Freer trade between nations is the major factor driving today’s markets and most in positions of authority say it is the way of the future.
But where some see opportunity, others see ruin.
For llama breeders in Canada, an eight-year ban on imports from the United States was lifted in March. Those who built their businesses in a closed system see the prospect of American imports as a threat. For others it’s a chance to expand their markets.
“Some breeders feel strongly enough about this issue to come to blows over it,” said Chuck Jean, of Beaverdale, B.C., attending the recent Canadian Llama and Alpaca Association annual conference in Saskatoon.
Read Also
Europe holds promise for Canadian lentils
Pulse Canada is trying to help boost lentil consumption in Europe, which is already the fourth largest market.
“We have such a small population of animals in Canada (1,100) the prospect of gaining access to 100,000 animals and new blood lines south of the border is both a great opportunity for breeders and a necessity if the industry is going to grow and keep up internationally,” said Vern Lillies, past president of the association, and Langley, B.C. llama breeder.
Those opposed to relaxing border restrictions would not openly criticize their fellow breeders or speak on record about the issue. But concerns that the value of their herds and breeding stock might be lessened when American animals are allowed to cross the border, are paramount.
“Livestock of any type develops and changes over the years. Canadian herds are based on blood lines that for the most part are more than 10 years old. The rest of the world has developed a more modern animal and although the Canadian breeders have worked hard to keep up, they have not had the genetic tools to work with,” said American llama breeder Andy Tillman, of Bend, Oregon, a conference speaker.
“The border closure for heath reasons was bogus to begin with, but a nine month quarantine period is still hardly an open situation,” said Tillman.
Kristin Burrmann, of Pincher Creek, Alta., said she’s looking forward to improving her herd with American imports.
“A nine month quarantine and importation process means only the best animals will make it into Canada and will ensure high prices for quality breeding stock.”
Importing llamas is expensive and risky, say producers. Imports from South America are only cost effective when several hundred animals are shipped at once.
Llamas from the U.S. are more accessible and high quality herds are more common. American animals brought into Canada follow a process that requires the entire herd from which an animal is selected to be tested for tuberculosis, brucellosis and several other diseases.
Once herd testing is completed, a series of quarantines and inspections takes place both in the U.S. and in Canada stretching into nine months and costing thousands of dollars. Any problem with the animal and the investment of time and money is lost.
“We lost an male in quarantine on the U.S. East Coast this spring two weeks before we were to get it into Canada … it cost $35,000 to $40,000,” said Vern Lillies.
