Commercial llama breeders have turned a potential disaster into a business opportunity.
When Canadian producers were caught up in the BSE whirlwind in 2003 and banned from exporting their animals, they used the crisis to help them develop the commercial side of the business.
“BSE affected the breeding stock industry but it opened up the market for those who are breeding for a purpose,” said Corry Mortensen, president of Llama Canada, formed last year to improve the commercial side of the business. Opportunities include the natural fibre market and selling guard animals for livestock, pets and pack animals for hikers and trail riders.
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The Canadian Llama and Alpaca Association handles the purebred registry and promotes breed improvement.
Mortensen and her husband Jerry farm near Brooks, Alta., where they raise 95 llamas primarily for fleece production. She is also a veterinarian who works with llamas, a field in which few have specialized.
Producer Lorraine Guyn of Calgary said pursuing the fibre market is the way to go.
“People are breeding for good fleece,” said Guyn, who owns 28 llamas and boards others.
People are learning to shear their animals and sort wool, she added.
Sixteen Canadian processors work with llamas, alpacas, bison and other fine wools. These fibres require skill to handle because the staples can be long, especially those derived from suri llamas and alpacas with their long tendrils that can resemble dreadlocks.
It remains a cottage market in which home knitters and spinners design and make their own natural fibre garments and accessories.
Producers have learned buyers can be fickle. Customers may want blends with bright coloured acrylics this year or all natural fibre blends.
On Sept. 27-30 a national fibre workshop and Llama Canada conference is scheduled in Moose Jaw, Sask.
