first to develop a classification system are just two of the industry leading efforts by our association. That’s why we’ve been supporting the Suri Network since we began raising Suris 14 years ago. But, an organization is only as strong as it’s membership. We encourage you to be an acti participant by volunteering to serve the Network in some active capacity. The Suri Network will benefit and so will you!

Tim & Beth Sheets | Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas | www.ourheritagefarm.com

Copyright 2016 The Suri Network

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A History of Suris and the Suri Breeding Program in Australia

Fiona Vanderbeek Birrong Suri Alpacas

Firstly, thank you to those who invited me to contribute this article – it has prompted me to dig into our Australian Alpaca Association’s registry and speak to many suri breeders, present and past, about their memories of the early days. As of May 2017, the Australian registry records 45,585 suri alpacas on our database; in reality, there are many more than this due to significant numbers of unregistered animals in commercial herds. It was only thirty years ago, in 1987, that the first eighteen suri alpacas were imported from Chile.

The Early Pioneers – 1987-1993

The first suri alpacas to arrive in Australia came with mixed shipments (huacaya and suri) from Chile between 1987 and 1990, and were primarily registered in the Australian herds of Suricaya (Peter Hamilton), World Class (Laurie Harrison) and Adsail (Paul Carney). The registry indicates that all of the early suri sires imported during this period proved to be heterozygous, producing both suri and huacaya progeny once in Australia.

These were followed, between 1991-93, by further Chilean imports which were imported via New Zealand, and probably included stock directly imported to New Zealand from Chile. In the same period we saw the first Bolivian suri imports to Australia, under the auspices of Billy Bohrt of Bohrt Royal-Line; these shipments, although with pedigrees recorded as Bolivian, were imported via the USA.

The First Peruvian Imports – 1995-1998

The first suri alpacas to be imported from Peru came via the USA (and retained ILR in their Australian registered names), and this next few years saw the first wave of significantly influential suri sires arrive in Australia. Within these shipments appear the names of some important suri sires, who have gone on to have a significant impact on the Australian herd to this day. Included were: ILR Helado (167 registered progeny), Somerset Peru Ivory Adsail (150 registered progeny), ILR Pperuvian Cadete (94 registered progeny, including Pucara Allegro), ILR Donaire (72 registered progeny) and ILR Top Hat (64 registered progeny). Also worthy of mention are Peruvian Rufilio (although heterozygous, Rufilio is the first confirmed import from Don Julio Barreda’s Accoyo herd – identified by a distinctive ear notch), Peruvian Matiz & Peruvian Pride of Alianca (also both heterozygous), Peruvian Magician and GCSA Trademark. Some important suri females also came in these shipments, including Peruvian Summer Haze and ILR HalonaHappy Fortune Accoyo, to name but two.

However, amongst these shipments came two suri sires who really shaped the development of the Australian herd and are worthy of special mention: • ILR Pperuvian Amador with 122 registered progeny, including Cedar House Sensational (73 progeny) and Pucara Kahuna (53 progeny) • Peruvian Senator with 199 registered progeny, including Peruvian Conquistador (110 progeny) and Elysion Oliver Twist (69 progeny) together with two males who helped form the foundation of the coloured suri herd in Australia - Cedar House Desert Prince (a dark fawn male with 224 progeny) and Peruvian Boyne Lad (a medium fawn with 120 progeny).

Photograph of Surilana Icalon, courtesy of Fiona Vanderbeek

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Senator was included in the shipment out of Peru as the Peruvians considered his fleece to be too fine (their focus being on the production of heavy weight suiting fabric). Although not a densely fleeced male, his impact on the fineness and production qualities of the Australian suri herd continues to this day. It is not even known which herd in Peru he came from – Allianza, Solocotta or even Accoyo.

During these years, shipments also entered Australia from Bolivia and Chile, including a Chilean group imported by Haldane/Hamilton. These animals are of interest as they formed the beginning of one of the first cross-breeding programs in Australia, under the prefix of Two Ways. The other early program of crossbreeding was within the Purrumbete herd under the ownership of Roger Haldane. The cross-breeding of suri and huacaya in Australia is discussed in more detail later in this article.

The next wave – 1999-2005

During this next phase, we see a few more animals imported from Bolivia (Jolimont, Hunter and Tambo Downs) but most importantly a critical visit to Peru by a group of Australian breeders, which resulted in a shipment which brought new genetics to the herds of Surilana, Jolimont, Somerset, Wesuri, Starline, Serena Lodge, Canchones and others.

Some of the most influential white suri alpacas in Australian history came ashore during this period, most particularly under the auspices of Jill Short of Surilana. Key males included the famous quartet, all direct from Don Julio Barreda’s Accoyo farm (and all now deceased) of: Surilana Bosisto with 140 progeny, including 21 certified suri sires; Surilana T-Pito with 99 progeny, including 19 certified suri sires; Surilana Zosimo with 90 progeny, including 14 certified suri sires; and arguably the greatest of them all, Surilana Icalon with 77 progeny, including 30 certified suri sires. Despite a sadly short life, with all his progeny born between 2003-2005, Icalon has lived on through many of his famous sons: Pinjarra El Nino (171 registered progeny), Surilana Piccolo (114 progeny), Surilana Odin (54 progeny), Surilana Omar (49 progeny) and more. With El Nino and Piccolo producing a further 51 certified breeding males between them, along with the many high quality females, it is easy to see why this male has made such an impact on modern Australian suri genetics.

The contribution of some outstanding imported Accoyo suri females, including the Surilana Macusani females – most especially Ma Belle (with 29 progeny), and Miss (13 progeny), must also be remembered – particularly thanks to their highly successful careers as Embryo Transfer donors. A second Surilana shipment in 2005 brought more suri males (Bartok and Il Papa) and females and was followed by a large shipment by Jolimont in 2006, which included Carlos 2, Kentor, Accoyo Miquel and a large number of high quality suri females.

Arrival of the colours – 2005 onwards

Until this time the majority of imports had white or light fawn genetics. However, the 2005 shipment mentioned above included three medium/dark fawn suri males imported by Ian and Angela Preuss (Pinjarra) - Pinjarra Machu Mayu, Pinjarra Huayta and Pinjarra Peruvian Icon. Also in this shipment were Somerset Arequipa King (dark fawn), Somerset Stirling Moss (grey) and Somerset Black Impact (black).

In 2006 and 2008 Pat Viceconte imported further coloured males from Peru for the herds of Jolimont and Surilana (now owned by Ian and Angela Preuss). With increasing interest in the breeding of high quality coloured suri alpacas, we saw further shipments from Peru, including by Peter Kennedy and Robert Gane (Canchones) who focussed on black suri. There was also an increase in the number of coloured suri bloodlines imported from the USA. These males, including names such as ILR ABF Riptide’s Ultimate Black (209 progeny) and ILR Moon River’s Peruvian Durango (129 progeny) to name but two have had a major impact on coloured breeding programs in Australia.

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Photograph of Peruvian Senator, courtesy of Fiona Vanderbeek

In Summary….

This has been a fascinating journey back through time for me, and an opportunity to reflect on how our suri herd in Australia has been shaped over the past 30 years. If I had to make a personal choice as to the two most influential suri males in the Australian gene pool (and admittedly I am a suri breeder focused on white commercial fleece production) I’d have to say Peruvian Senator, for his early impact in improving the fineness, lustre and structure of our fleeces, and Surilana Icalon for the extraordinary impact he and his many descendents, male and female, had and continue to have on our herd, bringing density, lustre and the flat lock style so much preferred by today’s commercial processors of suri fibre.

The Suri Breeding Program in Australia - Crossbreeding Suri and Huacaya [Editor’s note: the Suri Network Suri Breed Standard specifically states that a suri is the product of a suri to suri breeding.

The information provided in this article is for informational and historical comparison purposes only, and does not imply endorsement by the Suri Network or any of its members]

Building numbers

As mentioned earlier, the first to experiment with deliberate cross breeding of suri/huacaya were the herds of Two Ways and Purrumbete in the mid-1990s. From my own personal perspective, when we decided to set up a white suri herd with a focus on fleece for commercial processing, in 2002, we simply could not afford or justify the cost of buying pure bred suris, at upwards of AUD10,000 each. For this reason we began our herd with carefully selected first-cross (F1) suris (the offspring of a huacaya and a suri – usually a huacaya dam and suri sire); but even these proved hard to find when we wanted only white genetics in the ancestry of our animals. And so we purchased five white huacaya females and commenced our own cross-breeding program, breeding to suri sires. By culling the male offspring from a breeding program, and mating female progeny to pure-bred suri sires, over five generations the huacaya can eventually be bred out of these lines.

Before the more recent import of high quality coloured breeding stock, from Peru and the USA, what coloured suri sires there were in Australia were commonly crossed with coloured huacaya females, in an effort to increase the number of coloured suri in the national herd.

Commercial fleece attributes A key limiting factor in the quality of cross-bred suri progeny produced by many experimenters was the tendency to use poor quality huacaya females (reserving the better animals for huacaya breeding programs).

However, there were pioneers in the production of commercial suri fibre who deliberately cross-bred huacaya/suri to improve certain attributes of the fleece. These included none less than the great Don Julio Barreda of Accoyo – who around the mid-90s considered/commenced a program of crossing to achieve higher density in his suri herd, using prime huacaya herd sires over his suri females. He was encouraged to do so by fibre processors in Peru who were looking for more processable suri fibre – a more open lock style in a lower micron range - after decades of producing higher micron for the coating market. By utilising heavy-cutting huacaya males, Barreda was obviously trying to achieve bigger fleeces for commercial gain.

Here in Australia, a pioneer of the suri fibre industry, Julienne Gelber of Bumble Hill Alpacas, commenced her own cross-breeding programs in 1996 (when pure bred suri females cost AUD40,000) using only high quality huacaya females and homozygous suri sires. In 1999, Julienne was experimenting with putting high quality, dense huacaya sires over suri females, in an attempt to not only lower the micron of the resulting offspring and increase the density, but also to produce a fleece that did not have the predominant style of surinetwork.org

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that time – lots of tightly twisting shoe-lace locks, pronounced “unprocessable” in the scouring/combing stage by processors.

The key successes achieved in these experiments were not only the desired increase in density and reduction in micron, but also a more open style of lock suited to processing, coupled with a reduction in the longer primary fibres seen in many of the first cross suri alpacas of the time (undoubtedly due to the poor quality of huacaya females typically used). With the influx of Peruvian genetics in the early 2000s, and the influence of males such as Surilana Piccolo, with their flat, wavy “fettucine” lock style, Julienne wound down her crossbreeding program, to pursue this highly processable, dense and lustrous pure bred suri style.

Today

Whilst some deliberate cross-breeding undoubtedly still occurs, the practice is now less widespread as the number of suri has increased and the price of pure suri genetics decreased to an affordable level for new entrants. That said, some cross-bred suri can still produce highly desirable fleece for commercial processors and for those not focussed on the show ring, can be a viable option within a fleece production herd.

First cross (F1) suri cra

Second generation suri in regrowth fleece

Two cross-bred suri males

Fleece from a fifth generation cross-bred suri

About the Author: Fiona Vanderbeek moved to Australia from England in 2001 with husband Ian, an Australian. Tding white suri. The aim has always been to breed alpacas suitable for commercial fibre production and, more recently, for meat. Fiona has been on the Board of the Australian Alpaca Association (AAA) since 2015 and is currently the Vice President of the Association. Her particular interests are in the ongoing commercialization of the industry, biosecurity and genetics. She has been a key driver behind the AAA’s new eAlpaca program – a comprehensive on-line alpaca breed registry and on-line show system, which will go live in November 2017. All photographs courtesy of the author.

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w

ar o u n

o rl d

suris

d t he

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to raise suris in South Africa or Sweden? Come along with us to meet some international suri breeders!

Australia...

Suri alpacas first came to Australia in 1987 and their numbers have grown steadily to

over 22,000 currently registered on the Australian Alpaca Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Alpaca Register â&#x20AC;&#x201C; although there will be significantly more than this when commercial, unregistered animals are included. Although still representing only 14% of the national alpaca herd, the suri is very much a part of the Australian alpaca scene.

The management challenges in raising alpacas in Australia vary slightly with where in our vast and varied country breeders reside, with the management of internal parasites (particularly in the warmer/wetter climatic zones) perhaps being the most significant issue â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a topic the AAA is currently addressing through research into the extent of resistance to commonly used anthelmintics (drenches).

There continue to be challenges in terms of fibre processing, which are steadily being addressed by those breeders with a focus on this part of their business. A key issue is the typical length of suri fibre at harvesting, with commercial processors requiring fibre that is no more than five inches. A further issue is the need for sufficient volume in one micron

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range/colour to create commercial fleece lines. Although Australia has sadly lost almost all of its large commercial mills (due to competition from countries such as China with lower operating costs), many breeders are overcoming this through value-adding by processing small quantities of their own fibre through the many mini-mills and smaller commercial mills that continue to be set up. Suri is also increasingly being used in blends, with huacaya, merino, silk and other natural or man-made fibres.

Over recent years there has been steady growth in the alpaca meat industry in Australia, providing an outlet for excess male alpacas considered not of stud quality – whilst not embraced by all breeders, this necessary development in the industry is serving to increase the quality of animals in the breeding herd, through providing an outlet for culls.

The use of pelts and hides is also slowly increasing. (courtesy of Fiona Vanderbeek)

Birrong Suri Alpacas - Fiona and Ian Vanderbeek

Birrong Suri Alpacas was established in 2002 when we bought a run-down 100-acre property in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. A chance encounter with alpacas at an open farm day, followed by a 2-day new breeders’ workshop, began the formulation of our direction in alpacas – which from the outset we decided was to be white suri – a path from which we have never deviated.

We made the decision to farm suri based on the unique qualities of suri fibre, which from the outset seemed to set it apart from huacaya, which we felt could be in competition with fine merino. And the decision to focus entirely on white was based on our belief in a ▲ it seemed ▲ ▲ commercial fleece industry, even if in those days a long way off.

In the early days our suri herd comprised mainly cross-bred suris, as it had been very difficult to source pure-bred white animals, with a documented pedigree of white genetics, at a price we could at that time afford. Over the years the number of crosses in the herd has reduced although we do still retain some due to their exceptional fleece production characteristics (low micron and standard deviation, coupled with a lustrous, open fleece style, suited to processing).

Much as we love our alpacas and the lifestyle associated with farming them, we have always viewed them as a business. From the outset, knowing our property can sustain a herd of up to 120 head, we have sold animals to ensure we never become overstocked; in particular, all males of non-breeding quality are sold at eight months of age, to a producer of alpaca meat, who grows them out to an age of 2-3 years. This ensures our feed bills remain minimal, while animals remain healthy on pasture that is not overgrazed and minimizes of the risk of internal parasites. surinetwork.org

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Like everyone else in the Australian industry we have seen prices fall since we bought our first animals – but we have embraced this, believing that it will be impossible to build a sustainable fibre industry if individual animals cost thousands of dollars – as prices fall so we hope to see more commercially based farmers prepared to consider alpacas as a viable alternative.

We have always maintained our belief in the long term future of suri as a luxury fibre – provided that the industry is committed to breeding the desirable suri in terms of micron, low standard deviation, lustre/handle and, from a commercial standpoint, white in colour.

Also critical is the establishment of a birthing and shearing routine that ensures fibre is never over-length. We adjusted our birthing season and now shear cria at 4-5 months, ensuring that their first fleeces are never over-long, and they give us a second exquisite fleece by the following November when the main herd is shorn.

Shangrilah Alpacas - Deb Smith and Dave Cooper

We commenced our journey into the world of alpacas in 2004 with the purchase of two wethers to be guardians for protection of our small sheep enterprise from foxes. We did not know there were two types of alpacas until I spotted a true black suri stud male at the farm we purchased from. I was enamoured by this majestic and elegant looking male with beautiful “shiny” flowing fleece; thus began my love affair with suri. We came home with one white huacaya wether and a light fawn suri wether - we never lost another lamb to foxes again.

By 2005 I had fallen for alpacas and went out and purchased, without much thought, one of each type again - a medium brown pregnant huacaya with a light brown huacaya male at foot and a dark fawn pregnant suri with a female dark fawn huacaya female at foot, this then prompted me to learn how a suri could have a huacaya cria and so began an exploration into the inheritance of the suri gene. Shangrilah Alpacas was now born.

By early 2006, after much reading and investigation, we decided we wanted to specialise in white suri; at the time we felt suri offered more potential for newcomers like us, we liked the idea of increasing the numbers of a rare breed of animal, and had become fascinated with suri fleece. As by then former-sheep wool growers we saw huacaya as pretty much sheep with long necks as far as their fibre goes - we actually used to call them that! We chose white because we have always had an interest in growing commercial fibre and knew from the sheep industry commercial buyers want white. Alpacas also offered us a viable livestock enterprise on our 300 acre property that was not quite as labour intensive as sheep wool growing. Soon after our decision to specialise in white suri, our dark fawn suri gave us a solid white female cria sired by a solid black! We have always seen that as a good omen.

Today we have 128 animals on farm. Our numbers fluctuate upwards to about 145 at times and we have capacity to have more which we plan to do in future. We are fortunate to be in a sheep growing area so have a steady flow of demand for our wethers as lamb guardians against foxes. However, should we get to a point that we have surplus wethers we will not hesitate to sell them to the alpaca meat market. We sell our fleeces commercially and are developing what we need to do to also commence sale of alpaca products made from our own fleeces in the future.

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Baarooka Suri Stud - Julie Wilkinson

When I decided to breed alpacas in 2001, there was no doubt that the only option was suris! Their elegance, their rarity and the challenge of improving the breed were all reasons for choosing suris. I was a dairy-farmer’s daughter and knew a lot about genetics and breeding, but nothing about fleece – that was to come later. My foundation herd consisted of a few whites and some coloureds – selecting the best quality I could find from a very limited number available at that time.

