Why Suri Alpacas?
“Suris are unique”
RAREST OF BREEDS Suris make up less than 5% of the worldwide alpaca population and account for just 20% of the North American alpaca herd. The first Suris were imported to the United States from Bolivia in 1991. As of December 2016, there were 44,098 Suris and 207,480 huacayas (the other breed of alpacas) registered in the United States. The rarity of the Suri offers great advantage for investment and future growth.
ULTIMATE NATURAL FIBER Softer than cashmere with the luster of silk. Suri fiber is coveted by the fashion industry and cherished by the hand spinner and is found in luxurious garments, commanding top prices in the finest houses of fashion around the world. Suri fiber, with its unique luster is currently not available in large quantities on the world market. North American Suri breeders are well positioned to produce increased quantities of high quality Suri fiber and gain a dominant role in the world Suri market.
Long, luxurious locks
SURI BREED STANDARD The U.S.D.A. recognizes alpacas as ‘domestic livestock’ and Suri breeders are developing a traditional livestock industry model for the raising and marketing of Suri alpacas. The Suri Alpaca Breed Standard clearly identifies the attributes of the ideal Suri alpaca and guides Suri breeders in establishing common breeding goals. The Suri Breed Standard was developed by members of the Suri Network in 2006 and updated in 2016. It offers new breeders a valuable tool to assist in evaluating and selecting quality Suri breeding stock. The breed standard will guide the improvement of the national Suri herd. The Suri Breed Standard can be viewed here. SURI BREED STANDARD
SURI HERD IMPROVEMENT PLAN, (SHIP) The Suri Herd Improvement Plan, SHIP, developed by the Suri Network, involves the hands-on classification of conformation and fleece traits of individual Suri alpacas. Classification is conducted in person, at individual farms, by a trained classifier. The resulting scores give the breeder invaluable information to evaluate each individual animal in their herd to assist them in making improved breeding decisions.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT The Suri Network is actively focused on the commercialization of North American Suri fiber to meet global demands. The Suri Network’s Product Development Committee is introducing Suri fiber to an expanded audience while working to assist Suri breeders with the tools to assure the proper shearing and handling of fleece to maintain quality.
TAX ADVANTAGE Raising Suris offers excellent tax advantages while growing your investment. Many Suri breeders realize substantial tax benefits well before selling their first Suri. See your CPA for complete information.
THE SURI NETWORK Suri breeders have formed a strong breed association, The Suri Network, where Suri breeders are working together to further the Suri industry. There are initiatives in marketing, research, education and fiber product development. The Suri Network publishes a very informative magazine, Purely Suri, that includes articles on a wide variety of subjects focused to assist Suri breeders. An annual Summer Symposium is held each August along with an all Suri fleece show. The Suri Network’s Summer Symposium is the premier alpaca educational event each year. Learn more at SuriNetwork.org.