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Rumpelstiltskin - Suri fibre Classing and Baling daysSuri produce a rare beautiful fibre unlike that from any other animal. The best known suri trait is the outstanding natural lustre making it able to achieve effects in the finished product that require chemical treatments on other fibres. Less obvious to the naked eye the structure of the suri fibre shaft is very smooth with a lower scale relief than most fibres, this translates directly into the exquisite silky handle of the fibre. While these qualities and its uniqueness give suri fibre tremendous value, it also means there is very little known about the best way to process it and there is often a reluctance to try with suri as it is something new. |
Mythical SuriSuri are a beautiful elegant breed, immediately loved by some, and with growing appeal to others. Suri fleece is one of the world's rarest and most beautiful natural fibres, valued for its unsurpassed lustre and exquisite handle. The inherent properties give luxurious softness and sensuous handle to suri products. The superior thermal traits and beautiful, natural drape make the fibre a dream to wear. |
From Humble BeginningsOn a recent trip to Chile I was reminded very much of our humble beginnings into alpacas, as we stopped at a check point and an alpaca came up and stuck its head through the window. It looked exactly like our Roany [her real name F47] I am sure it was related. We still have 3 old girls, Roany, Frosty and Barrel, all named when we first set eyes on them. They live in retirement in the paddock with the best view of Lake Rotorua on the farm, above our house, and survey all comings and goings in the yards. |
Alpacas on TourIt's a 6 am start even though we are only doing the BOP run today. We have to make our lunch and load up the boys and be on the road by 7 to make our first stop for the day on time. The boys are stud male alpacas and the run is mobile mating. |
Alpacas Popular livestock choice for a small blockIn South America alpacas are mainly farmed in large herds but in New Zealand alpacas are fast becoming the animal of choice for the small block owner. Alpaca numbers in New Zealand are estimated to be around 4,000 with an average herd size of 6. With a stocking rate of 5 to the acre you don't need a high country sheep farm to be right up there in alpacas. |
Alpaca FeatureWhen Sue Richards first saw suri alpacas, she was captivated by the shimmering silken fleece. It wasn't long after, with some research all at Surico Alpaca Estate were convinced suri alpacas were the way forward. In South America, the home of alpacas, textile processors claim no other natural fibre in the world has the same lustre as suri with its incredibly soft drape. They regard suri as the most luxurious natural fibre in the world. |
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Purchasing your first alpaca can be daunting, there seems like so much you need to know. So to make it a bit easier we have put together some quick tips to help you.History of Alpaca |
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Alpacas are members of the South American Camelid family. They are a domesticated animal, most likely descended from the vicuna...Farming Alpaca |
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Alpacas are superb animals to farm as they are intelligent, easy to handle and very hardy. They also possess a very appealing and calming presence.Suri Alpaca |
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Suri produce a rare beautiful fibre unlike that from any other animal. The best known suri trait is the outstanding natural luster but it also has a beautiful feel...