After a number of years of breeding, I decided that the quality of coloured males in Australia was lacking and that new genetics were needed. With the uncertainty of pedigrees in Peru, I looked to the US for new males. In 2005 prices were high, and genetics were still tightly held. I did a lot of research and visited many breeders, but despite looking for both coloured and white males, only ended up with two white youngsters to bring home, both from Humminghill Accoyo genetics – a Baron Lafite son and a Rockstar (Torbio)/Ramillo son.

However, I still had the problem I started with – a need for top quality coloured males, so back to the US I went. I found a stunning brown male for sale on Alpacanation – Moon River’s Peruvian Durango! A trip to go see him was in order, but I would need to find some more animals to fill up the crate to make the import cost-effective. After identifying about 20 males, all of which were inspected and their fleece sampled for testing, a short-listed group were vet-checked and a skin biopsy taken for density assessment. Pedigrees were inspected, progeny, siblings and parents investigated, fertility confirmed. From this exhaustive selection process, in 2010 we imported four black males, a grey and Durango. This provided me with a nice selection to take my breeding program forward.

And what a difference they made to my, and my co-owners’, breeding programs! Progeny excelled in all colour classes in the best shows in Australia (both halter and fleece). Another small import of a full Accoyo fawn Torbio son, a Jaguar black female and shares in a Sirius Black/Sniper black male and some harlequin grey studs in 2013 has added another layer of genetics. It’s almost time for another trip!

I have a white commercial herd, currently numbering about 350, which I run on broad acres, using one or two males over the entire herd for two seasons, before replacing them with new genetics.

Because of the range of ages and genetics, we class from ultrafine to strong.

With the coloured herd of 500 suris, which has seen amazing improvements as a result of our imports, I will in the next 5-10 years rationalise the 22 + natural colours into two – probably medium fawn and blueblack. Most of the coloured fleeces class into ultrafine – fine grades. surinetwork.org

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Cull animals (those that don’t fit into my breeding goals) are sold to other breeders or into the meat-production industry. I am hoping that this sector continues to grow to allow me to continue to select for positive fleece characteristics and move on non-productive animals.

BedRock Alpacas - Chris and Tara Ravenhill

BedRock Alpacas is a breeder of both huacaya and suri alpacas running around 250 animals in total. Specific animals are kept on just 6 acres on the home property with the balance running broadacre on the family farm some 250 miles away. This has its management challenges, however by default those alpacas are treated like true livestock.

Alpacas began as a passion with a particular interest in the breeding and outcomes of the breeding program.

Huacayas make up the majority of the herd including a commercial herd bred for the meat and pet/guard market.

BedRock’s suri herd consists of just 10 females, with a concerted effort to maintain high quality animals bred for high quality outcomes.

Showing is seen as an important factor in all of this to showcase animals and compare attributes to other breeders. It also gives the opportunity for the whole industry to come together and network at a forum that has the same common goal – that alpacas, suri and huacaya, truly are a remarkable animal. Whilst showing is not the ultimate outcome it provides that forum for all to be involved.

As small suri breeders, BedRock has insufficient numbers to be a viable commercial fleece producer. Having said that as a niche breeder of this type we are able to supply niche users such as craft and such groups. Larger numbers of huacaya allow us to supply good volume into a cooperative to enable the commercialisation of that product. Whilst the meat and hide market has become a viable alternative for certain animals and, in particular, certain types, we still focus on breeding for fleece attributes on sound animals. It is interesting that like other livestock, certain ‘types’ and genetic ‘types’ make better meat animals. That is not withstanding the fleece characteristics. Suris we have also found, albeit with small numbers, have shown better growth rates per age and better body score than the huacaya running under the same conditions. This has been with our own animals and those we have purchased from outside parties.

Suris and alpacas generally are a refined animal in so many ways. The more you explore these fabulous creatures and the products that can be produced the more you appreciated how refined they really are. BedRock looks forward to the future challenge of breeding alpacas and sharing that experience with other like-minded people in the industry.

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Spain...

AlpacaSpain - Jane Powell

The AlpacaSpain herd is based in the picturesque village of GaucĂ­n in the south of Spain. The farm, La Dehesa, is in the foothills of the Hacho mountain and the terrain is rocky and steep as you can see from the photo of the house. We do not have pasture and feed year round, we do however have an abundance of carob trees and carobs are a particular favourite food of our alpacas. Carobs are packed with vitamins and minerals making them ideal livestock fodder. The terraces below the house are irrigated and we grow grass for mums and newborns.

I have been breeding alpacas in Spain since 2006 and have a herd of some forty animals which includes seven suris, six females and one Bozedown Idaho son. There are fewer than one thousand alpacas in Spain and suris number less than one hundred. I believe there to be a largish suri herd in the north of the country, a few pets or guards dotted about throughout the regions and my small herd in the far south.

My suris do very well here despite the searing summer temperatures (often 35C [95F]) and torrential winter rains. We shear early in April and our suris are shorn every year partly because of the summer heat and partly because of the dry scrub in summer which is ideal for snagging long suri locks. We have shallow, running water through the farm year round, extensive tree cover, purpose built shelters and it is a combination of all three that keep the alpacas happy. The herd, particularly the suris, like to sit with their tummies in the cool, mountain water in the heat of summer. I have found that the winter rains present more of a problem, suris seem more susceptible to the winter deluges than the huacayas and if I know the rains will persist for more than a day the suris are coated up.

As alpacas become more popular here I am seeing a growing interest in suris and am sure the numbers will increase. It has to be said that suri crias often sway buyers to think suri.

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South Africa...

Akelei-Alpakas, SA - Eva Dölitzsch-Tatzreither

Starting with breeding our first Huacayas in 2004 on a farm near Cape Town, our local importer showed us a photo by the way and a very special lock that thrilled us: a 37 cm long black, silkyshiny something, that made us fall in love immediately. And then this beautiful Suri-boy: perfect proportions and a royal attitude! A quick decision was made: so we imported the very first Suri sire to South-Africa… and he is still alive and with now 17 years of age, still very much interested in those alpaca-ladies!

Black QAI Lautaro, bred in Chile, was therefore the father of the first Suri generation in South Africa. There are, besides us, unfortunately only very few Suri breeders, as there was only one Alpaca mill for this large country. After the owner sold his machines, we are at the moment without any production line for Suri-fleece and looking for an investor, who would like to boost the local Suri industry.

After Lautaro had produced a lot of beautiful crias, we imported another sire from South America. This time an outstanding oxford-grey with white tuxedo from another bloodline, so the next generation was granted. QAI Lincoyan, who was at this time the most expensive alpaca in South Africa, sired again perfect Suri, in a wide range of colors between black and white, different greys, fawns, browns and even a rare mahogany. Watching them running on the pastures with their shiny fleece, is something that fills my heart with joy every time again!

We had imported some pure bred Suri dams from overseas and bought even some local “accidental” Suri ladies, which proved our sires to be 100 % homozygous - all their offspring were Suri ! For it is difficult to receive exact numbers from the SA Studbook, we estimate round about 200 Suri in total, pure-bred and registered and probably a few not-registered mixtures.

United Kingdom...

Faraway Suri Alpacas - Nikki Haydon

Imagine a time when wolves, deer and beavers roamed the forests of England. That’s how it was just short of a thousand years ago when William the Conquerer staged the last successful invasion of the country and named an area of over 200 square miles on the gentle south coast as his hunting preserve...his “new forest.” Those animals soon disappeared. Only deer, fox, otter and one very poisonous snake remain. Other domesticated animals joined them: cattle, ponies, donkeys and pigs which local people have the right to set free to graze on the unfenced forest land (vehicles must yield on the roads!) That’s today’s New Forest National Park where Faraway Suri Alpacas is located. My farm with a cottage built in the time of a Elizabeth 1st in 1580 is one of the few enclosed or fenced areas in the park - which because of its hunting status has never been ploughed or developed...it is unique.

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So to alpacas - I fell in love with Suris 15 years ago...so elegant, so athletic with a fleece which showed off their beauty to perfection.

Taking my lead from the animals roaming over the open forest area outside the farm, I decided to let the alpacas do the same in the farm fields.. no gates are closed..they have the run of the whole place of 10 acres. Grazing the ancient hedgerows and trees as well as the wildflower meadows...after all roaming free is how they live in the Andes! It makes them strong and self reliant. The only segregation is between the females and cria and the stud males. It’s a small, select herd of high quality animals...all social and well adjusted.

Among the first alpacas I bought was a female imported from Bolivia. In our open field plan she took on the role of matriach..she decides when and where the herd travel - because instead of standing around in a paddock looking a bit bored they really do travel as a herd.

The challenge in this system is keeping parasite burdens down which means twice weekly poovering and regular faecal counts.

Our herd mother is now 20 and over the years we have added champions from the United States and Australia. The stud males, their progeny and the females we sell from time to time are in great demand...that’s a blessing when Britain’s fleece market is still in its infancy.

I often wonder what King William riding by with his retinue of Knights would have made of these exotic creatures. Maybe it’s just as well he never saw them...they probably would have gone the same way as the deer and wild boar he hunted regularly.

Sweden...

Suri@Bokedala - Anne-Line Scheele

Why Suri? Well, why alpacas really? This is a question I am frequently asked from the non-believers. ’Why suri’ is the question asked by huacaya breeders. For me it is the utmoust luxury in fiber. I met my first Suri alpacas in 2010 and as I am a handspinner I realized from the start that this was something special. The luster, the handle, the silkyness – well you all know what I am talking about. Those animals came from one of the first imports to Sweden from New Zealand, excellent blood lines from top breeders. Not long after I attended a workshop with Thistledowns Molly Gardner and Hermione Richards from Surico who taught us the basics in suri fleece. The knowledge and passion they have for the suri fleece was contagious and started an equal passion in me. Not long after I bought my first suri female, a white beauty called Princess. When the next import from New Zealand was due in 2013 I had a chance to buy a couple of high quality females from Surico, Paqocha and Thistledown. This became the start of my suri breeding and it is a decision I will never regret. surinetwork.org

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My main focus as a suri breeder is to always improve the quality and mainly breed light colours. Since the suri industry is so young in Sweden it is for me obvious we have to start with the light colours since they so far give the best fiber quality. I also have a couple of beautiful greys and will not mind having some more silky greys in the pasture, if genetics will permit.

So you see Suris, and Alpacas in general is a very young industry in Sweden and Scandinavia. The first imports of alpacas came some 30 years ago. Ten years ago when I started with my alpacas we had roughly 500 alpacas in Sweden. Today it has increased to an estimated 3000 animals. So we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the big numbers, yet, but it is increasing rapidly and the interest is huge! Also the general interest for wool has increased. People are more and more looking for natural eco-friendly materials in their garments and interior. They also prefer if it is produced locally. So this is of course benificial for us as alpaca fiber producers.

We have a narrow genetic base though and it is crucial that we frequently import new genetics to develop the alpacas in a good way. In Sweden the alpaca is often kept as a pet and therefore cute alpacas in various colours and mixes is very popular. For us as breeders the challenge is to focus on quality and think ahead. For me the alpaca is a lovely animal but foremost a fleece producer. If we cannot improve the fleece we will not survive as an industry.

Our neighbours in Norway on the other hand, are much more focused on breeding top quality animals. They have always had a much stronger culture to appreciate wool in general.

The spinning societies are very strong and growing immensely. So far the Suri bug has not hit the Norwegians but I will do my very best to persuade them in the future. I am of Norwegian descent so I feel I am obliged to salvage them to be believers, to appreciate the beauty of the Suri fleece.

The last two years there has been made some additional imports of high quality Suri alpacas which I am sure will make a huge impact on the breeding of quality suri alpacas in Sweden. We see an increasing demand and interest for those high end fiber producers.

By far the suri fiber makes the most elegant products and this is an excellent way to be able to improve the quality of garments and other alpaca products. As Sue Richards at Surico says â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I am convinced the Suri in the future will rule the Alpaca World. And they should!

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As we saw the importance of being strong by working together, four years ago we established a new and modern society for all camelid owners and lovers in Sweden â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www. alpacaandfriends.se. We organize a lot of gatherings around the country each year, open to all and everyone. As our main yearly event we have a European Fleece Show. The entering number of fleeces grow year by year, this year around 70 fleece from all over Europe was judged by Peter Kennedy from Canchones in Australia. We always look for the best of judges and the last years we have been fortunate to see Amanda VandenBosch, Molly Gardner and Robin Näseman judging our fleeces.

This year we added an Alpaca Festival to our Fleece Show and it was a huge success! We wanted to build an arena where all our brilliant fiber producers could market and show off their products. We had a lot of visitors all weekend and this will for sure be a yearly event in addition to the European Fleece Show.

The topic of the Fleece Show seminar this year was marketing, since Judge Peter Kennedy and partner Robert Gane has a very good knowledge in this area. We learnt a lot about marketing, that is for sure. But we also talked a lot about generosity and cooperation.

The best marketing is when we market our animals together, that we work together as breeders. It is also very important to show our customers generosity, always giving the best of service and that we solve any arising problem almost before they occur. To support and give the best of service to our customers is in the end the best of marketing. Having satisfied clients will always be the best of marketing for your breeding.

In Sweden I would say there is around 200 suris all in all. Some of the first breeders of suri have made a lot of crosses between huacaya and suri, so the quality is very diverse and the choice of studs is limited. Last year I therefore made the decision to import two top quality sires from Surico elite genetics. The first crias came this summer and I am very satisfied with the result. These sires have the extreme fineness and also the density that I am looking for. I am very eager to see how they will impact my breeding and hopefully also take a part in improving the general development of Suri in Sweden.

This article is intended for informative and educational purposes only. Inclusion of any farm in this section does not imply endoresement by the Suri Network or its members of any practices mentioned herein. All photographs are the property of the authors of each respective section.

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Chris & Jess Fredericks Clayton, WI

715-419-0127 Chris 715-419-0126 Jess

Est. 2008

www.whistlingpinesranch.com

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Fiber & Alpaca Products

Science-driven results: Skin biopsies - EPDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s - Histograms - Genetics

BIG-FARM SELECTION. SMALL-FARM SERVICE HOME OF PROVEN HERDSIRES: WPR CHARLEY WAITE AOA #32109429 Density = 53.6 foll/mm3 9.1:1 Pri/Sec ratio 5.9 micron diff P:S 21.4 AFD, 4.9 SD @ age 5 1 Judges Choice, 3 Banners

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Farm store features only alpaca products made in USA from US-grown alpaca fiber

SHIP: the great ah-hah!

by Linda Kondris

“ I learned so much, it was like light bulbs popping on, one after another.”

The Suri Network’s Suri Herd Improvement Program, SHIP, is receiving rave reviews across the country. This innovative, hands-on educational program is designed to offer Suri breeders the skills and knowledge necessary to truly understand desired Suri qualities and to measure each of their own animals against the Suri Breed Standard.

Highly trained, experienced classifiers guide breeders in understanding conformation and fleece characteristics Classifiers Mary Lou Clingan and Cheryl Gehly meet to review at the farm, in a very interactive manner. SHIP procedures.

The classifier scores each animal on eight conformation traits and eight fleece traits, from a high score of five to a low of one. While the breeder will receive individual scores for each animal, the strength of the program lies in the interaction and dialog between the classifier and the breeder as each Suri is examined.

The conformation areas scored include • Type • Movement and tracking • Front legs • Hind legs • Head • Strength of frame • Tail • Genitalia Classifiers meet annually to calibrate their scoring to ensure accuracy. surinetwork.org

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The fleece characteristics scored include • • • • • • • •

Classification is hands-on with full owner participation.

Luster Fineness Uniformity of micron Density Lock structure Handle Uniformity of color within blanket Fleece phenotype

To date, over 75 farms and over 3,000 Suris have been classified at farms from Oregon to Maryland, and from Montana to Oklahoma. Participants are unanimous in their positive comments.

“We thought we had knowledge about conformation and fleece; however, we found out through the classification that we just had ‘some’. We learned so much...” M. Z., Ohio “It was an invaluable experience and truly enlightening...we will never look at an alpaca the same way again.” B.M., Oregon Through participating in a SHIP classification, breeders gain lifelong skills to apply as they work to improve their herd’s quality. As they review the scores on their Suris, and make breeding decisions, they are able to reflect on their discussions with the classifier and apply the new knowledge and insight they have gained.

Classification is hands-on with full owner participation.

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“Our biggest impression was the style in which the information was given. It wasn’t intimidating and it wasn’t overwhelming.” E.V., Washington “We just finished our SHIP classifcation today! Three days of AWESOME! What a terrific experience...hands on assessment of each and every animal looking at clearly defined characteristics. Each characteristic discussed and scored for each alpaca, with great dialog and opportunity for questions throughout!” P.H., Missouri Plan now to schedule your SHIP herd classification. You will find further information and application instructions at SuriSHIP.org. When your farm data is integrated into the SHIP data base, you will be able to compare your herd to others as well as locate Suris that have qualities to enhance your herd.

The Suri Herd Improvement Program, SHIP, is the Suri Network’s flagship initiative for improving the quality of the national Suri herd, one herd at a time.

Demonstrating correct bite mechanics Linda Kondris began raising Suris at Pines Edge Suri Alpacas in Colorado in 1998. She has actively supported the Suri Network as president and board member, and recently co-chaired the Suri Breed Standard Committee. Linda is a recipient of the Suri Network’s Jim Barker Award and has been recognized as a Futurity Breeder of the Year. She currently serves as the SHIP Program Director and is a long standing member of the AOA Show Rules Committee.

