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Winter still hanging on? What better time to think in-
stead about the crias expected on your farm this year.
If you’re like most alpaca breeders, you’ve done a lot
of research to carefully match each of your dams with a
male you think will balance her traits, giving you the crias
of your dreams. Part of the joy of raising alpacas comes
from looking forward to the results of each pairing, and
part of the challenge is in figuring out the right combina-
tion to achieve the goals of your breeding program.
Across the country, herdsires with the genetics for
excellence are impacting our national herd, improving
fleece fineness and density, imparting the best color,
staple length or conformation, and driving fiber pro-
duction and breeding programs forward. While some
of these males are well-known, others have yet to be
discovered. But one thing is true of each: they are
the reason we can say that each generation of North
American alpacas is better than the last.
Our hats are off to herdsires—we pay tribute to their
importance and influence with this issue. We hope
you find it to be both informative and entertaining.
Here’s just a taste of what’s inside: you’ll read
about Dr. Gregg Adams’s research identifying
ovulation inducing factor in alpacas and learn
the results of a scientific examination of alpaca
color genetics. AOBA’s PR expert Cindy Berman
and long-time magazine contributor Julie Wassom
each provide insights to help you improve your
marketing efforts. Other contributors offer ideas
to help you succeed in the show ring, build a better
relationship with your shearer, or take better care
of your alpacas. Don’t overlook the new alpaca
fiber craft “how to’s.”
It’s a new year, time to take stock. We hope some of
the ideas you’ll read about in this issue will help you
to improve business, breed better alpacas, get creative
with alpaca fiber, or just enjoy life a bit more.
Wishing you happy reading, many outstanding crias
and an early spring.
Deb Hill
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Editor
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ALPACAS
MAGAZINE
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Tierra Prometida
Alpacas
Kern & Rhonda
Deschner
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Crescent Moon Ranch
Joseph & Diane Nelson