Benefits of Fiber Sorting

Transcription

1 2014 Benefits of Fiber Sorting Georgia Meyer, Certified Sorter /25/2014

2 Individual sort record on each animal, which includes, fleece weight by body area, grade of each area, comments on luster, brightness, density, uniformity of crimp, tenderness and overall comments on fiber. Yearly harvest of fiber into grades, by color and length. A summary of entire clipping. Increase in usable fiber, less waste. Suggested uses for each grade and profit projections for each grade. Assistance at shearing time, with organization, proper techniques, and instruction s to the shearing crew. Assistance with herd management and breeding decisions by identifies each animal s fiber strengths and weaknesses, specific breeding decisions, reinforcing strengths and improving weaknesses, a record of yearly animal changes in grades. Superior end products. Uniformity of fibers is extremely important in the textile processing industry; all grades of fiber have value. S i l v e r C r e e k A l p a c a Page 1

3 Q & A What is sorting? It is a process in which animal fiber is graded. Is sorting new? No, sorting has been done since textile industry infancy; all textiles companies employ sorters. What is Certified Sorted? They are numerous methods and schools on the art of sorting fiber; a Certified Sorted is a method that employs very strict standards, requires a mentoring period which is term apprentice, accuracy is paramount, a process that could take years and continuing education. Who is a Certified Sorter? There is a number of Certified Sorter in Unites States, three in Wisconsin. Why should I have my fiber sorted? They are numerous benefits in having the animals fiber sorted: Sort record on each animal, yearly harvest, by weight, color, length, increase usable fiber, increase value, suggested uses, herd management including breeding decisions. What prices can I expect to receive from my fiber? While it is difficult to assess prices of fiber at any given time, because of market variability, like any other commodity, a Certified Sorted fiber gets a much higher price than non-sorted, you can get current prices pay in your area from a Certified Sorter. Do I have to join a Co-op? No, while a co-op is recommended it is not require. Having your fiber sorted is totally independent from a co-op. Sorters are free-lance and self-employed individuals working for you, and see that you get a fair price for your fiber. How many Co-ops are out there? They are a numerous Co-ops in the US. Some require that you sign up and become members, cost varies, they only take certain fibers grades at any giving time, and some don t require anything. While some pay better than others, a Certified Sorter can assist you in determining a co-op that fits your individual needs. Is there a market for my fiber? Yes, all your fiber that you produce has a market and value, finding the market requires that you understand the grades and quantity you have, knowing whose looking and what they are looking for and what they are willing to pay. Are there people willing to buy my fiber? Yes, all your fiber has value, even if you have it bag for years, the condition is very important, and the value will reflect that. Which grade is better? All grades have value, it depends on what is going to be the end products, grade three is the most versatile grade and most abundant, this is what is been produce now, grade one and two is most valuable but there is less of. What s the future for Alpaca fiber? The U.S. does not have sufficient volume of fiber at this time to have a full textile production of consumer goods, it s very important that each farm contributes to the improvements of the animals you have, and the understanding of breeding decisions by improving your herd. There are new prospects opening up all the time. How do I know which animals are the best in my herd? They are many things to consider; Health, Conformity, Staple length, Density and Uniformity. Once, your animal have been sorted you will have a better understanding in selecting you best animals in your herd. S i l v e r C r e e k A l p a c a Page 2

4 INDIVIDUAL MAPPING PATTERNS Micron Grade Name: TACCOYO HEMI ARI: Gender: MALE DOB: 5/15/2006 COLOR: WHITE BLANKET: 49.4 Oz NECK: 19.8 LBC: 67.4 TOTAL: Lbs HWL3 WL3 < 20 MICRON 1 Ultra Fine Super Fine Fine Medium Intermediate > 32 6 Robust STAPLE LENGH Woolen (WL) Worsted (WR) WL6 WL6 TR Comments: Excellent density and uniformity throughout his entire blanket. He continues to maintain his uniformity, and two grade difference from primary and secondary fibers. Grade WL WL WL3 S i l v e r C r e e k A l p a c a Page 3