When Quality Comes First... Choose Peruvian Link Accredited by the International Alpaca Association (AIA)

1-888-607-PERU(7378) www.peruvianlink.com wholesale@peruvianlink.com

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How to Succeed at (With Trying Some Great

Alpaca is so warm! so soft! so luxurious! it sometimes seems like it should sell itself. But as anyone who has a farm store or sells at markets knows - it doesn’t. To have a steady revenue stream from product sales takes effort, creativity, and enthusiasm. But when you’ve found your niche - and your customers have found you - alpaca products can add substantially to your farm’s bottom line.

Alvina Maynard of River Hill Ranch has these words of wisdom as you begin looking for a venue to sell your wares: “As a fiber farmer, it may be challenging to gain membership to some farmers’ markets. Some market managers or board members may need convincing that finished products you sell from a cooperative, fiber pool, or manufacturers that purchase your fiber, are actually grown on your farm. Humbly explain that you respect and support their rules, but encourage them to consider exceptions for fiber farmers. Inviting them out to your farm may help convince them of your farm’s legitimacy. Show pictures of your harvest and provide a yield report to show how much fiber was grown that year. Be prepared to provide receipts to prove your fiber was sold to or banked with the manufacturer.

Don’t be discouraged if you’re not approved initially; be politely persistent. Seek out other fiber farmers (wool, mohair, angora, hemp, cotton, yak, etc.) that may be interested in vending. Remember the market rules are there for transparency to build trust with customers. In my case, I wrote a blog to publicly state my case. One of the markets that

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Farmer’s Markets Ideas from Fellow Farmers)

previously rejected my membership did change their position and allowed me in after I posted the blog. Their condition was I have signage at my booth which explained how many pounds of fiber I produced and listing locations where my products were manufactured.

To be worth your time schlepping all your wares to market, the customer base needs to be your target audience. Visit the markets you’re considering to get a feel for the culture of the market. Are customers haggling with every vendor for a better deal? Are they walking briskly to get their grocery shopping done? I wouldn’t recommend those markets. But if you find customers strolling leisurely, taking the time to get to know the farmers, music is playing, and they’re buying high-priced organic specialty foods alongside art and goat milk soap, you have a winner. I have found these markets located in larger cities, often in trendy or revitalized parts of town, and on weekends.”

Judith Korff of LadySong Farm adds that once you’ve found a promising market, “Do your best to be consistent in attendance. Your customers will come to expect to see you in the same place every week, and if you aren’t there, they come away disappointed and uncertain about whether they can expect you the next week.” Word of mouth advertising will drive customers to you as you become a known quantity - if you personally can’t be there every week, Alvina recommends “Once you put the work into establishing a following and know what revenue you can generate, you can hire a reliable FFA senior to run your booth (I have had better luck with high schoolers than college kids...)”

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Having an attractive display that catches the eye and draws potential customers to you is critical. You won’t be able to hook them on alpaca if you never get a chance to talk to them!

And don’t be shy about talking to your customers. Barbara Coleman of Wings and a Prayer Alpacas, notes that “our farm manager does our Thursday Farmer’s Market for us. One of the most important things he does is make sure that everyone who walks by our booth is greeted!

Even just a ‘Hi, how are you today?’ will get someone to stop and look a bit closer. It’s amazing how something just that simple can turn into a sale.”

Alvina adds, “Take time to develop a greeting for your booth that booth engages customers and communicates some key points about your business. It helps if you can insert some comedy. Have a couple bids to keep going or to encourage customers to engage with the product: ‘At a certain point their fiber quality degrades, so we send them on the great, green pasture in the sky. They make a healthy, nutritious meat product as well.’; ‘Have you ever

felt alpaca before?’; ‘Have you ever experienced alpaca socks?’; ‘Feel free to touch anything; touches are free.’ But be careful of who you say the last one to; some don’t assume you’re talking about the product!”

Judith likes to hang some eye-catching items to draw people in: “Make sure to have some items raised to eye-level and visible from a distance. I drape a chain along one side of my canopy and hang my brightest and most colorful yarns using shower curtain hooks which are quick and easy to slip in and out when setting up or taking down the display. I’ve had people see that display from the highway and make a special stop at the market to shop with me.”

It’s important to be sure that your booth is not only easy on the eyes, but easy to set up and take down. Don’t underestimate the physical effort involved in participating in farmers

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markets. On a purely practical note, for first time vendors, it’s important to do a dry run before the first early morning set-up. Alvina suggests “If this is your first time vending, it’s a good idea to set up your entire booth at home a couple days before hand. This will allow you to make adjustments, ensure you have everything you’ll need, and that it all fits in your car. Once you have it all up, stand outside your booth and imagine how a customer may see it. Does it draw attention? Are products visible to passersby? Is your signage legible from the walkway? Do this at market as well as the surrounding may impact where you want to place things (you don’t want scarves hanging on the side your neighbor is cooking up tacos!)

I like using vintage suitcases for small accessories because all you have to do is set them out and open them. Pricing and pictures of your animals can be taped to the inside of the lid. For events where you have a tent, use the canopy frame to hang scarves, shawls, or garments on hangers. Metal rings from office supply stores can be used to hang yarn, rugs, wall hangings,

etc. We found a vertical display rack on casters to display socks as well as to hang bags on.

Be sure to have a plan for inclement weather: weight your tent down and be sure you can pull your products out of the rain. In our case, the vertical display racks and our meat cooler double as our canopy weights, using bungee cords to attach them to the frame. You also may need to create shade, especially if you’ll be displaying dyed product for a long time. I prefer yardage of thin fabric like linen over tent walls.”

Judith adds, “Make sure you have a tent with sidewalls to protect against rain and wind.

While the carrot vendors don’t care if their products get wet, it can sure put a damper (pun intended) on your day if you have to go home and dry everything - not to mention the damage to labeling and the fact that rain-drenched end products lose their new appeal very quickly. I use and highly recommend an Undercover canopy with wrap-around sidewalls surinetwork.org

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that hang on a cable and zip in the center. I found that ordinary velcroed sidewalls never come together snugly at the corners and let in rain and wind.”

After you’ve drawn customers into your booth, you want to keep bringing them back. Alvina suggests “Create customer buy-in. This is some way that you start a continuing relationship with your customer. A reward program, a newsletter, social media following, any way that you can continue to engage with that customer in a meaningful way. Communicating your story will be your biggest way to do that, but sometimes you can get drawn into conversation with one person while 10 potential customers stroll by. While you want to be friendly, you also don’t want to lose sales. Have your story in print form for people to read. Have pictures for people to flip through. I have a laminated magazine article about us and a three-ring binder full of 8x10 pictures of our farm. Next to it is my email newsletter sign-up with our social media handles listed. Many people will ask for a card: don’t do it. It’s passive.

Encourage them to sign-up or follow you and if they’re not interested, offer your website. If they have a smart phone, they can take a picture of your logo to do an Internet search later.”

Judith adds, “Take advantage of any market-specific promotional materials (one of my markets uses a ‘frequent customer’ card that gets punched each time the customer returns and purchases, and when completely punched is valid for a $2 discount at any vendor), and don’t hesitate to add coupons or to offer ‘specials’ of your own from time to time. The end of the season is a good time to offload your yarns that are no longer ‘in season’. You’ll have all winter to dye up your spring colors to prepare for the next year.”

You’ll find that many customers want to follow you home - literally. Expect an uptick in farm visitors, especially if you also have a farm store. Barbara advises, “Many breeders have small farm stores at their farms and they have set hours. We’ve never had set hours at our store as I do not want to be tied down to being here! However, we tell all our customers...’If we’re home, we’re open.’ We even get local people call or knock on the door in the evenings, on Christmas Eve, Sunday morning, etc.! They have gotten to know that if we’re here, we’ll unlock the door and turn on the lights for them to purchase something. We also have a sign on our store door with all of our names and cell numbers on it. It doesn’t work for everybody but our local customers have sure gotten used to it and know we’re there.”

Using your display at a farmers market to drive customers to a farm store helps even out income across the seasons, as Alvina notes: “Obviously folks aren’t drawn to buy winter clothing in July. Markets have different schedules, so give some thought to what season will make the most sense for you to attend. Our market runs year round, but other markets run April until October. Even though we also sell meat and home decor, we generally limit our season to August through December. However, we also have an agritourism enterprise and use farmers market to market our tours and events. We go to a handful of market days in the Spring to advertise on-farm activities. Our goal is to make our overall business season-less for more consistent cash flow.”

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Alvina Maynard established River Hill Ranch in 2012 to further develop a sustainable livestock model for Suri alpacas. Every bit of fiber produced is turned into a product and sold. She believes culling to the terminal market not only provides an additional revenue stream to the ranch, but is necessary to create room for genetic improvement to further a sustainable fiber market. Her most difficult job and greatest joy is being mother to two young children and married to Mr. Incredible.

Barbara and Randy Coleman have been raising alpacas at Wings and a Prayer Alpacas for nearly 20 years and specialize in suris. Their business is very diverse and includes not only raising breeding stock but everything that goes with alpacas. From their farm store to alpaca shows to transport to raising Great Pyrs, their business is all about making connections with people and nurturing our relationships. Each person they talk to is a possible farm visitor and/or future alpaca owner.

Judith Korff owns and operates LadySong Farm in Randolph, NY, where she raises suri alpacas, layer chickens and Sebastopol geese. Judith vends at regional fiber festivals, craft shows, special events, and farm markets selling eggs, hand-dyed yarns, hand-knit and hand-woven alpaca end products and finished goods from commercial suppliers.

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Recognizing and Treating Hepatic Lipidosis in Camelids Dr. Robert Van Saun, DVM, MS, PhD

Excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells (i.e., hepatocytes) is a disease process termed hepatic lipidosis, fatty infiltration, or fatty liver (see Figure 1) and is associated with well-known disease syndromes in cats, cows, sheep, goats, ponies, and humans. Although there are differences in conditions that initiate hepatic lipidosis between these species, a common theme is a period of inadequate energy intake (i.e., negative energy balance [NEB]) initiating body fat mobilization.

Unfortunately for llamas and alpacas, the disease outcome is nearly fatal in all cases if not recognized and aggressively treated early in disease development.

Figure 1A. Microscopic section of a liver biopsy from a normal llama. Normal liver cells (hepatocytes) with central biliary canal.

Figure 1B. Microscopic section of a liver biopsy from a llama with severe fatty liver. Fatty infiltration of the liver.

Notice the large vacuoles in the cells that would be filled with fat. Affected livers are pale yellow in color and will float in water.

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Hepatic lipidosis in llamas and alpacas has not been frequently reported in the veterinary literature, but is increasingly recognized in cases of camelid illness and death. A large majority of cases submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories report some degree of fatty liver infiltration in llamas and alpacas submitted for necropsy. Whether hepatic lipidosis was the primary lesion causing the death of the animal, or a secondary lesion to some other disease process is not always clear. Veterinarians and owners are becoming aware of the serious nature of this problem and seeking ways to treat when recognized or prevent it entirely. Many owners have a horror story to tell about the loss of one or more females to this disease. In this column I will review the current state of knowledge about hepatic lipidosis in camelids and provide some background to its cause and early recognition. A second column will detail treatment and prevention practices.

Characterizing Hepatic Lipidosis Using liver biopsy specimens, a retrospective study identified 31 confirmed cases of hepatic lipidosis in llamas and alpacas submitted to Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. This study revealed a predominately middle aged, pregnant or lactating female population to be affected.1 In contrast to other species, males accounted for 22.6% of the cases and age ranged from 5 months to 18 years. This is very different demographics of affected animals compared to the disease process seen in cattle, sheep and goats. In these cases there were no significant associations with any infectious, parasitic, or toxic causative agent. A number of case reports on hepatic lipidosis in camelids were in association with tick paralysis.

The most common factor documented in histories from these affected camelids was recent significant loss of appetite or severe weight loss. This period of not eating or weight loss varied from a couple of days to several weeks. The whole spectrum of body condition scores (thin to obese) were represented in the affected group of animals. In some cases, there were other medical problems, such as diarrhea, evident around the time the condition developed. In other cases, there were changes in social or environmental conditions such as uncharacteristic hot weather or movement of animals in or out of certain pastures or pens. Some llamas were reported to be clinically normal less than 24 hours before being found ill or dead.

Examination of blood values for the affected animals showed that most had elevations in enzymes that indicate liver disease. These are not, however, specific for hepatic lipidosis and may be increased with any cause of liver disease. Biochemical measures associated with negative energy balance (nonesterified fatty acids [NEFA]), liver dysfunction (bile acids, sorbitol dehydrogenase [SDH], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]), and muscle damage (creatine kinase [CK], aspartate transaminase [AST]) were consistently elevated. Elevated concentrations of blood lipids (lipemia) and ketones (ketonemia, measured as beta-hydroxybutyrate [BHB]) were not consistently associated with hepatic lipidosis in this retrospective study population compared to other literature reports. Low total protein, but not low blood urea nitrogen, was also a common clinical finding in affected animals. These data suggest similarities in the pathogenesis of hepatic lipidosis in camelids to other species and not just ruminants. surinetwork.org

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Diagnostic Indicators Since a history of recent anorexia or weight loss was the most common factor in the naturallyoccurring cases of camelid hepatic lipidosis, a feed-restriction model was used in an attempt to mimic this condition.2 Blood samples and liver biopsies were obtained regularly throughout the study to determine physiologic response and potential onset of disease. Feed restriction ended when there was any indication in blood work, biopsy, or clinical signs of the onset of hepatic lipidosis.

To induce metabolic changes consistent with hepatic lipidosis, mature grass forage (< 8% crude protein) was fed at a rate of 0.25% of body weight. Most camelids will eat between 1.2 and 1.5% of body weight at maintenance. Fifty percent (5 of 10) of the llamas developed hepatic lipidosis to some degree based on histologic (liver biopsy) evaluation. No animals became depressed or recumbent. All llamas in the study on average lost over 15% of body weight. Llamas that developed hepatic lipidosis tended to have greater body weight loss in the first week and younger crias (less than 7 weeks) if they were lactating.

Blood tests showed expected increases in liver enzymes in those that developed hepatic lipidosis, but not in those that simply lost weight. This is important in telling us that our blood indicators of liver disease (bile acids, AST, GGT, and SDH) are relatively specific in llamas. All llamas had elevated concentrations of NEFA indicating negative energy balance and fat mobilization. There was no significant difference in NEFA concentration between affected and unaffected animals; however, mean NEFA concentration was maintained above 1 mEq/L in affected animals. Llamas with hepatic lipidosis had significantly higher mean BHB concentrations (10.24 mg/dl) than did non-affected llamas (0.92 mg/dl), indicating abnormal liver fat metabolism. This is a curious finding as camelids are not particularly ketogenic given their naturally high blood glucose concentration. Case reports are mixed as to whether or not ketosis was present in affected animals. Even with elevated ketones, the concentration in affected llamas is not nearly as high as commonly observed in ketotic cows, sheep, and goats. This is an important point as most veterinarians working with farm animals would not consider the BHB concentrations in the affected animals to be of concern and might miss the diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is only accomplished by microscopic or analytical measurement of fat content of liver biopsy specimens, though some key diagnostic blood parameters are useful supportive findings (Table 1).

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Table 1. Key blood metabolites used to help diagnose hepatic lipidosis and monitor response to therapy. The indicated alarm values are observed threshold values for llamas affected with hepatic lipidosis compared to unaffected animals. Definitive diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is only achieved by liver biopsy.

Parametera Indicates Normal Rangesb Alarm Values NEFA Measure of fat mobilization, increases risk < 0.4 mEq/L > 1.0 mEq/L for hepatic lipidosis < 0.6 mEq/L (lactating)

BHB Measure of ketone body formation (ketosis) 0.12-0.75 mg/dl >10 mg/dl Bile acids

Measure of liver function, prolonged elevation following insult

1.1-22.9 mEq/L

> 30 mEq/L

GGT Measure of liver function, prolonged

elevation following insult

SDH Measure of liver function, rapid response after insult

16-46 IU/L

> 150 IU/L

0-22 IU/L

> 60 IU/L

AST

66-235 IU/L

> 750 IU/L

Measure of liver function and muscle breakdown, rapid response after insult

Disease Mechanisms

Further research at Oregon State University on the unique aspects of glucose metabolism in llamas and alpacas might help explain their propensity for this disease. Unlike other ruminant animals, llamas and alpacas maintain higher blood glucose concentration (85-100 mg/dl), similar to that of nonruminant animals. Given the type of diet consumed by llamas and alpacas, this ability to maintain and greatly increase blood glucose concentrations when stressed was a puzzle. Research suggests llamas and alpacas become â&#x20AC;&#x153;insulin resistantâ&#x20AC;? as they age, somewhat similar to becoming a diabetic.3,4 Insulin is a key metabolic regulator not only for blood glucose, but also fat mobilization. With insulin resistance, body cells will not utilize glucose efficiently while fat cells can more readily mobilize stored fat for use as an alternative energy source. This metabolic scenario would result in more rapid fat mobilization during periods of negative energy balance. Further research is needed to better understand underlying metabolic issues in normal and hepatic lipidosis affected animals and the potential role of insulin.

To summarize, camelids of a variety of ages, gender, body condition, and reproductive status are susceptible to development of hepatic lipidosis. Conditions that place increased energy demands, such as pregnancy and lactation, increase potential risk for hepatic lipidosis. Factors such as social and environmental stressors and other disease conditions appear to also predispose camelids to loss of appetite and weight thus potentially predisposing them to accumulation of fat in the liver. Blood metabolites can be used to identify risk (NEFA for fat mobilization) and potential disease presence (elevated liver enzymes). The next column will address treatment and prevention approaches to hepatic lipidosis. surinetwork.org

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Treatment Approaches In the previously described feed restriction trial to induce hepatic lipidosis,š animals were returned to normal feeding amounts when initial signs of hepatic lipidosis were observed and fatty infiltration of liver biopsy specimens were documented, which was between 13 and 21 days from the start of feed restriction. When affected llamas were returned to normal feed, body weight increased, blood values gradually changed toward normal, and fat disappeared from the liver (based further biopsy samples). Time frame observed for improvement in liver fat content was between 5 and 12 days from the time of refeeding. This was a significant finding in that it showed that the condition is reversible when normal levels of nutrients and calories are consumed. It must be remembered that the severity of fatty infiltration observed in this study was much less than clinical cases, suggesting a potentially longer period of time required for recovery.

