Alpaca News & Notices

Art of Fibre are pleased to announce further dates for our weekend Alpaca Fibre Testing Clinics in the UK.

Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th June 2023 – Fibre testing weekend and Skirting Workshop at CS Alpacas
Art of Fibre are pleased to be running a fibre testing weekend and drop-in clinic at CS Alpacas, Yeat Wood Farm, Wooton Underwood, Bucks HP18 0RL.
We invite breeders to bring their samples over the weekend for testing, enjoy a coffee and a chat.  Drop in available Saturday 10^th June 11am – 5pm, Sunday 10^th June 10am – 2pm.

If you are unable to attend but would like your fleeces tested then you can send samples to our UK address ahead of time and they will be tested over this weekend. The UK address to send samples to is PO Box 9726, Dorchester, DT1 9JS. Samples must arrive before Friday 9^th June.

Whether you are bringing your samples in person, or posting them before hand, we ask that you order your testing online on the website www.artoffibre.com
Please make a note in the comments section whether you plan to post your samples before hand or bring them in person.

Sunday 25^th June 2023 – Herd improvement day and fibre testing clinic at Capital Alpacas
Art of Fibre are pleased to be joining Kim and Stuart Murray for a herd improvement day and fibre testing clinic at Capital Alpaca, Little Pethills Farm, Hollin Lane, Sutton, Macclesfield, SK11 0NJ.
We will have presentations from Paul Vallely from Art of Fibre on understanding fibre test data and how to use it for genetic improvement. Kim Murray will offer insight into colour genetics and the advantages of using Futuregen alpaca fleece colour testing to increase colour predictability in your breeding program. Additionally, Caroline Barugh will be launching Skin Imprint, the innovative density test that is a legal, ethical, and cost-effective alternative to skin biopsies. Her presentation will include a live demonstration of the testing procedure and how to interpret test results.

The day promises to be an excellent opportunity to get your samples tested and further your knowledge on a variety of subjects whilst catching up with fellow breeders.  If you would like to book a place on our seminar day then please email Kim at kim@capitalalpaca.com. The cost is £15 pp, payable on the day. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

If you are unable to attend the day but would still like your samples tested, we welcome postal samples that can be sent to the UK address, PO Box 9726, Dorchester, DT1 9JS and will be tested over the weekend.

Whether sending samples by post or bringing them to the clinic, we ask that all testing is ordered on our website www.artoffibre.com

Saturday 1st July 2023 – Fibre workshop and fibre testing clinic with South East Alpaca Group at Pinnacle Alpacas, Surrey, RH5 5QT
We will be holding a Fibre Clinic in conjunction with South East England Alpaca Group by kind invitation of Hilary and Tony Monkcom of Pinnacle Alpacas, who have now taken over the running of the group.  The day will run from 9:30am to 4:30pm and there will be a presentation by Paul Vallely covering:

• Understanding Fibre Test Reports
• Relating Fibre Test Data to actual fleece and using the information for your breeding programme.
• Skirting fleece with practical demonstrations to improve the commercial value.

Additionally, your fibre samples can be bought for testing on the day and there will be a chance to discuss your results with Paul if you wish.  If you have already had your samples tested by Art of Fibre, please bring a copy of your reports and you can have these analysed by Paul free of charge.

This will be a fantastic opportunity to meet other breeders and to understand more fully why and how to test your fleeces and use the information in your breeding decisions.

We will also show you how to noodle fleeces, ready for fleece shows and/or processing!

To book your place, please contact: tonyandhilary@pinnaclealpacas.com or call Hilary on: 07957 689 002

There will be a small charge of £15/person to cover refreshments and lunch.

If you are unable to attend but would like to have your samples tested over this weekend then you can post your samples to our UK address.
Whether bringing your samples to the event, or posting them before hand, we ask that all testing is booked on our website www.artoffibre.com

Saturday 8th^th and Sunday 9^th July 2023 – Drop in clinicand Educational event with Alpaca Evolution

We will be joining with our hosts, Alpaca Evolution, Fair Winter Farm, Milton Keynes, MK17 0RB, to offer a fibre testing weekend and educational event for alpaca breeders.  You will be able to post your samples before-hand for testing over this weekend, or book a place on our Educational day and bring your samples with you. More details will be published soon!

Friday 18^th, Saturday 19^th and Sunday 20^th August – Postal Only Clinic
We will be at the East of England Fleece show organised by the EAG to perform onsite testing for the show and will be accepting postal only orders to be sent to our UK address before-hand and tested over these dates.
Testing can be ordered on our website www.artoffibre.com and sent to PO Box 9726, Dorchester, DT1 9JS

If you are in a rush for your results, then you also have the option of sending your samples to our lab in Ireland. AoF have not encountered any issues with sending fibre, although we ask you state the contents have ‘no commercial value’. AoF will pay for the customs charge. Results can be expected one week after sending. To book testing and address details, visit www.artoffibre.com.

If you have any questions then please email tara@artoffibre.com