5 FIBER BREEDING PAIR Female Male Name: DELIAH ARI: DOB: 9/7/20076 year COLOR: WHITE GENDER: FEMALE BLANKET: 38.2 NECK: 10.5 LBC: 62.2 TOTAL: lbs COMMENTS: Blanket consistent of two straight grades which is very versatile for textile products HWL4 HWL4 Female WL3 WL2 WL6 HWL3 WL2 WL6 Offspring TR Male WL5 Name: DIESEL ARI: DOB: 7/24/ years COLOR: WHITE GENDER: MALE BLANKET: 67.0 NECK: 20.4 LBC: 85.0 TOTAL: lbs COMMENTS: Excellent density and uniformity through the entire blanket. Name: PEDRO ARI: PENDING DOB: 6/24/2012 COLOR: WHITE GENDER: MALE BLANKET: 27.1 NECK: 15.2 LBC: 26.8 TOTAL: lbs COMMENTS: Increased density and uniformity within the blanket. Cria Wt.: 60 lbs HWR2 HWR3 Offspring WR2 TR HWR3 WL3 Micron Grade < 20 MICRON 1 Ultra Fine Super Fine Fine Medium Intermediate > 32 6 Robust STAPLE LENGH Woolen (WL) Worsted (WR) Comments: This match shows the result of breeding pair with the offspring. The blanket is much more uniform, with increased density. It is beneficial to have prior sorting records. This pair was able to maintain their fiber grade for the past two years. S i l v e r C r e e k A l p a c a Page 4

6 INDIVIDUAL MAPPING PATTERNS Micron Grade Picture Name: ARI: Gender: DOB: COLOR: BLANKET: NECK: LBC: TOTAL: < 20 MICRON 1 Ultra Fine Super Fine Fine Medium Intermediate > 32 6 Robust STAPLE LENGH Woolen (WL) Worsted (WR) Comments: S i l v e r C r e e k A l p a c a Page 5

7 FIBER BREEDING PAIR Female Male Name: ARI: DOB: COLOR: GENDER: BLANKET: NECK: LBC: TOTAL: COMMENTS: Name: ARI: DOB: COLOR: GENDER: BLANKET: NECK: LBC: TOTAL: COMMENTS: Offspring Name: ARI: DOB: COLOR: GENDER: BLANKET: NECK: LBC: TOTAL: COMMENTS: Micron Grade < 20 MICRON 1 Ultra Fine Super Fine Fine Medium Intermediate > 32 6 Robust STAPLE LENGH Woolen (WL) Worsted (WR) Comments: S i l v e r C r e e k A l p a c a Page 6

8 Pricing and terms for Georgia Meyer Certified Sorted From the bag $ Properly collected $ Subsequent years $ These are the prices that I m paying for Huacaya fiber in 2014 Grade 1 $ 8.00 per Lbs. Grade 2 $ 7.00 Grade 3 $ 6.00 Grade 4 $ 5.00 Grade 5 $ 4.00 Grade 6 $ 1.00 Grade Hairy 1-4 $ 4.00 From the bag $ 3.00 (By inspection only) Thing for you to consider: All fiber is valuable. How you collect the fiber is most important. Contaminated fiber is waste. Sending your fiber in a bag to the co-op will get you the least amount for your fiber. Remember they have to sort, and grade, much gets contaminated and is wasted. Sorting and grading gives you more than fiber, it allow you to make decision in your herd. Micron-count in one area, does not give you a clear picture of the whole animal. Biopsy does not give you a clear picture of the whole animal. Only by sorting you can identify patterns of fibers of the whole animal. A selective few farms out there, knew this all along. Knowing this information is critical to the Alpaca industry. You cannot afford not to have your fiber sorted. If you are interested in my services and what I can offer you, Please contact me by calling or georgia@silvercreekalpaca.com Thank you! S i l v e r C r e e k A l p a c a Page 7

9 Find us on: Facebook at: Ravelry Group: Check out website: S i l v e r C r e e k A l p a c a Page 8