With deficient energy intake being a hallmark factor in initiating hepatic lipidosis, therapy must be focused on increasing energy intake. This is accomplished by stimulating feed intake. Offering a variety of browse material and fresh grass clippings has been beneficial to stimulating intake.

Blackberry leaves are particularly appealing to camelids. Injections of B-vitamins as well as some pain relief medications can also stimulate intake.

If more aggressive oral supplementation is required, liquid consistency gruel can be mixed and administered via tube if feasible. Soaking alfalfa pellets in hot water and mixing in calf electrolytes, calcium propionate, propylene glycol and other ingredients can provide a nice workable mixture to provide energy sources and fermentable material. Camelids are obligate nasal breathers, so indwelling tubes through the nasal passages to the stomach are not practical.

If oral tubing results in extreme stress to the animal, this may not be a viable pathway for support. Transfaunation (administering rumen contents from another animal) can be used to repopulate the microbial fauna and restimulate fermentation. Collected rumen fluid from cattle, sheep or goats can be used in llamas or alpacas.

In more severe cases, intensive supportive care and dietary management, including parenteral (i.e., intravenous) nutrition, must be used.² Work with your veterinarian to transfaunate the fermentation vat and administer therapeutic nutritional support (glucose and amino acid solutions). Given the concern on insulin resistance, administration of an appropriate dose of insulin in conjunction with glucose therapy is warranted. You should never administer insulin without concurrent glucose therapy; otherwise you may induce low blood glucose. Be aware that prognosis is always guarded in these more severe cases, even with aggressive nutritional support.

All sick camelids should be considered at risk for developing hepatic lipidosis, especially those with anorexia or metabolic demands of pregnancy and lactation. Close monitoring of intake in sick animals is absolutely critical to prevent deaths.

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Disease Prevention - Nutritional Management The key to treating and preventing this disease is early recognition and aggressive nutritional support. Prevention is based on ensuring adequate energy and protein intake, especially in pregnant and lactating females through the feeding of good quality forage and appropriate supplementation. New feeding recommendations for llamas and alpacas have just been published by the National Research Council (NRC).Âł Forage testing is the only true way to know the quality of forage being fed. Most cases of hepatic lipidosis are associated with the feeding of mature grass forages (< 9% crude protein; >60% neutral detergent fiber [NDF]). Given their innate selective feeding behaviors, adding some alfalfa or clover forage to grass forage can facilitate the ability of llamas and alpacas to consume a high quality diet. Grain supplements with some protein will be required to support lactation, though the amount and composition required will vary by production level and forage quality.

Lactating dams have the highest nutrient requirements and should be fed the best-quality forages and potentially supplemented with a grain product containing energy and protein sources. Based NRC recommendations,3 dietary composition for lactating animals should contain: 60 to 75% total digestible nutrients (TDN), 12-14% crude protein, 0.45-0.62% calcium, and 0.32-0.45% phosphorus. Pregnant females during the last 3 months of pregnancy require moderate to high quality forages with supplement for additional mineral and vitamin needs.

Dietary composition for late pregnant animals should contain: 55 to 70% TDN, 10-12% crude protein, 0.45-0.56% calcium, and 0.28-0.33% phosphorus. From these recommendations, mature grass hay has no place in these diets as it will reduce intake and dietary energy and protein content without excessive grain supplementation.

Disease Prevention - Monitoring Body weight determination Many llama enterprises have scales in which body weight can be measured. Given the strong association between significant weight loss and hepatic lipidosis, one can use routine (monthly or bimonthly) body weight determinations to assess potential risk. Body weight loss exceeding 15% over a short (1-2 weeks) period of time is a high risk factor for this disease. One needs historical information to interpret current body weight and change over time. Pregnant animals should gain approximately 10 to 15% of their body weight over the last three months of pregnancy to account for fetal growth. Lactating animals will be expected to lose body weight in support of lactation. This weight loss will vary by individuals and amount of milk produced.

Typical weight loss should be less than 10% of body weight following birthing. Excessive weight loss in early lactation is an indicator of inadequate dietary amounts or quality and can predispose to hepatic lipidosis problems.

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Body condition scoring By far, the single best and simplest method of evaluating your nutritional program is body condition scoring. Body condition scoring is a method that subjectively grades animals by amount of subcutaneous fat stores into defined “fatness” categories. A 5-point system covering physical states of emaciated (1), thin (2), average (3), fat (4), and obese (5) has been developed (Figure 1). As with sheep, to properly body condition score a llama or alpaca one needs to palpate through the fiber coat to feel over boney structures for thickness of tissue and fat cover.

Key areas to assess are the loin area just behind the ribs and in front of the pelvis. Within this area you want to evaluate fat presence between the bony projections from the vertebrae extending upward (dorsal spinous process) and laterally (transverse process or “short ribs”) from the spinal column (see pictures in figure).

In this same area you want to determine how much of a shelf is formed by the transverse processes. This area behind the ribs and below the spine is termed the paralumbar fossa. In thin animals the body wall in this area will be sucked in with the short ribs forming an obvious shelf. In fatter animals, the body wall will project out and the short ribs will be hard to identify.

Additionally, one should visualize the degree of fatness in the brisket (chest) and inguinal areas.

Figure 1. Body condition scoring chart (from Van Saun, R. Feeding the Alpaca. In: The Complete Alpaca, 2nd ed., Hoffman, E., Boony-Doon Press: Santa Cruz, CA, 2006). Refer to text for description of evaluation sites. surinetwork.org

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The ideal body condition is 3.0, having a moderate amount of body fat. Although some individuals will maintain lower or higher body condition score and remain healthy, this is just inherent individual differences in metabolism. Body condition scores 2.0 and below or 4.0 and above are considered abnormal and represent extremely thin or fat animals, respectively. Most animals other than those in late pregnancy or lactation should maintain a body condition score between 2.5 and 3.25. Late pregnant animals should have slightly higher body condition (3.253.5) to have reserves to support impending lactation. Lactating animals will lose body condition rapidly as they produce milk. Lactating animals should not lose more than 0.5-0.75 condition scores. A loss in body condition implies the consumed intake of feed is deficient in energy, protein, or both. Important times to assess body condition score would be during early to mid pregnancy, early to mid lactation, and periodically (4-6 times per year) to other animals of the herd to assess energy status.

Blood profiles Besides evaluating an animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical attributes relative to health and disease, analysis of blood is often used to determine presence of disease. Nutrition can influence many physiologic and metabolic body functions, thus a number of blood parameters can be used within a defined framework for evaluating nutritional status. These are two different objectives in using blood analysis and require different animals to be selected. Blood metabolite analysis in unhealthy animals is best used to help in disease diagnosis. To best assess nutritional status using blood metabolites, one should sample only healthy animals so as not to have confounding effects of disease on blood parameters. Based on what has been described for hepatic lipidosis, blood measures of NEFA and protein (urea nitrogen, albumin, total protein) could be used to assess potential risk in healthy looking animals. Liver function enzymes and beta-hydroxybutyrate are best suited to disease diagnosis.

Forage Testing The importance of forage quality to a nutrition program cannot be overemphasized. Forage quality is best tested by chemical measures for moisture, crude protein, and neutral and acid detergent fiber by a certified laboratory. Feed laboratories in your area can be found through the National Forage Testing Association (www.foragetesting.org). It is important to obtain a representative sample of the entire amount of forage to be fed using a forage sampling device.

Visual assessment is based on identifying properties of maturity (i.e., stem thickness, flowers, seed heads), leaf-to-stem ratio, and foreign object presence. In addition to the chemical measures for quality, one should have macro- and micromineral content determined. This would allow one to best determine the need for additional supplements and evaluate which supplements best match their forage.

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Feed testing results will be in the form of a report listing nutrient content for the given sample.

Generally laboratories will report nutrient content on an as fed (wet weight) basis and a dry matter (water excluded) basis. Dry matter nutrient content will always be the larger number as it represents the amount of nutrient in the sample without the water weight. In comparing nutrient content across feeds, one should use only dry matter values as feeds vary tremendously in their moisture content. Additional information about forage testing can be obtained from agronomy specialists with agricultural universities or extension personnel.

References

Cebra, C.K., Tornquist, S.J., Van Saun, R.J., Smith, B.B., 2001. Glucose tolerance testing in llamas and alpacas.

Am. J. Vet. Res. 62(5):682-686.

Cebra, C.K., McKane, S.A., Tornquist, S.J., 2001. Effects of exogenous insulin on glucose tolerance in alpacas.

Am. J. Vet. Res. 62(10):1544-1547.

National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants, National Academy Press: Washington, DC, 2007.

Tornquist, S.J., R.J. Van Saun, B.B. Smith, C.K. Cebra and S.P. Snyder. Histologically-confirmed hepatic lipidosis in llamas and alpacas: 31 Cases (1991-1997). J Am Vet Med Assoc 1999;214(9):1368- 1372.

Tornquist, SJ, Cebra, CK, Van Saun, RJ, Smith, BB. Metabolic changes and induction of hepatic lipidosis during feed restriction in llamas. Am J Vet Res 2001;62(7):1081-1087.

Van Saun, RJ. Callihan, B, Tornquist, SJ. Nutritional support for treatment of hepatic lipidosis in a llama. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;217(10):1531- 1535.

Van Saun, RJ. Feeding the Alpaca. pp. 179-229, In: The Complete Alpaca, 2nd ed., Hoffman, E. (ed.), BoonyDoon Press: Santa Cruz, CA, 2006.

Dr. Robert Van Saun is a distinguished Professor of Veterinary Science at Pennsylvania State University. He specializes in nutrition, metabolic disease, and nutrition/reproduction interactions in large and small ruminants, particularly South American camelids.

PhD, Ruminant Nutrition, Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, 1993 MS, Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 1988 Residency, Theriogenology, Field Service Section, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 1987 DVM, Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 1982 BS, Zoology, Michigan State University, 1978

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The Suri Network Summer Symposium A Weekend of Learning, Laughing, and Loving Alpacas

by Sue King, Network President

The Suri Network’s premier event, the 2017 Suri Symposium and All Suri Fleece Show, was held in beautiful Loveland, CO on August 3-5, 2017. Our theme this year focused on “Living the Livestock Model,” and encompassed all aspects of Suri farming.

Symposium topics focused on best practices of the Livestock Model in a wide range of areas including animal husbandry, such as nutrition and reproduction; farming practices, such as pasture management; fiber management, such as fiber sorting, classification, and mill fiber processing; and business practices, such as business and tax planning, marketing and branding. Selected suri breeders/speakers shared their success stories of how they evolved the livestock model in their own farming businesses.

Our industry leading speakers included veterinarians Dr. Norm Evans, DVM; Dr. Signe Balch, DVM; and Dr. Nancy Irlbeck, PhD; fiber pioneers Wini Labrecque, Stacie Chavez, Alvina Maynard, and Liz Vahlkamp; business and agritourism experts Jared Johnston, Brion Smoker, CPA, and Dan Corley; mill owners Rachel Boucher and Karl Heinrich; ATTRA specialist Dave Scott; and SHIP leaders Tim Sheets and Linda Kondris.

In addition to the wellreceived speaker sessions and hands on workshops, we hosted a variety of other events including the

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popular Fiber Fun Happy Hour where attendees could participate in demonstrations of spinning, felting, weaving, knitting and crocheting all while sipping their beverages of choice.

Our silent auction, held by the Product Development Committee, offered many popular items for attendees to bid on during the Symposium.

Symposium participants also had many opportunities to meet and network with other Suri breeders, vendors and fiber enthusiasts during break, lunch, and dinner times. Selected vendors participated in the Symposium with their displays and product demonstrations, including knitting machines and nutrition analysis.

The 2017 Suri Network Live Auction was held on Friday night with an all-star lineup of 17 auction lots. Included in the auction were six top Suri herd sires prequalified by a S.H.I.P evaluation. Other items included a variety of stunning, one of a kind art sculptures

by Judy Steele, jewelry by Susan Grunger Gray, vacation condos, and the famous green jacket worn by the Jim Barker. All in all, the auction was a fabulous success, raising over $16,000 for the Suri Network’s ongoing programs.

This year at the Symposium, the Suri Network recognized two outstanding leaders in the Suri industry with the Jim Barker Award and the newly created Judy Steele Creativity Award. Patty Hasselbring was honored as the 2017 recipient of the Jim Barker award. Patty is a leader who has tirelessly represented the suri industry at all levels, from welcoming newcomers into the fold with exceptional mentoring skills, to serving suri owners on the AOA board.

The Judy Steele Suri Network Creativity Award was established in 2017 to recognize a Suri Network member who surinetwork.org

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has shown extraordinary creativity and vision in promoting suri alpacas of utilizing suri fiber. The Suri Network was proud to honor Donna Rudd as the first recipient of the Judy Steele Creativity Award.

One of the most popular events at the Symposium as always was the 2017 All Suri Fleece Show, a certified AOA level III show. We had excellent senior judges Jude Anderson and Amanda VandenBosch, who judged the Fleece and Cottage Fleece Shows. Stacy Heydt judged the Spin-off and Wini Labrecque judged Fiber Arts and Skeins. The show had a record number of fleece entries at over 240, with color champions by gender for most colors.

The Suri Network is honored to put on the largest and most competitive Suri fleece show in the country. In addition, we had outstanding cottage fleece, spin-off and fiber arts competitions. It was an amazing collection of outstanding suri fleeces and fiber products for our Symposium attendees to observe, touch, and learn from.

Overall, the 2017 Symposium and All Suri Fleece Show, with its industry leading speakers and events, was a great success and well received by those who participated. It generated lots of positive buzz from the attendees: “The Symposium was awesome. Thank you to everyone who organized it, your hard work showed. I learned so much and I can’t wait to start applying what I learned. The speakers were all wonderful.”

“What an amazing group of industry leaders that were on hand to deliver their message regarding the many aspects of raising alpacas and helping you find your “why”. Thanks to all involved putting the Symposium together, as first-time attendees we were blown away. Hats off!!”

The Suri Network Board would like to thank all those who made the 2017 Suri Symposium and All Suri Fleece Show a resounding success, including our members who attended, our donors who donated items for the live and silent auctions, and our volunteers who planned and worked the conference and fleece show.

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The Suri Network gratefully thanks the Sponsors who have made the 2017 Summer Symposium and All Suri Fleece Show possible...

Gold Sponsor

Tim and Beth Sheets Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas

Silver sponsor

Silver sponsor

Silver sponsor

BIG TIMBER Debbie and Doug Christner Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas

alpacas

Jan and Karl Heinrich Long Hollow Suri Alpacas

Sue and Kevin King Big Timber Alpacas

Fleece show transport sponsor

Fleece show supporter sponsor

Meal sponsor

Farm table sponsor

Gary and Kali Wilson Midnight Moon Suris

Candy and Ray McMahan Raynay Alpaca Farm

Patty and Britt Hasselbring Hasselbringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harmony Ranch

Kristie and Brion Smoker Sweet Valley Suris

Judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice Sponsor

specialty ribbon sponsor

Color champion Sponsor

Brenda Quinones Manisa Ranch Suri Alpacas

Jill McElderry-Maxwell Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine

Dick Walker and Donna Anderson Seed Stock Suris

2017 All Suri Fleece Show Results 228 fleeces, 30 cottage fleeces, 79 classes, level III show split by gender Judges: Jude Anderson and Amanda Vandenbosch

Suri Gray Juvenile Fleece (7) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35327769 Sandra of Halo Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm 2 35174332 WRSR JackKnife by Fusion Wild Rose Suri Ranch Patti & Alan Anderson 3 35404576 WRSR Vanity Fair by Fusion Wild Rose Suri Ranch Patti & Alan Anderson 4 35174349 WRSR Kazmere by Fusion Wild Rose Suri Ranch Patti & Alan Anderson 5 35089155 TMMAR Granite’s Silver Bullet The Midnight Moon @R&R Suris Gary S. Wilson 6 35130093 Shambalah’s Santana Shambalah Alpaca Ranch Hillary Devin & Scott Phillips Suri Silver Gray Yearling Fleece (4) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32794533 Ghost Ryder Grandview Suri Alpacas 2 35031185 Sundance Kidd of City Girl City Girl Alpaca 3 35232940 Granite’s Titanium of Halo Halo Ranch Alpacas 4 35232957 Granite’s Tiberious of Halo Halo Ranch Alpacas Suri Gray Mature Fleece (1) Amanda Vandenbosch 1 32212945 BIR’s General Sterling Price B I Bar Ranch

Lisa & Jeff Haselhorst Cheryl & Rick Yopp Z. Hackett/J.Kramer-Hackett Z. Hackett/J.Kramer-Hackett

Ted & Julie Ritschard

Suri Gray Fleece Championship (12) Amanda VandenBosch CH 35327769 Sandra of Halo Rogue Suri Alpacas RES 32794533 Ghost Ryder Grandview Suri Alpacas Best Bred and Owned Gray

35174332 WRSR JackKnife by FusionWild Rose Suri Ranch

Jason & Beverly Brehm Lisa & Jeff Haselhorst Patti & Alan Anderson

Suri True Black Juvenile Male Fleece (6) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35041634 Bojack’s Jimmy Mack Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm Debbie Pettis 2 32845259 IAF Tiberius iMpress Alpacas Michelle Pressler/William Ward 3 35174356 WRSR Mannix by Avanti Wild Rose Suri Ranch Patti & Alan Anderson 4 35122159 Big Timber’s Khaya Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King 5 35403869 Rockoro’s Deakin of M&MNC M & M Alpaca Farm of NC Marty Raynor 6 32759020 Coal of Next Chapter Next Chapter Alpacas Cora & Randy Marburger Suri Black Yearling Male Fleece (3) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32531732 Diamonte’s Leonel Sweet Valley Suris 2 35146995 RGSA Coppola Alpacas of Marin 3 35273608 Chelsea Farms’ Raj’s Big Bang Chelsea Farms

