Camelids at Clay Meadow – shearing 2017

We have been delighted with our Alpaca fleece part of the business from 2008 to date but nothing gives greater pleasure to those of us in it for the “long haul” than knowing each year your stock has improved and is on track for super fibre and super cria long term – especially when those Show Experts look at them.

This years shearing was no exception…

All over “Density” in the fleece is one trait to look for, along with uniformity across “type” and conformation:

likewise those non ground poaching pads must have clear pads and even toes… with good fleece coverage at the joints to protect against the elements…

Flat pads, even toenails…    a particular Camelid trait

The length of the fleece is called the “staple” and should be long and strong all over the body – seen more noticeably when shearing… along with the “fineness” of the fleece itself…

and then you move to something called “crimp” which should be clearly seen along the length of the “Staple” and preferably the staples should be defined clearly…

and finally and then look for the “lustre” at the body end of the “staple” which is the “shine”

Really pleased with our Alpaca herd at Kensmyth – that’s for sure!