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2020 and Beyond, 23 Years of U.S. Alpaca
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Although we are still figuring out what it is about the year 2020 that feels so futuristic, we can now say with a smile that 2019 was U.S. Alpaca’s best year yet.
The trends from 2018, which included increased interest in Natural Fibers, U.S. based manufacturing, Slow Fashion, and Buying Local all continued to help push the demand for U.S Grown, U.S. Made Alpaca products to new heights.
On top of those existing tailwinds continuing to gain steam, the rising popularity of Agritourism, Experiential and Pop Up Retail, Regenerative Agriculture and the growing brand of the Alpaca itself are all making the future look bright.
In our biased opinion, alpacas may just become the definitive symbol of these growing ideas and movements. Treading lightly on the earth with its padded feet, grazing and digesting efficiently, consuming less water, requiring no pesticides, and producing a fiber that doesn’t require caustic processing are just the tip of the eco-friendly iceberg that is all things U.S. Alpaca.
On top of that, it’s a great natural fiber with some amazing attributes that all lend their hand in making some wonderful products.
The growing demand for U.S. Grown, U.S. Made Alpaca products are not without its challenges in the years to come. To continually succeed in meeting the growing demand for the finished goods, we need to work together, both nationally and regionally to:
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Continue to grow the national supply of usable, quality alpaca fiber that enters production soon after harvest.
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Effectively communicate U.S. Alpaca’s value proposition and worth in an increasingly noisy, splintered marketplace.
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Utilize regional alpaca networks to reduce costs associated with fiber transportation, harvest, husbandry, and feed.
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Work with other regional livestock and agricultural sectors to find common ground and touch points.
Alpacas have now been in the United States for over 36 years and the demand for finished goods made from their fiber has never been higher. These exciting challenges to consider and tackle in the years to come will help solidify U.S. Alpaca as a leader in the growing natural fiber renaissance.
By increasing efficiency through collaborative efforts, we can keep grower costs down, increase margins on fiber grown and products brought to market, and make alpaca farms more sustainable in the years to come.
Thank you for supporting the Fiber Pool over the last 23 years and making 2019 U.S. Alpaca’s best year yet. We look forward to growing and evolving alongside your businesses in the years to come.
Happy New Year, Welcome to the Future!
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Alpaca farm stores across the nation report that 2019 was a record year for sales of alpaca goods, and it’s no surprise that the holidays were a huge sales driver. However, many business owners find that sales fall flat after the holiday season. The fall festivals and Christmas markets that are a touchstone of the season certainly make it easier to find customers and connect them to the gifts they are searching for. Though it may require some extra legwork, the diligent alpaca farmer can find ways to harness their holiday sales momentum into the New Year.
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Visit NEAFP at the Carolina Alpaca Celebration
February 15th - 16th 2020
Cabarrus Arena and Events Center
4751 US Highway 49 North
Concord, NC 28025
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Each year NEAFP participates as a vendor in many alpaca shows scattered across the country. We are happy to haul your fiber back to our mill for free (RSVP with the links below!) We also deliver orders for free to shows we are attending as a vendor, just place your order at least a week before the event and save on shipping costs both ways!
Please note that Third Grade Fiber is NOT Eligible for Event Collections.
Carolina Alpaca Celebration
Fiber Collection RSVP HERE
February 15th - 16th, 2020
Concord, NC
show website
AOA National Alpaca Show
Fiber Collection RSVP HERE
March 13th - 15th, 2020
Fort Wayne, Indiana
show website
PAOBA Breeder's Showcase
Fiber Collection RSVP HERE
March 20 - 22nd, 2020
Centre Hall, PA
show website
North American Alpaca Show
Fiber Collection RSVP HERE
April 4th-5th, 2020
Springfield, MA
show website
MAPACA Jubilee
Fiber Collection RSVP HERE
April 24th - 26th, 2020
Harrisburg, PA
show website
Stay tuned as more shows are added throughout the year!
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NEW Downloadable Coloring Page!
Although the holidays are over... The cold and snow are here to stay!
The alpacas are itching to get out and play. Even if there's no snow on the ground, the January coloring page will give you the chance to play by putting the finishing touches on the alpaca's snowman!
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Textured Alpaca Slouch Beanies are Back in Stock!
Last year we launched our second Slouch Beanie, the Textured Alpaca Slouch Beanie, made from our softest U.S. Grown Alpaca. The Textured Slouch Beanie features an all over contrasting rib & cable knit to create a subtle 3-D design.
Like our first Slouch Beanie, the Mountain Eve Slouch Beanie, it proved to be an extremely popular - so popular that we couldn't keep them on the shelves! We're happy to announce that your favorite colors, white and grey, are now back in stock! Find them now in the Fiber Pricing and Wholesale Categories!
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Also Back in Stock...
Kid's Alpaca Mittens!
Our updated Kid's Alpaca Mittens are a great option for someone looking to share the gift of alpaca with a young one! Made from our softest U.S. Grown Alpaca Yarn, these Kid's Mitts are as cozy as they are warm, all without the excess bulk. Available in Infant, Toddler, and Children's Small.
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Fiber Sort Status
FIBER COLLECTION SORT STATUS - Updated 01/21/2020
Showtacular (EMPIRE & NEAOBA) 2019 - Complete, Reports heading out
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OH Collection - Complete 12/21/2019
WI State Collection - Complete 12/12/2019
MN Collection - Complete 11/18
WA State Collection - Complete 11/05
KY Collection - Complete 10/21
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