Kristie Smoker Sandra Wallace Randy & Beth Brealey

Suri True Black 2 YO Male Fleece (1) Amanda VandenBosch 2 35061106 Belefonte’s Jet Black of SSSAR Seed Stock Suri Alpacas

D. Anderson & R.Walker

Suri True Black Mature Male Fleece(1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32138535 GLR Nico Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm Shambalah Alpaca Ranch Hillary Devin & Scott Phillips Triple H Ranch Jennifer Hack

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Suri Black Male Fleece Championship (11) Amanda VandenBosch CH 35041634 Bojack’s Jimmy Mack Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm Debbie Pettis RES 32845259 IAF Tiberius iMpress Alpacas Michelle Pressler/William Ward Best Bred and Owned Black Male 32845259 IAF Tiberius

iMpress Alpacas Michelle Pressler/William Ward Suri Black Juvenile Female Fleece (6) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35187677 Daisee Of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed 2 35075981 RGSA Miss Bossy Pants Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm 3 35122050 GVSA Bojack’s Bonnie Lass Grandview Suri Alpacas Lisa & Jeff Haselhorst 4 35113201 Big Timber Dairy’s Black Cherry Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King 5 32845273 IAF Fina-Lee iMpress Alpacas Michelle Pressler/William Ward 6 35309611 Eldora’s Cookies & Cream Eldora Suri Alpacas Leanne & Richard Nakashima 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood Suri True Black Yearling Female Fleece (4) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35218753 GLR Black Jewel Halo Ranch Alpacas Z. Hackett/J.Kramer-Hackett 2 35300427 Arrow’s Little Chica Rock’n D Enterprises Bobby & Diane Dickerson 3 35146964 RGSA Julia’s Minnie Triple H Ranch Jennifer Hack 4 35106210 AWH Nico’s Midnight Cowgirl Alpacas at Windy Hill Cindy Harris Suri True Black 2 YO Female Fleece(1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35218760 GLR Alley Cat Pines Edge Suri Alpacas Suri True Black Adult Female Fleece (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35275404 BESAME Piucca Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine

Suri True Black Mature Female Fleece (3) Amanda VandenBosch 2 31718783 Blackbeard’s Treasure of Briar Rose Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine 3 815633 Snowmass Eclipse Chelsea Farms 4 30320581 AF Empress Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine

Linda Kondris Jill McElderry-Maxwell Jill McElderry-Maxwell Randy & Beth Brealey Jill McElderry-Maxwell

Suri Black Female Fleece Championship (15) Amanda VandenBosch CH 35187677 Daisee Of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed RES 35075981 RGSA Miss Bossy Pants Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm Best Bred and Owned Black Female 35187677 Daisee Of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed Suri Brown Juvenile Male Fleece (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35113430 RVSA Cassidy Roland Valley Suri Alpacas Bill & Traci Wills 2 35174233 WRSR Coalition by King Coal Wild Rose Suri Ranch Patti & Alan Anderson Suri Brown Yearling Male Fleece (5) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35274506 MMALP Beau’s Zeke Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Ray & Candy McMahan 2 35279990 GLR Joaquin Halo Ranch Alpacas Z. Hackett/J.Kramer-Hackett 3 35267157 Fir Meadow Sniper’s Macgyver Too Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm Fir Meadow LLC Kat Drovdahl 4 35041511 Raynay’s Sebastin Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Ray & Candy McMahan 5 35294788 LHSA Tango Long Hollow Suri Alpacas Karl & Jan Heinrich surinetwork.org

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Suri Dark Brown 2 YO Male Fleece (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32733471 Velasco of Tejas Tejas Alpacas 2 32560466 BIR’s Paradox Stout B I Bar Ranch

Lynn Betts Ted & Julie Ritschard

Suri Brown Adult & Mature Male Fleece (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32759068 RDE Peruvian Trecini Next Chapter Alpacas Cora & Randy Marburger 2 32138375 GLR Pablo iMpress Alpacas Michelle Pressler/William Ward Suri Brown Male Fleece Championship (11) Amanda VandenBosch CH 35274506 MMALP Beau’s Zeke Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Ray & Candy McMahan RES 35279990 GLR Joaquin Halo Ranch Alpacas Z. Hackett/J.Kramer-Hackett Best Bred and Owned Brown Male 35274506 MMALP Beau’s Zeke Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Ray & Candy McMahan Suri Brown Juvenile Female Fleece (5) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35122135 Big Timber’s Cocobolo Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King 2 35232698 Akuna Matada’s Ophelia Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas Doug & Deb Christner 3 35309208 Eldora’s Aruba Eldora Suri Alpacas Leanne & Richard Nakashima 4 35173366 IAF Secora iMpress Alpacas Michelle Pressler/William Ward 5 35198697 BIR’s Jennie Parker B I Bar Ranch Ted & Julie Ritschard Suri Brown Yearling Female Fleece (5) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35145882 RGSA Mary Poppins Rogue Suri Alpacas 2 35275435 BESAME Nüla Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine 3 35267102 RGSA Sriracha Rogue Suri Alpacas 4 35046691 Gemma Star of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC 5 35253655 Tiana of THR Triple H Ranch

Jason & Beverly Brehm Jill McElderry-Maxwell Jason & Beverly Brehm Carol Reed Jennifer Hack

Suri Dark Brown 2 YO Female Fleece (1) Amanda VandenBosch 2 35128359 White Knight’s Raven Experienced Suri Partners G & J White, H Devin, J Hack Suri Brown Mature Female Fleece (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 31480185 HaSu Hematite Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 2 32235579 SITGA Let Freedom Ring Tejas Alpacas Lynn Betts Suri Brown Female Fleece Championship (13) Amanda VandenBosch CH 35122135 Big Timber’s Cocobolo Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King RES 35232698 Akuna Matada’s Ophelia Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas Doug & Deb Christner Best Bred and Owned Brown Female 35122135 Big Timber’s Cocobolo Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King Suri Fawn Juvenile Male Fleece (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35095644 H & S Independence Heart & Soul Alpacas and Spinnery Russell Ratti & Karen Ball 2 35404613 WRSR Zeppelin by King Coal Wild Rose Suri Ranch Patti & Alan Anderson Suri Fawn Yearling Male Fleece (8) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32721508 Balboa’s Loki Halo Ranch Alpacas 2 35273646 Chelsea Farms’ Rico’s Rocket Chelsea Farms 3 32718966 Pacaparadise Hoochie Coochie Man Paca Paradise Ranch

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Z. Hackett/J.Kramer-Hackett

Randy & Beth Brealey Jamie Clark & Steve Johnson

4 35290797 Derwydd Nico’s Jatun Kanchay 5 35267126 RGSA Challenger 6 35250531 HFS Desperado

Derwydd Alpacas Jan & Dale Davis Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas Tim & Beth Sheets

Suri Med. Fawn 2 YO Male Fleece (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32792263 LHSA Beau’s Sebastian Long Hollow Suri Alpacas Karl & Jan Heinrich Suri Med. Fawn Adult + Male Fleece (3) Amanda VandenBosch 1 30639683 Aero Ranch’s Auguste Piccard Heart & Soul Alpacas and Spinnery Russell Ratti & Karen Ball 2 35322429 Dior’s Casual Man of Supersuris Seed Stock Suri Alpacas D. Anderson & R.Walker 3 32468137 HFS Ramble On Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas Tim & Beth Sheets Suri Fawn Male Fleece Championship (14) Amanda VandenBosch CH 35095644 H & S Independence Heart & Soul Alpacas and Spinnery Russell Ratti & Karen Ball RES 32792263 LHSA Beau’s Sebastian Long Hollow Suri Alpacas Karl & Jan Heinrich Best Bred and Owned Fawn Male 35095644 H & S Independence Heart & Soul Alpacas and Spinnery Russell Ratti & Karen Ball Suri Fawn Juvenile Female Fleece (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35174257 WRSR Gianna by Crown Prince Wild Rose Suri Ranch 2 35404101 DKN Dakini Juno Perijove by Tempo Dakini Suri Alpacas

Patti & Alan Anderson Michelle Alexander

Suri Fawn Yearling Female Fleece (7) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35256113 IAF Carmella iMpress Alpacas Michelle Pressler/William Ward 2 35274605 MMALP Elsa Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm 3 35273653 Chelsea Farms’ Rico’s Satin Doll Chelsea Farms Randy & Beth Brealey 4 32289695 Electrofyre’s Envy Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm Debbie Pettis 5 35278016 LHSA Superstition’s Trinket Long Hollow Suri Alpacas Karl & Jan Heinrich 6 32700404 Argento’s Moonlight of Harmony Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring Suri Med. Fawn 2 YO Female Fleece (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35095927 Ann’s Promise Angel Dreams Alpacas Suri Fawn Mature Female Fleece (5) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32773880 Trading Post’s Gabby Sweet Valley Suris 2 32240337 Starr’s Nancy Helen Starr Alpaca Farm 3 32571523 AROSA Coalfire’s Goldie Shambalah Alpaca Ranch 4 31545099 Chelsea Farms’ Silken Glow Chelsea Farms 5 31713306 BESAME Ára Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine

Tracy DiPippo Kristie Smoker Valorie & Duane Starr Hillary Devin & Scott Phillips

Randy & Beth Brealey Jill McElderry-Maxwell

Suri Fawn Female Fleece Championship (15) Amanda VandenBosch CH 35256113 IAF Carmella iMpress Alpacas Michelle Pressler/William Ward RES 35174257 WRSR Gianna by Crown Prince Wild Rose Suri Ranch Patti & Alan Anderson Best Bred and Owned Fawn Female 35256113 IAF Carmella iMpress Alpacas Michelle Pressler/William Ward

Suri Appaloosa Juvenile Fleece (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35039730 Talent’s Monet of 2PointFarm 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood surinetwork.org

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Suri Pattern Yearling Fleece (3) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35095378 Khaleesi Angel Dreams by Commandor Angel Dreams Alpacas 2 35071631 Arcona’s Poseidon’s Perseus Jackson Arcona Alpacas 3 35246343 SLS Flynn Rider Silver Lining Suris

Judith Buning

Best Bred and Owned Multi 35039730 Talent’s Monet of 2PointFarm 2 Point Farm, LLC

Nancy Lindemood

Suri Light Juvenile Male Fleece (6) Jude Anderson 1 35130017 ESP’s Aladdin Sane by Young Josef Experienced Suri Partners 2 35106173 AWH Yukon’s Haleakala Alpacas at Windy Hill 3 35075912 RGSA Duke Rogue Suri Alpacas 4 35187493 Jericho Of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC 5 35433590 Renzo of SSSAR Seed Stock Suri Alpacas 6 35145899 RGSA Aulani Rogue Suri Alpacas

Tracy DiPippo Richard, Maggie, Tom Wilder

G & J White, H Devin, J Hack

Cindy Harris Jason & Beverly Brehm Carol Reed D. Anderson & R.Walker Jason & Beverly Brehm

Suri Light Fawn Yearling Male Fleece (7) Jude Anderson 1 35274438 MMALP Beau’s Salvo Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Ray & Candy McMahan 2 35117797 Whistling Pines Ring of Fire Whistling Pines Ranch Chris & Jess Fredericks 3 35024620 Mr. Rainier of SSSAR Seed Stock Suri Alpacas D. Anderson & R.Walker 4 32282351 Spanish Peaks Principe Spanish Peaks Alpacas LLC Evi Dixon 5 35146926 RGSA Tourbillion’s Vega Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm 6 32462104 Tikanui’s Einstein of NPALLC Northern Prairie Alpacas, LLC Deb Wellinghoff Suri Beige Yearling Male Fleece (6) Jude Anderson 1 32700305 Tikanui’s Zen of Harmony Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring 2 35192053 Electrofyre’s Cosmic Dust The Midnight Moon @R&R Suris Gary S. Wilson Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Ray & Candy McMahan 3 32451146 Eldora’s Kyoto Eldora Suri Alpacas Leanne & Richard Nakashima 4 30719637 Chief Scully Country Cottage Alpacas Janell Weeks & Michael Smith 5 35265566 BellBorne’s Accoyo Monarch by King The Alpacas Of Spring Acres Albert J. & Rebecca A. Camma 6 35265450 BellBorne’s Accoyo Majesty by King The Alpacas Of Spring Acres Albert J. & Rebecca A. Camma Suri Light Fawn 2 YO Male Fleece (1) Jude Anderson 1 32531442 SVS Icharus Sweet Valley Suris

Kristie Smoker

Suri Light Adult Male Fleece (4) Jude Anderson 1 32642629 Eldora’s Tempo by Rockstar Eldora Suri Alpacas Leanne & Richard Nakashima 2 32303872 Dallas of Prairie Lake Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring 3 32321098 Autobahn Tejas Alpacas Lynn Betts 4 32642643 Eldora’s Troubador by Rockstar Spanish Peaks Alpacas LLC Evi Dixon Suri Light Mature Male Fleece (4) Jude Anderson 1 31874380 Bright Star of HFS Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas Tim & Beth Sheets 2 32119954 LHSA Pandora’s McPryed Long Hollow Suri Alpacas Karl & Jan Heinrich 3 31803434 PIVAL Son’s Revelation Arcona Alpacas Richard, Maggie, Tom Wilder 4 31179720 Dreux Tejas Alpacas Lynn Betts

74 PURELYSURI

Suri Light Male Fleece Championship (28) Jude Anderson CH 35274438 MMALP Beau’s Salvo Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Ray & Candy McMahan RES 32700305 Tikanui’s Zen of Harmony Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring Best Bred and Owned Light Male 35274438 MMALP Beau’s Salvo Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Ray & Candy McMahan Suri Light Juvenile Female Fleece (9) Jude Anderson 1 35309581 Eldora’s Cameo Eldora Suri Alpacas Leanne & Richard Nakashima 2 35113188 Big Timber’s Star Magnolia Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King 3 35187707 Kako Of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed 4 35363187 Chelsea Farms’ Kimberli Chelsea Farms Randy & Beth Brealey 5 35077763 WAP Fortaleza Heart & Soul Alpacas and Spinnery Russell Ratti & Karen Ball 6 35363200 Chelsea Farms’ Rico’s Diva Chelsea Farms Randy & Beth Brealey Suri Light Fawn Yearling Female Fleece (6) Jude Anderson 1 35274681 Shambalah’s Shiloh By Crown Prince Shambalah Alpaca Ranch Hillary Devin & Scott Phillips 2 32131130 DKN Dakini Dragonfly in Amber Dakini Suri Alpacas Michelle Alexander 3 32462111 NorthernPrairie’s Dazzling Bella Northern Prairie Alpacas, LLC Deb Wellinghoff 4 35300342 Rde’s Goldie Locks Rock’n D Enterprises Bobby & Diane Dickerson 5 35323075 BESAME Idhrinn Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 6 35274254 MMALP’s Beau’s Talia Dakini Suri Alpacas Michelle Alexander Suri Beige Yearling Female Fleece (4) Jude Anderson 1 32700299 Arrow’s Golden Belle of Harmony Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring 2 32700312 Asti of Harmony Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring 3 32792232 LHSA Haukea by Kahuna Long Hollow Suri Alpacas Karl & Jan Heinrich 4 32527957 Shambalah’s Rhiannon Shambalah Alpaca Ranch Hillary Devin & Scott Phillips Suri Light Fawn 2 YO Female Fleece (1) Jude Anderson 1 32467055 Miss Isabella of SSSAR Seed Stock Suri Alpacas

D. Anderson & R.Walker

Suri Light Adult + Female Fleece (5) Jude Anderson 1 850388 Snowmass Satin’s Silk Chelsea Farms Randy & Beth Brealey 2 32671834 Goldyn Rae’s Sakkara Sie Sutter Suri Alpaca, LLC Dawn Browning/Susan Feil 3 31480031 HaSu Tahoma Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 4 32195408 BESAME Bellas Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 5 32598018 TSSS Wyuna’s Sylvana Alpacas of Marin Sandra Wallace Suri Light Female Fleece Championship (25) Jude Anderson CH 35309581 Eldora’s Cameo Eldora Suri Alpacas Leanne & Richard Nakashima RES 35274681 Shambalah’s Shiloh By Crown Prince Shambalah Alpaca Ranch Hillary Devin & Scott Phillips Best Bred and Owned Light Female 35309581 Eldora’s Cameo Eldora Suri Alpacas Leanne & Richard Nakashima

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Suri White Juvenile Male Fleece (12) Jude Anderson 1 35125617 Uber’s Cottonwood Legend Seed Stock Suri Alpacas D. Anderson & R.Walker 2 35147442 Starr’s Maserati Starr Alpaca Farm Valorie & Duane Starr 3 35247968 Arcona’s Knight Storm Arcona Alpacas Richard, Maggie, Tom Wilder 4 32741544 CCAlpacaFarms Jeremiah’s Nevada Coldwater Creek Alpaca Farm Mary & Norm Zahn 5 35122166 Big Timber Josef’s Cedrus Libani Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King 6 35039723 Talent’s Bramante of 2PointFarm 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood Suri White Yearling Male Fleece (8) Jude Anderson 1 32700329 Tikanui’s Hercules of Harmony Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring 2 32794632 Pines Edge Way To Go Grandview Suri Alpacas Lisa & Jeff Haselhorst 3 35294740 LHSA Mano Kahuna Long Hollow Suri Alpacas Karl & Jan Heinrich 4 35214410 Chelsea Farms’ Rico’s Challenger Chelsea Farms Randy & Beth Brealey 5 35363224 Chelsea Farms’ Virtuoso Chelsea Farms Randy & Beth Brealey 6 35117803 Whistling Pines Bold Ruler Whistling Pines Ranch Chris & Jess Fredericks Suri White 2 YO Male Fleece (9) Jude Anderson 1 32836226 Prince Leopold of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed 2 35232513 Akuna Matada’s Avalanche Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas Doug & Deb Christner 3 32531428 SVS Eros Sweet Valley Suris Kristie Smoker 4 35072393 MRN Accoyo Bracero Alpacas of Marin Sandra Wallace 5 32534528 TZ Mont Yuraq The Triple Z Alpaca Farm Mike & Anita Smith 6 32750133 TASA’S Ashton The Alpacas Of Spring Acres Albert J. & Rebecca A. Camma Suri White Adult Male Fleece (6) Jude Anderson 1 32775525 BBFAI Devil’s Cut Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring 2 32727760 Big Timber Kahuna’s Josef Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King 3 32516395 SBS Mont Blanc’s Antoine The Alpacas Of Spring Acres Albert J. & Rebecca A. Camma 4 32741513 Kuma’s Cheyenne of CCAlpacaFarms Coldwater Creek Alpaca Farm Mary & Norm Zahn 5 32642667 Eldora’s Accoyo Talent By Rockstar 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood 6 32516432 SBS Accoyo Nik Nak Seed Stock Suri Alpacas D. Anderson & R.Walker Suri White Mature Male Fleece (3) Jude Anderson 1 30894525 Pronkers Rio Grande Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed Boulder Hill Alpacas Margit Korsak 2 30947160 Young Josef Shambalah Alpaca Ranch Hillary Devin & Scott Phillips Tinkers Creek Alpacas LLC Joyce & Greg White 3 31073493 Sweet 16’s Romeo Seed Stock Suri Alpacas D. Anderson & R.Walker Suri White Male Fleece Championship (38) Jude Anderson CH 32700329 Tikanui’s Hercules of Harmony Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring RES 35125617 Uber’s Cottonwood Legend Seed Stock Suri Alpacas D. Anderson & R.Walker Best Bred and Owned White Male 32700329 Tikanui’s Hercules of Harmony Hasselbring’s Harmony Ranch Britt & Patty Hasselbring

76 PURELYSURI

Suri White Juvenile Female Fleece (10) Jude Anderson 1 35232711 Akuna Matada’s Marcellina Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas Doug & Deb Christner 2 35105213 Uber’d Maddy Seed Stock Suri Alpacas D. Anderson & R.Walker 3 35174240 WRSR Domenica by Crown Prince Wild Rose Suri Ranch Patti & Alan Anderson 4 35131359 Silverfield’s Marley by Maestro Silverfield Farms Brian Barfield & Katie Silver 5 35041665 Electrofyre’s Star of Seleena Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Ray & Candy McMahan 6 35075950 RGSA Shimmer’s Shazaam Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm

Suri White Yearling Female Fleece (9) Jude Anderson 1 35113225 Big Timber’s Osage Misae 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood 2 35274193 MMALP Page Master’s Alvitah Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm 3 35294771 LHSA Blossom’s Jazmine Long Hollow Suri Alpacas Karl & Jan Heinrich 4 32704891 Sweet Blossom’s Marina Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm Debbie Pettis 5 32792409 Goldyn Rae’s Nazca Goldyn Rae Alpacas Stacey Goss 6 32723335 Yasmeen Seed Stock Suri Alpacas D. Anderson & R.Walker Suri White 2 YO Female Fleece (3) Jude Anderson 1 32573497 Big Timber’s Tahiti White Pearl Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King 2 35192107 Raynay’s Siefyre Dakini Suri Alpacas Michelle Alexander 3 35048824 Electrofyre’s Sugar Magnolia Sie Sutter Suri Alpaca, LLC Dawn Browning/Susan Feil Suri White Adult + Female Fleece (3) Jude Anderson 1 32534627 TZ Accoyo Kusisqa The Triple Z Alpaca Farm Mike & Anita Smith 2 32194944 Eldora’s Sonata by Rockstar Sie Sutter Suri Alpaca, LLC Dawn Browning/Susan Feil 3 30685611 WTR Silken Artic Treasure de Peru Tejas Alpacas Lynn Betts Suri White Female Fleece Championship (25) Jude Anderson CH 35113225 Big Timber’s Osage Misae 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood RES 35232711 Akuna Matada’s Marcellina Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas Doug & Deb Christner Best Bred and Owned White Female 35232711 Akuna Matada’s Marcellina Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas Doug & Deb Christner

Best Hand 35363224 Chelsea Farms’ Virtuoso Chelsea Farms Randy & Beth Brealey Best Lock Formation 35267157 Fir Meadow Sniper’s Macgyver Too Rogue Suri Alpacas Jason & Beverly Brehm Best Luster

35113188 Big Timber’s Star Magnolia Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Susan King Spirit of the Industry 32642629 Eldora’s Tempo by Rockstar Eldora Suri Alpacas Leanne & Richard Nakashima Judge’s Choice 35095644 H & S Independence Heart & Soul Alpacas and Spinnery Russell Ratti & Karen Ball

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Suri Med. Silver Gray Yearling Cottage (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35440505 Elijah Blu by Jackson Sweet Valley Suris Kristie Smoker Suri High Score Gray Cottage (1) HS 35440505 Elijah Blu by Jackson

Sweet Valley Suris

Kristie Smoker

Suri True Black Adult Cottage (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32195385 BESAME Arin Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell High Score Black Cottage (1) HS 32195385 BESAME Arin Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell Suri Brown Juvenile Cottage (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35440529 SVS Patience Sweet Valley Suris 2 35218609 Macres Om Kali Om Memory M-Acres Farm

Kristie Smoker Robert Figular/Lisa Collura

Suri Brown Yearling Cottage (4) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35245216 Ameripaca’s Molly Memory M-Acres Farm 2 35323099 BESAME Carin Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine 3 35275398 BESAME Oiomissë Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine 4 35206859 OAF Copper Pretty Penny 2 Point Farm, LLC

Robert Figular/Lisa Collura Jill McElderry-Maxwell Jill McElderry-Maxwell Nancy Lindemood

Suri High Score Brown Cottage (6) HS 35440529 SVS Patience Sweet Valley Suris Kristie Smoker

Suri Fawn Juvenile Cottage (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35323013 BESAME Haran Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 2 35187516 Orianna of Boulder Hill Boulder Hill Alpacas Margit Korsak Suri Med. Fawn Yearling Cottage (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32836394 Romani Gold of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed 2 32531725 Belmont’s Crown Sweet Valley Suris Kristie Smoker Suri Med. Fawn 2 YO Cottage (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32658736 Ameripaca’s Lariope Memory M-Acres Farm

Robert Figular/Lisa Collura

High Score Fawn Cottage (5) HS 32658736 Ameripaca’s Lariope

Robert Figular/Lisa Collura

Memory M-Acres Farm

Suri Light Juvenile Cottage (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35323075 BESAME Idhrinn Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 2 35187523 Laurel of Boulder Hill Boulder Hill Alpacas Margit Korsak Suri Light Yearling Cottage (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35323051 BESAME Arvedui Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 2 5052111 Heartland Criations Daisy Heartland “Criations” Alpacas Kathy Albert Suri Beige 2 YO Cottage (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 5238812 2 Point Farm’s Accoyo Shane 2 Point Farm, LLC

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Nancy Lindemood

Suri Beige Adult Cottage (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 2794830 Lady Liberty of PRAWIS Percussion Rock Alpaca Farm Mary-Margaret Lannon 2 32711912 War Valley’s Pixie Chick 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood Suri High Score Light Cottage (7) HS 35323075 BESAME Idhrinn

Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine

Suri White Juvenile Cottage (2) Amanda VandenBosch 1 35244608 SOFF Serendipity 1 Sound of Freedom Farm 2 35244561 SOFF Stormtrooper Sound of Freedom Farm

Jill McElderry-Maxwell Willard Burney Willard Burney

Suri White Yearling Cottage (5) Amanda VandenBosch 1 31702546 King’s Starlit Sweet Valley Suris Kristie Smoker 2 32836226 Prince Leopold of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed 3 35074663 The Duke of Prarie Lake Boulder Hill Alpacas Margit Korsak 4 2794908 Revilo of PRAWIS Percussion Rock Alpaca Farm Mary-Margaret Lannon 5 35049920 Macres Skye’s the Limit Memory M-Acres Farm Robert Figular/Lisa Collura Suri White Adult Cottage (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 32658798 Ameripaca’s Callie Sound of Freedom Farm

Willard Burney

Suri White Cottage Championship (8) CH 31702546 King’s Starlit RES 35244608 SOFF Serendipity 1

Kristie Smoker Willard Burney

Sweet Valley Suris Sound of Freedom Farm

Suri Pattern Juvenile Cottage (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 5246343 SLS Flynn Rider Silver Lining Suris

Judith Buning

Suri Pattern Yearling Cottage (1) Amanda VandenBosch 1 2794854 Olive of PRAWIS Percussion Rock Alpaca Farm

Mary-Margaret Lannon

Suri Cottage Best Hand

31702546 King’s Starlit

Suri Cottage Best Luster

35323075 BESAME Idhrinn

Sweet Valley Suris

Kristie Smoker

Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine

Jill McElderry-Maxwell

Suri Cottage Judge’s Choice JC 32658736 Ameripaca’s Lariope

Memory M-Acres Farm

Robert Figular/Lisa Collura

Get of Sire Vandenbosch/Anderson 1 32642629 Eldora’s Tempo by Rockstar 2 31978002 WLK Electrofyre 3 32347081 Pucara Surreal Kahuna’s Yadin 4 32642667 Eldora’s Accoyo Talent by Rockstar 5 32138535 GLR Nico 6 30616882 Sierra Bonita’s Peruvian Sniper

Eldora Suri Alpacas Raynay Alpaca Farm, LLC Chelsea Farms 2 Point Farm, LLC Rogue Suri Alpacas Rogue Suri Alpacas

Ray & Candy McMahan Randy & Beth Brealey Nancy Lindemood Jason & Beverly Brehm Jason & Beverly Brehm

Leanne & Richard Nakashima

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Produce of Dam Anderson/VandenBosch 1 31916196 KBTA Kerolyn 2 31671996 SuperSuri’s Olivia

3 31554138 LHSA Superstition 4 32037562 TZ LA BRISA 5 31545099 Chelsea Farms’ Silken Glow 6 850388 Snowmass Satin’s Silk

Big Timber Alpacas, LLC Silverfield Farm

Long Hollow Suri Alpacas The Triple Z Alpaca Farm Chelsea Farms Chelsea Farms

Susan King Brian Barfield & Katie Silver

Karl & Jan Heinrich Mike & Anita Smith Randy & Beth Brealey Randy & Beth Brealey

2017 All Suri Spinoff Results 40 entries Judge: Stacy Heydt Suri Gray Yearling Spin-Off (1) Stacy Heydt 1 35440505 Elijah Blu by Jackson Sweet Valley Suris

Kristie Smoker

Suri Gray 2 Year Old Spin-Off (1) Stacy Heydt 1 32809213 Suriland Silver Girl Suri Land Alpaca Ranch

Robert & Vicki Blodgett

High Score Gray Spin-Off (2) HS 35440505 Elijah Blu by Jackson

Kristie Smoker

Sweet Valley Suris

Suri Black Juvenile Spin-Off (1) Stacy Heydt 1 35187691 Moab’s Mojave of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed Suri Black Yearling Spin-Off (2) Stacy Heydt 1 35254348 Suriland Baluga Suri Land Alpaca Ranch 2 35290841 Derwydd Nico’s Black Lace Derwydd Alpacas Suri Black 2 Year Old Spin-Off (3) Stacy Heydt 1 32195385 BESAME Arin Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine 2 32228038 Suriland Katniss Suri Land Alpaca Ranch 3 35254409 Suriland Sheba Suri Land Alpaca Ranch

High Score Black Spin-Off (6) HS 35187691 Moab’s Mojave of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Suri Brown Juvenile Spin-Off (4) Stacy Heydt 1 35046691 Gemma Star of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC 2 35218609 Macres Om Kali Om Memory M-Acres Farm 3 5246343 SLS Flynn Rider Silver Lining Suris 4 35440529 SVS Patience Sweet Valley Suris

Robert & Vicki Blodgett Jan & Dale Davis Jill McElderry-Maxwell Robert & Vicki Blodgett Robert & Vicki Blodgett Carol Reed Carol Reed Robert Figular/Lisa Collura Judith Buning Kristie Smoker

Suri Brown Yearling Spin-Off (3) Stacy Heydt 1 35275398 BESAME Oiomissë Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 2 35323099 BESAME Carin Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 3 35206859 OAF Copper Pretty Penny 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood

80 PURELYSURI

Suri Brown 2 Year Old Spin-Off (1) Stacy Heydt 1 32477399 Suriland Lucky Michael Suri Land Alpaca Ranch Brown High Score Spin-Off (8) HS 35046691 Gemma Star of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC

Suri Fawn Juvenile Spin-Off (3) Stacy Heydt 1 35187660 Gold Medal Marathon of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC 2 35187516 Orianna of Boulder Hill Boulder Hill Alpacas 3 35323013 BESAME Haran Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine

Robert & Vicki Blodgett Carol Reed Carol Reed Margit Korsak Jill McElderry-Maxwell

Suri Fawn Yearling Spin-Off (3) Stacy Heydt 1 32836394 Romani Gold of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed 2 35245216 Ameripaca’s Molly Memory M-Acres Farm Robert Figular/Lisa Collura 3 32531725 Belmont’s Crown Sweet Valley Suris Kristie Smoker Suri Fawn 2 Year Old Spin-Off (2) Stacy Heydt 1 32658736 Ameripaca’s Lariope Memory M-Acres Farm 2 32836356 Boulder Hill’s Winston Boulder Hill Alpacas

Robert Figular/Lisa Collura Margit Korsak

Fawn High Score Spin-Off (8) HS 35187660 Gold Medal Marathon of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed Suri Light Juvenile Spin-Off (2) Stacy Heydt 1 35187523 Laurel of Boulder Hill Boulder Hill Alpacas Margit Korsak 2 35323075 BESAME Idhrinn Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell Suri Light Yearling Spin-Off (2) Stacy Heydt 1 35323051 BESAME Arvedui Bag End Suri Alpacas of Maine Jill McElderry-Maxwell 2 35052111 Heartland Criations Daisy Heartland “Criations” Alpacas Kathy Albert Suri Light 2 Year Old Spin-Off (3) Stacy Heydt 1 35238812 2 Point Farm’s Accoyo Shane 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood 2 32711912 War Valley’s Pixie Chick 2 Point Farm, LLC Nancy Lindemood 3 32794830 Lady Liberty of PRAWIS Percussion Rock Alpaca Farm Mary-Margaret Lannon Suri Light High Score Spin-Off (7) HS 35187523 Laurel of Boulder Hill

Boulder Hill Alpacas

Suri White Juvenile Spin-Off (1) Stacy Heydt 1 35244608 SOFF Serendipity 1 Sound of Freedom Farm

Margit Korsak Willard Burney

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Suri White Yearling Spin-Off (6) Stacy Heydt 1 35167020 PLS Noah Purdy Lil’ Suri Alpaca Farm Thomas O. Miller 2 32836226 Prince Leopold of Over Home Over Home Alpacas, LLC Carol Reed 3 35074663 The Duke of Prarie Lake Boulder Hill Alpacas Margit Korsak 4 31702546 King’s Starlit Sweet Valley Suris Kristie Smoker 5 35049920 Macres Skye’s the Limit Memory M-Acres Farm Robert Figular/Lisa Collura 6 32794908 Revilo of PRAWIS Percussion Rock Alpaca Farm Mary-Margaret Lannon Suri White 2 Year Old Spin-Off (1) Stacy Heydt 1 32658798 Ameripaca’s Callie Sound of Freedom Farm White High Score Spin-Off (8) HS 35167020 PLS Noah

Willard Burney

Purdy Lil’ Suri Alpaca Farm Thomas O. Miller

Suri Pattern Yearling Spin-Off (1) Stacy Heydt 1 32794854 Olive of PRAWIS Percussion Rock Alpaca Farm Mary-Margaret Lannon Pattern High Score Spin-Off (1) HS 32794854 Olive of PRAWIS

Percussion Rock Alpaca Farm Mary-Margaret LannonSuri

Judge’s Choice Spin-Off JC 35167020 PLS Noah

Purdy Lil’ Suri Alpaca Farm Thomas O. Miller

2017 Fiber Arts and Skeins Results 9 fiber arts and 1 skein entries Judge: Wini Labrecque Beginner Partial Non Handiwork Woven Hearth and Home 1 “Suri Locks” Triple H Ranch Jennifer Hack Beginner Partial Non Handiwork Crochet-Garment 1 “Twist Top” B I Bar Ranch Lucy Yu Beginner Partial Non Handiwork Crochet-Shawls and Scarves 1 “Mobius” B I Bar Ranch Lucy Yu Intermediate All Handiwork Felt Hearth and Home 1 “Wet Felted Table Runner” Heartland “Criations” Alpacas

Kathy Albert

Intermediate All Handiwork Felt Hearth and Home 1 “Kitty in a Tree Silhouette” Heartland “Criations” Alpacas

Kathy Albert

Intermediate All Handiwork Woven-Accessories 1 Blue Pinwheels Symphony Fibers Karen Kovisto Intermediate All Handiwork Felt-Accessories 1 “Purple marbled hat” Symphony Fibers

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Karen Kovisto

Advanced All Handiwork Knit-Accessories 1 “Toddler beanie” Spanish Peaks Alpacas LLC Evi Dixon Advanced Partial Non Handiwork Knit-Shawls and Scarves 1 “Pink Satin Lace Stole” Karen Kinyon Intermediate Spinner-Fiber Hand Prepared by Spinner 2 Ply 1 “Northern lights” Symphony Fibers Karen Kovisto JUDGE’S CHOICE JC “Twist Top” B I Bar Ranch Lucy Yu

UNIFORMITY Is the goal at Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas!

We use all the tools in our toolbox to improve our herd.

Deb & Doug Christner Hotchkiss, CO WWW.akunamatadasurialpacas.com akunamatada@tds.net

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Suri Network Membership Directory Vince, Marcie and Megan Abbatiello Double G Farm Alpacas 524 Clay Ridge Road Alexandria, KY 41001 859-448-0769 doublegfarmalpacas@gmail.com

Jude Anderson and Alan Cousill Pucara International 15204 SW Muddy Valley Rd McMinnville, OR 97128 503-843-3939 jude.pucara@earthlink.net www.pucara-alpacas.com

Mary and John Bell Windy Hill Farm NC 844 Henderson Rd Tryon, NC 28782 828-894-3020 marybell@happyalpacas.com www.happyalpacas.com

Kellie and David Butsack Noble Glen 555 Valley Road Mohrsville, PA 19541 610-926-9690 nobleglen@mac.com www.nobleglen.com

John Abrahamsson God’s Little Acres 9470 Glider Loop Colorado Springs, CO 80908 719-495-3720

Donna Anderson, David Carney and Richard and Nancy Walker Seed Stock Suri Alpacas 2771 Byrnes Rd Touchet, WA 99360 info@seedstocksuris.com 503-888-9712 www.seedstocksuris.com

Bob and Vicki Blodgett Suri Land Alpaca Ranch 10371 N 2210 Rd Clinton, OK 73601 641-831-3576 alpaca@htswireless.com www.alpacanation.com/suriland.asp

Kathleen and Tom Callan Zena Suri Alpacas 35401 S 580 Rd Jay, OK 74346 804-389-2579 zena.impulse@gmail.com www.zenasurialpacas.com

Dede Bowersox A&B Suri Alpacas, LLC 7715 Spring Rd New Bloomfield, PA 17068 717-701-5461 tbowersox@aol.com

Dawn Callaway and Brian Stole BDS Ranch 6301 East Mountain View Road Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 480-529-1984 dawncallaway@hotmail.com

Randy and Beth Brealey Chelsea Farms 19450 208th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058 206-229-8845 randy@thealpacaplace.com www.TheAlpacaPlace.com

Albert J. and Rebecca A. Camma The Alpacas of Spring Acres 3370 Big B Rd Zanesville, OH 43701 740-796-2195 ajcamma@gmail.com www.thealpacasofspringacres.com

Beverly and Jason Brehm Rogue Suri Alpacas 1075 Washburn Lane Medford, OR 97501 541-292-6844 roguesurialpacas@yahoo.com

Gail Campell Ameripaca Alpaca Breeding Co. P.O. Box 256 Galesville, MD 20778 410-867-4204 info@ameripaca.com www.ameripaca.com

Dawn Browning and Susan Feil Sie Sutter Suri Alpaca, LLC 703 Fort Hill Rd Maysville, KY 41056 859-338-2946 sssalpaca@gmail.com www.openherd.com/farms/3829/siesutter-suri-alpaca-llc

Jeanette and James Campbell Alpacas at Willowbrook Farm 24365 Pflumm Road Louisburg, KS 66053 913-879-2066 je.campbell@earthlink.net www.alpacasatwillowbrook.com

Kathy Albert Heartland “Criations” Alpacas 2512 Knox Road 500 East Rio, IL 61472 309-368-7354 kathyj93@hotmail.com www.hcalpacas.com Michelle Alexander Dakini Suri Alpacas 60375 Arnold Market Rd Bend, OR 97702 541-678-3306 info@dakini-alpacas.com http://surimarket.surinetwork.org/ farms/4806 Michael and Sherry Alpert Awesome Acres Pacas & Pyrs 11800 S. Hiwassee Rd Oklahoma City, OK 73165 405-990-8205 awesomealpacas@aol.com www.pacasnpyrs.com Carl & Regina Alvarez Braecroft Suri Alpacas PO Box 26 Mayhill, NM 88339 575-687-3697 braecroftsurialpacas15@yahoo.com surimarket.surinetwork.org/ farms/2928 Patti Anderson and Alan Anderson Wild Rose Suri Ranch 3623 Harmony Church Rd Havre de Grace, MD 21078-1015 410-734-7084 anderson@wildrosealpacas.com www.WildRoseAlpacas.com

Roy and Rex Anderson Anderson Acres Alpacas, LLC 8812 S 230 Plaza Circle Gretna, NE 68028 402-740-2711 4randerso@gmail.com www.openherd.com/farms/4899/ anderson-acres-alpacas-llc

Linda Bader and Cindy Smith Shady Hollow Suri Alpacas 4810 McMillan Road Bad Axe, MI 48413 989-658-8629 shsurialpacas@gmail.com www.shsurialpacas.com Brian and Katie Barfield Silverfield Farm 34203 E Lacomb Road Lebanon, OR 97355 720-530-5648 carey_barfield@hotmail.com William E. Barnett, DVM Alpacas of America, LLC 16641 Old Highway 99 SE Tenino, WA 98589 360-264-7585 info@americanalpacameat.com www.alpaca1.com Bill and Carol Barrett Heartsease Alpacas LLC 7851 N. Red Hill Rd Ellettsville, IN 47429 812-876-5228 wjbarrett44@gmail.com www.heartseasealpacas.com

surimarket.surinetwork.org/farms/2811

Willard Burney Sound of Freedom Farm, LLC 3936 Charity Neck Road Virginia Beach, VA 23457 844-763-3276 will@soundoffreedomfarm.com www.soundoffreedomfarm.com

Melanie and Ian Catangay Suridipity Ranch 850 County Rd 118 Elizabeth, CO 80107 suridipityranch@gmail.com

The Suri Network membership year now runs from June 1 to May 31 of the following year for all members. All members current in their dues as of October 1, 2017 are included in this listing. Members are listed alphabetically by last name. All members have the ability to update their contact information on-line at any time through their account on the Suri Network website. We encourage members to keep their contact information complete and up to date, so that potential clients can easily reach them. Should you need assistance updating your information, feel free to contact the office at (970) 586-5876 and they will be happy to assist you. The Suri Network is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this directory.

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Suri Network Membership Directory Deb and Doug Christner Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas 28444 Redlands Mesa Rd Hotchkiss, CO 81419 970-872-4446 akunamatada@tds.net

surimarket.surinetwork.org/farms/264

Mary Lou Clingan Waywood Farm Alpacas 14136 Township Road 108 Findlay, OH 45840 419-306-2512 mlclingan@aol.com Barbara and Randy Coleman Wings & A Prayer Alpacas 18100 S. Hwy. 99W Amity, OR 97101 503-310-9367 wapalpacas@frontier.com www.wingsandaprayeralpacas.com Sarah and Warren Collins New Maine Farm 100 Coach Rd Gailford, VT 05301 508-577-4816 wasa1985@gmail.com Lisa Collura and Robert Figular Memory M-Acres 33 New Rd Lambertville, NJ 08530 609-902-3551 lisa@memorymacres.com www.memorymacres.com Gregory Conley 3410 N Placita Herradura Douglas, AZ 85607 609-680-9203 templar912@icloud.com Joy Hays Conwell SuperFleece Alpacas, LLC 9360 S. Warhawk Rd Conifer, CO 80433 303-570-7493 joydconwell@gmail.com Dan and Cari Corley Alta Vida Alpacas 9535 E. Parker Rd Parker, CO 80138 303-884-7374 qualityalpacas@altavidaalpacas.com www.altavidaalpacas.com

Heather Cross Suri Charisma Alpacas 18575 Ramah Hwy Ramah, CO 80832 719-541-0321 hcinramah@gmail.com R.T. Crowe, II Bar C Ranch 211 Slim Buttes Rd Chadron, NE 69337 775-750-0099 nesuris@bbc.net

www.openherd.com/farms/257/bar-cranch-suri-alpacas

Lynda Cunningham and Jeff Bennett Serenity Valley Alpacas 2026 Waring St Seaside, CA 93955-3215 831-869-0751 svalpacas@gmail.com www.sv-alpacas.com Dale and Jan Davis Derwydd Alpacas 24485 Derwydd Way Esparto, CA 95627 530-908-3534 dale@derwyddalpacas.com www.derwyddalpacas.com Dave DeGroot DDF Alpacas PO Box 510 Odell, OR 97044 541-806-6262 davedg52@gmail.com Hillary Devin and Scott Phillips Shambalah Alpaca Ranch 7157 E Park Dr Franktown, CO 80116 303-588-2076 hillary@shambalahalpaca.com www.shambalahalpaca.com Diane and Bobby Dickerson Rock’n D Enterprises 11550 Hunt Lane Guthrie, OK 73044 405-850-6533 rockndenterprises@yahoo.com www.rockndenterprises.com

Tracy DiPippo Angel Dreams Alpacas 291 Race Street Grass Valley, CA 95945 805-432-9344 tracid318@aol.com www.Alpacasdream.com

Scott and Laurie Findlay Alpacas of El Dorado 4535 Boo Bear Lane Somerset, CA 95684 530-642-8082 alpacasofeldorado@hughes.net www.alpacasofeldorado.com

Evi Dixon Spanish Peaks Alpacas LLC 3180 Curtis Lane Manhattan, MT 59741 406-579-9694 evidixon@littleappletech.com www.sp-surialpacas.net

Ben and Lynda Fisco Humming Hill Suri Farm Ltd. 12100 Pekin Road Newbury, OH 44065-9622 440-564-5114 alpacas@humminghill.com www.humminghill.com

Jack and Miriam Donaldson Alpaca Jack’s Suri Farm 13939 CR 215 Findlay, OH 45840 419-423-3890 alpacajack@aol.com www.alpacajack.com

Robert and Debra Fordam Miners Mountain Alpacas PO Box 135 Teasdale, UT 84773 435-680-7687 fc_inc@live.com

Tilly and Katie Dorsey DAFI Alpacas P.O. Box 55 Butler, MD 21023 410-591-0691 dorseytrf@aol.com www.dafi.com Wendy Dittbrenner Eiker and Dusty Eiker Peaceful Prairie Ranch 7375 Coyote Springs Rd Prescott Valley, AZ 86315 928-848-0267 peacefulprairieranch@gmail.com www.peacefulprairieranch.com Victor Leland Epperson Moon Shine Alpacas 297 Bushnell Rd Douglas, GA 31533 530-518-4094 victorepperson@att.net www.moonshinealpacas.com Norm Evans, DVM Florissant, MO Norton Fincher and Amanda Brand Suri Downs Farm 2280 Camelback Rd Maidens, VA 23102 804-556-0113 edfincher@sbcglobal.net www.suridownsfarm.com

Lucy Lee and King Fowler LunaSea Alpaca Farm 11812 Ridge View Circle Clermont, FL 34711 352-223-9457 lunaseafarm@yahoo.com www.lunaseaalpacafarm.com Lona Nelsen Frank and John Frank ALPACAS of Tualatin Valley, LLC 22750 SW Rosedale Rd Beaverton, OR 97007 503-649-2128 lfrank@alpacatv.com www.alpacatv.com Chris and Jess Fredericks Whistling Pines Ranch 499 4 1/2 Ave Clayton, WI 54004 715-419-0127 whistlingpinesranch@yahoo.com www.whistlingpinesranch.com Carol Furman Carrageen Alpacas 82 West Gray Road Gray, ME 04039 207-653-1144 carrageens@twc.com www.carrageensurialpacas.com Cheryl Gehly Cria-tivity Alpacas 161 West Shore Road B-11 Warwick, RI 02889 508-404-4373 crgehly@aol.com

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Suri Network Membership Directory Karin Giordano and Erica Tollini Bucks County Alpacas, LLC 2736 Bedminster Rd Perkasie, PA 18944 215-795-2453 karin111549@hotmail.com www.buckscountyalpacas.com

Jennifer Hack Triple H Ranch 4098 N Hwy 67 Sedalia, CO 80135 720-733-2672 jennifer@triplehalpacas.net www.triplehalpacas.net

Louise and Robert Hazen Blue Mesa Alpacas, LLC 10 Blue Mesa Rd Santa Fe, NM 87508 505-473-9316 bluemesaalpacas@yahoo.com www.BlueMesaAlpacas.com

Michael and Kathryn Glass KaMi Alpaca Ranch, LLC 6680 S. Abilene Way Centennial, CO 80111 303-358-2725 mike_glass@comcast.net www.kamialpaca.com

Steve and Laura Hall BuzznHum Alpacas LLC 15851 NW Willis Road McMinnville, OR 97128 503-434-6358 laura@buzznhumalpacas.com www.buzznhumalpacas.com

Karl and Janice Heinrich Long Hollow Suri Alpacas 698 Wallace Road Gallatin, TN 37066 615-452-7852 karlh@longhollowalpacas.com www.longhollowalpacas.com

Denett Goehringer and Cashmere Anderson Moondance Manor 3042 Dillon Ave Cheyenne, WY 82001 307-221-1048 phantom1960@msn.com

Rebecca Hammer Orchard Hill Alpacas PO Box 842 Elkins, WV 26241 304-636-5519 hammerr@cebridge.net

Mark and Erica Helton Zoli2ude Farm 920 W Broadway St, Box 360 West Plains, MO 65775 417-293-4340 usaatw1@yahoo.com

Stacey Goss Goldyn Rae Alpacas PO Box 2004 Elizabeth, CO 80107 303-819-8001 goldynrae@gmail.com www.goldyn-rae-alpacas.com

Ron and Kathy Harelstad R K Ranch 626 18th Street Chetek, WI 54728 715-837-1759 rk.suri.alpacas@gmail.com

Nancy and David Helwig 925 Sterling Alpacas 10451 Valley Drive Plymouth, CA 95669-9515 209-245-3438 sterlingalpacas@yahoo.com www.925suris.com

Bob Graf Alpaca Bob 611 S Palm Canyon Dr #7452 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-327-7980 www.AlpacaBob.com Kathy Graziani Flame Pool Alpacas, Ltd. 9124 Flamepool Way Columbia, MD 21045 410-884-5397 flamepoolalpacas@verizon.net www.flamepoolalpacas.com Collins and Nikki Griffith Sandollar Alpacas 2001 S Washington St Kennewick, WA 99337 509-378-5833 sandollar01@gmail.com www.sandollaralpacas.com Susan Grunger Gray 3720 Gattis School Road, Suite 800 Round Rock, Texas 78664-0225 512-350-5060 sgray@images-heart.com https://squareup.com/market/ images-of-the-heart-and-soul

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www.alpacanation.com/orchardhill.asp

www.openherd.com/farms/2306/r-kranch

Cindy Harris Alpacas at Windy Hill 7660 Bradley Road Somis, CA 93066 805-907-5162 cindy@alpacalink.com www.alpacalink.com Lisa Haselhorst Grandview Suri Alpacas 12102 N First St Parker, CO 80134 303-910-4975 lisa5b@msn.com www.grandviewsurialpacas.com Britt and Patty Hasselbring Hasselbringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harmony Ranch PO Box 630 Concordia, MO 64020 816-769-3939

patty@hasselbringsharmonyranch.com www.hasselbringsharmonyranch.com

Heather Hernandez Joya de Suri 6920 6150 Rd Olathe, CO 81425 970-323-6835 joyadesuri@gmail.com Leslie Herzog Herzog Alpacas, LLC 1762 McCraren Rd Highland Park, IL 60035 847-702-7731 leslie.herzog@yahoo.com

surimarket.surinetwork.org/farmalpacas/4894/herzog-alpacas-llc

Roxann and Jay Hirst Crystal Butte Farm 8330 316th Pl SE Issaquah, WA 98027 703-687-7676 roxannh55@gmail.com Jim and Jane Olson-Holzer

Unisource Suri Alpacas & Llamas, LLC

144 Osprey Circle Hope, ID 83836-9704 208-264-5101

Denise and Jeff Johnson Zephyr Hill Farm 10297 7 Mile Rd Evart, MI 49631 248-770-5514 zephyrhillalpacas@aol.com www.openherd.com/farms/7100/ zephyr-hill-farm Julie Johnson and Tim Gallagher Cannon River Alpacas 31536 Cannon River Blvd Northfield, MN 55057 507-366-1208 jkjohn@umn.edu Dianna and Jack Jordan Alpacas of Somerset Farm PO Box 190 Somerset, CA 95684 530-620-6033 dljordan@live.com www.alpacasofsomersetfarm.com Nicholas Judson Slick and Twisted Suri Alpacas Ltd 7083 S Knolls Way Centennial, CO 80122 303-258-7835 nicjud@gmail.com Paul and Kendra Keiser 11855 Elizabeth Circle Thornton, CO 80233 303-868-6944 kendrak@qdscorp.com Ann and Tony Kaminski Break Loose Farm 5233 Hanover Pike Manchester, MD 21102 410-374-4383 annkaminski1@gmail.com www.breakloosefarmalpacas.com Pamela Kelly Bridgetown Suri Alpacas 9875 Bayside Rd Machipongo, VA 23405 757-709-0400 pam_kelly@earthlink.net www.bridgetownsurialpacas.com Jackie King 6 Clermont Ln Saint Louis, MO 63124 314-306-3348 j.king@charter.net

Suri Network Membership Directory Susan King Big Timber Alpacas 29400 SW Heater Rd Sherwood, OR 97140 503-799-6941 sue@bigtimberalpacas.com www.bigtimberalpacas.com Steven, Rose Ann and Tasha Knoblock

Knoblock’s Prairie Ranch 179 270th Street Sabetha, KS 66534 785-284-2589 info@knoblocksalpacas.com www.knoblocksalpacas.com

Linda K. Kondris Pines Edge Suri Alpacas 12245 Melba Rd Black Forest, CO 80106-8966 719-495-9633 pinesedgeranch@gmail.com www.pinesedge.com Margit Korsak Boulder Hill Alpacas 315 Merkle Rd Boyertown, PA 19512 610-367-8486 boulderhillalpacas@yahoo.com www.boulderhillalpacas.com Karen Kovisto Symphony Fibers 6670 Sunset Circle Kiowa, CO 80117 818-326-7393 karenkovi@sbcglobal.net www.SymphonyFibers.com Lorrie Lake Loving Life Alpacas 34706 Minesinger Trail Polson, MT 59860 406-261-8772 lovinglifealpacas@gmail.com www.openherd.com/farms/4444/ loving-life-alpacas Darlene Lander Dun Roving Farm 359 Dodge Rd Frewsburg, NY 14738-9742 716-569-2198 darlene@dunrovingfarm.com www.dunrovingfarm.com

Mary-Margaret Lannon Percussion Rock Alpaca Farm 6669 N Sioux Chicago, IL 60646 773-577-0217 lannon.mary@gmail.com Kirk and Julie Lentz Alpine Vista Suri Alpacas LLC 73 Wineglass Loop South Livingston, MT 59047 406-222-0472 julie@jklentz.net www.alpinevistasurialpacas.com Nancy Lindemood 2 Point Farm, LLC 6330 Warsaw Rd Dry Ridge, KY 41035 859-428-9220 frankemood@aol.com www.2pointfarmalpacas.com Suzi Mancuso Ponderosa Paca Farm 20 Natures Crossing Middleboro, MA 02346 508-989-7961 alpacabagsbysuzi@gmail.com Cora and Randy Marburger Next Chapter Alpacas 801 Middle Cove Drive Plano, TX 75023 214-395-8845 nextchapter.alpacas@gmail.com www.nextchapteralpacas.com Jackie Mathieson Alpaca Road, LLC 1135 Camp Road Denton, MD 21629 410-241-4367 jackie_mathiason@yahoo.com www.alpacaroad.com Teresa and Joe Maxwell Stone Spring Suri Farm 18 McHenry Rd Cochranville, PA 19330 610-593-6694 mugsy@epix.net www.stonespringsuri.com Ann Mayes Alpacas d’Auxvasse 9266 County Rd 1012 Auxvasse, MO 65231 573-386-3462 annmayes@ktis.net www.alpacasauxvasse.com

Alvina Maynard River Hill Ranch 680 River Hill Rd Richmond, KY 40475 859-408-5132 riverhillranch@rocketmail.com www.riverhillranch.us/ Jill M. McElderry-Maxwell Bag End Suri Alpacas of ME, LLC 226 Snakeroot Rd Pittsfield, ME 04967 207-660-5276 bagendsuris@gmail.com www.bagendsuris.com Candy and Ray McMahan Raynay Alpaca Farm 1897 Ashland Rd Ruffin, NC 27326 336-939-3645 mgbcandy@aol.com www.mmalpacas.com Becky and Tom McMillan Magic Willows Alpacas 6340 Arthur Rd Hartford, WI 53027 414-217-5836 btkk@magicwillowsalpacas.com www.magicwillowsalpacas.com Bryan and Becky Miltenberger Hidden Creek Alpacas 33347 East Punkin Center Rd Hermiston, OR 97838 541-571-0394 hiddencreekalpacas@gmail.com www.openherd.com/farms/4788/ hidden-creek-alpacas David Moran and Lori Wall Crimson Shamrock Ranch PO Box 7 Eglon, WV 26716 304-735-6413 dddmoran@aol.com www.crimsonshamrockalpacas.com Jim and Jean Morgan J4 Alpacas 7711 N Valley Hill Road Woodstock, IL 60098 815-759-0247 j4alpacas@earthlink.net www.j4alpacas.com

Lauren Morrison Scruffy Nerfherders Alpaca Farm 13078 N. Dyanna Rd Thornton, CO 80241 303-618-2198 lauren_rodenberger@yahoo.com Kent and Sandy Murray Lizard Hill Suri Alpacas 351 Purdy Mesa Road Whitewater, CO 81527 970-243-3520 lhillalpacas@aol.com Richard and Leanne Nakashima Eldora Suri Alpacas 31941 Hamilton Creek School Road Lebanon, OR 97355-9729 720-840-6585 rna1501@msn.com www.eldorasurialpacas.com Diane and Julian Nicholson Nicholson Alpacas and Llamas P.O. Box 5378 Twin Falls, ID 83303 208-734-5917 Onneke O’Brien SuCaya Farms 576 Lake View Dr Smithfield, ME 04978 207-634-2189 sucayafarms@gmail.com

www.openherd.com/farms/3933/sucayafarms-at-the-town-line-house

Dennis and Christy Pace Pacesetter Alpacas 5546 W Plymouth Church Road Beloit, WI 53511 608-879-2770 psalpaca@ticon.net www.pacesetteralpacas.com Eileen Patterson 500 East 10th Ave Torrington, WY 82240 307-532-1607 eileenpatterson0552@gmail.com Tracy Pellegrino Faith & Fleece Alpacas 2664 N Mountain Ave Upland, CA 91784 626-716-0943 td.bulldogs@hotmail.com www.faithandfleece.com

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Suri Network Membership Directory Narvel and Debbie Pettis Sweet Blossom Alpaca Farm 37543 Pappy Road Dade City, FL 33523 813-335-7387 dpettis11@yahoo.com www.sweetblossomalpacas.com

Russell Ratti and Karen Ball Heart & Soul Alpacas 14514 Oak Meadow Rd Penn Valley, CA 95946 530-597-7223 heartandsoulspinnery@gmail.com www.heartandsoulspinnery.com

Julie and Ted Ritschard B I Bar Ranch 8720 Moss Rock Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80908 719-495-1279 alpacas@bibarranch.com bibarranch.com

Michael and Anita Smith The Triple Z Alpaca Farm 9100 N 000 Rd Decatur, IN 46733 260-724-4809 mikeoftriplez@aol.com www.triplezalpacas.com

Charlene and Russ Piar Thunder Mile Ranch 10879 State Hwy M Wright City, MO 63390 636-544-2200 cpiar@thundermileranch.com www.thundermileranch.com

Marty and Mary Raynor M&M Alpaca Farm of NC 7084 US Hwy 64 West Pittsboro, NC 27312 336-465-8211 mmalpacasofnc@gmail.com

Kristie and Brion Smoker Sweet Valley Suris 5701 Valley Glen Road Annville, PA 17003 717-867-2897 kristie@sweetvalleysuris.com www.sweetvalleysuris.com

Theresa Pitts Deepstep Creek Alpacas 3436 Deepstep Creek Rd Sandersville, GA 31082 478-363-3755 alpacas@deepstepcreekalpacas.com www.deepstepcreekalpacas.com

Allen and Becky Rebman and Richard, Carol and Andrew Reed Over Home Alpacas LLC 18 Midway Rd Bethel, PA 19507 610-488-1355 overhomealpaca@hotmail.com www.overhomealpacas.com

Kate and Ed Robie Ash Hill Alpacas 1605 Carpenter Pike Versailles, KY 40383 404-441-3155 ashhillkentucky@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/ ashhillalpacas/

Karina and Michael Pomroy Peruvian Link Co. 589 Airline Rd Amherst, ME 04605 207-584-3200 info@peruvianlink.com www.peruvianlink.com Michelle Pressler and William Ward

iMpress Alpacas 14036 Clover Rd Rockton, IL 61072 815-713-5234 impressalpacas@gmail.com www.impressalpacas.com

Brenda Quinones Natural People Ranch Suri Alpacas PO Box 92 Palmer Lake, CO 80133 719-287-6726 brendaqanamist@gmail.com Ken and Claudia Raessler SuriPaco LLC PO Box 1477 Yarmouth, ME 04096-2477 207-712-5833 claudia@sacoriverdyehouse.com

surimarket.surinetwork.org/farms/3148

Sheri Raterink Dream Seeker Suris 9856 Federal Rd Howard City, MI 49329 dreamseekersuris@gmail.com

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www.mmalpacafarmofnc.openherd.com

Leslie and Scott Rebtoy Healing Springs Suris PO Box 1400 Westville, OK 74965 918-629-2840 HSSsuris@gmail.com www.Healingspringssuris.com Jean Riley and Doreen Mylin Alpaca Magic, USA 4920 Grover Cleveland Homosassa, FL 34446 352-628-0156 surialpaca@yahoo.com www.alpacamagicusa.com Doug and Julie Rice R&R Suris 11110 Kubon Rd Montague, MI 49437 231-893-7208 rnrsuris@aol.com www.AlpacaNation.com/ R&Ralpacas.asp Joanna Ritchie 2405 Ramond Ln Bryant, AR 72022 618-570-9668 jritchie2000@gmail.com

Deb Robinson 7040 E County Rd 56 Fort Collins, CO 612-366-5890 80524 deb@robconsult.com Janet and Bob Rodgers Rodgersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Reserve Alpaca Farm 400 E. Adario W. Rd Greenwich, OH 44837 419-895-9922 jzrodgers77@1791.com www.openherd.com/rodgersreserve Amy and Dave Self Canyon Country Suri Alpaca Ranch 12500 Bostwick Park Rd Montrose, CO 81401 970-765-6744 gunnisonself@yahoo.com surimarket.surinetwork.org/farms/4970

Tim and Beth Sheets Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas 4175 N 1200 W Flora, IN 46929 765-566-3077 sheets@ourheritagefarm.com www.ourheritagefarm.com Sheryl and Sheldon Shenk Hay Creek Station PO Box 589 Florissant, CO 80816 719-689-6666 sshenk@datawest.net www.yoursuriconnection.com Laurel R. Shouvlin Bluebird Hills Farm 3617 Derr Road Springfield, OH 45503 937-206-3936 bluebirdhills@voyager.net www.bluebirdhills.farm

Brad and Jandy Sprouse Great Lakes Ranch 5718 S Bohemian Rd Maple City, MI 49664 231-228-3859 greatlakesranch@gmail.com www.greatlakesranch.com Donna and Julius Steiger Steigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alpaca Heaven Farm 11228 Coyote CV Nampa, ID 83686 208-546-7249 donna@steigersalpacafarm.com www.steigeralpacafarm.com Loren and Judy Stevens Stevens Llama Tique & Suri Alpacas 1449 Red Canyon Rd Canon City, CO 81212 800-469-5262 llamatiq@rconnect.com www.stevenstique.com Peter Taborsky and Carolyn Campato The Leisure Ranch 4565 C Hwy 231 Springdale, WA 99173 805-901-9078 theleisureranch@gmail.com Kim Taha Taha Suri Alpaca Ranch, LLC 23109 US Highway 40 Golden, CO 80401 303-704-7928 kim@tahaalpacas.com www.tahaalpacas.com

Suri Network Membership Directory Keiko Takimoto-Makarczyk and Matt Makarczyk Wisteria Suri Ranch 875 County Road 454 Taylor, TX 76574 512-856-2467 keitaki@gmail.com www.wisteriasuriranch.com Nina Taylor Gaia’s Grove Alpacas 6769 Spring Rd Shermonsdale, PA 17090 717-773-0835 gaiasgrove@yahoo.com Victoria Telesko Love Me Alpacas 23253 Cty Rd X Kiel, WI 53042 920-797-9096 vtelesko@aol.com www.LoveMeAlpacas.com Susan Tellez

Camelid Alliance - Resource Consulting

3195 Dowlen Rd. #101-313 Beaumont, TX 77706 409-656-2140 sztellez@aol.com

David, Nancy and Nick TenHulzen Park View All American Alpacas 3001 SW Schaeffer Rd West Linn, OR 97068-9611 503-638-3692 nancy@parkviewalpacas.com www.ParkViewAlpacas.com Ingrid Thomas Hadleigh Grange 3269 N Reed Station Rd Desoto, IL 62924-3417 img3thomas@yahoo.com Andy and Cheryl Tillman Tillman Llamas & Suri Alpacas 20510 Swalley Rd Bend, OR 97701 541-389-1065 tlllamas@aol.com www.tillmansranch.com Marcia Traudt M & J Alpaca Farm 32382 Hwy 14 Aurora, NE 68818 402-737-3307 marciatraudt526@gmail.com

Kathy and Garry Umscheid Evergreen Acres Alpacas P.O. Box 117 Arden, MB Canada R0J 0B0 204-368-2467 alpaca@evergreenacres.org www.evergreenacres.org Liz and Chris Vahlkamp Salt River Alpacas/North American Suri Co. 7200 Waterman St. Louis, MO 63130 314-440-1627 saltriveralpacas@yahoo.com www.saltriveralpacas.com Amanda and Vince VandenBosch Flying Dutchman Alpacas 65485 Cline Falls Rd Bend, OR 97703 831-809-1147 amandafda@earthlink.net www.fdaalpacas.com Elaine Vandiver Old Homestead Alpacas 5260 Stateline Rd Walla Walla, WA 99362 253-232-2853 oldhomesteadalpacas@gmail.com www.oldhomesteadalpacas.com Bill and Heather Vonderhaar Alpaca Bella Suri Farm - ABF 5455 Belwood Lane Morrow, OH 45152 513-899-2304 alpacabella@gmail.com www.alpacabella.com Gail and Paul Wasserstein Andean Vista Ranch 4101 Oak Ridge Road Crystal Lake, IL 60012 847-366-9147 andeanvistaranch@comcast.net www.andeanvistaranch.com Dennis and Rose Watts Thunder River Suri Alpacas 9627 Carlisle Road Dillsburg, PA 17019 717-994-4055 rosewatts59@yahoo.com www.thunderriveralpacas.com

Brett and Donna Weeks Grey Meadows Alpaca Farm 1835 Underwood Road Gambrills, MD 21054 301-980-7019 blweeks@comcast.net Deb Wellinghoff Northern Prairie Alpacas, LLC 7470 Jakes Prairie Rd Sullivan, MO 63080 618-558-8390 deb@northernprairiealpacas.com www.NorthernPrairieAlpacas.com Marilyn Wentworth Alpacas at Phoenix Hill Farm, LLC 8266 Rock Riffle Road Athens, OH 45701 740-591-7669 mw@alpacasatphoenixhill.com www.alpacasatphonexhill.com Mary Wilcox High Country Alpacas LLC 3805 E Equestrian Trail Phoenix, AZ 85044-3008 480-296-8588 mary.wilcox2001@gmail.com www.hcaalpacas.com Mike and Janet Wilkins Wilkins Livestock LLC P.O. Box 7221 Star Valley Ranch, WY 83127 402-362-9223 janet@wilkinslivestock.com www.wilkinslivestock.com Kathy and Joe Williams KJ’s Alpaca Ranch 7476 Shepler Church Ave SW Navarre, OH 44662 330-879-2483 kjsalpacas@aol.com www.kjsalpacas.com William and Traci Wills Roland Valley Suri Alpacas 781 Brookside Dr Bailey, CO 8421 303-667-4074 bwills1956@gmail.com Doug and Deanna Wilner Daydreamer Ranch Alpacas 16019 Green Road Harvard, IL 60033 815-943-7004 alpacas@daydreamerranch.com

www.DaydreamerRanchAlpacas.com

Dr. Gary Wilson The Midnight Moon Alpaca Ranch 937 Hillside Ave Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-921-0414 garyw@ themidnightmoonalpacaranch.com www.openherd.com/farms/2413/ the-midnight-moon-alpaca-ranch Melisa and Terry Yopp Berry Sweet Alpacas 12167 Centerpoint Church Road Prairie Grove, AR 72753 479-871-4304 berrysweetalpacas@gmail.com www.berrysweetalpacas.com Cheryl and Rick Yopp City Girl Alpaca 9 Great Oak Court North Little Rock, AR 72116 501-753-8480 cryopp@yahoo.com Barbara Zachary New Age Alpacas 9460 Santa Clara Road Atascadero, CA 93422 805-286-2070 barzac1@charter.net www.newagealpacas.com Norm and Mary Zahn Coldwater Creek Alpacas 5254 Younger Rd Celina, OH 45822 419-678-8621 coldwatercreekalpacas@gmail.com www.ColdwaterCreekAlpacas.com Dave and Louann Zapicchi Hobble Hill Farm LLC 1322 Sylvan Rd Perkasie, PA 18944 215-795-0670 hobblehill@msn.com www.hobblehill.com SURI ENTHUSIAST MEMBERS Beth Brown Fernley, NV Ellen and Mike Crabaugh Eureka Springs, AR Angela Echeverria Kansas City, MO Donna Rudd Clive, Alberta, Canada

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Advertising Index 2 Point Farm LLC 55 Akuna Matada Suri Alpacas 83 Alpaca Road LLC 8 Big Timber Alpacas 7, 83 Eldora Suri Alpacas 2, 61 Healing Springs Suris 16-17 Heart & Soul Alpacas and Spinnery 3 Heritage Farm Suri Alpacas 30 Long Hollow Suri Alpacas 65 Peruvian Link 49 Pucara International 35 Sie Sutter Suri Alpaca 46 Silverfield Farm 91 The Midnight Moon @ R&R Suris 46 Whistling Pines Ranch 46

90 PURELYSURI

Photograph courtesy of Jill McElderry-Maxwell @2017

Save the date!

12th Annual Suri Symposium and Fleece Show August 3 - 4, 2018 Embassy Suites, Loveland, CO Join breeders from across the country and Canada, learn about all things alpaca, and network with other breeders at the premier Suri event of the year!

Suri,

Simply Stunning

For more information, contact the Suri Network at www.surinetwork.org 1-877-638-7874 ofďŹ ce@surinetwork.org