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USDA officially designates alpacas as farm livestock, says one farmKansas In July, 2008, the federal government officially designated the alpaca as farm livestock. Six years ago when Smokey Valley Alpacas, Lindsborg, Kan., was interviewed by area newspapers and journals about raising alpacas as production farm animals and for fleece, the animal was relatively unknown in central Kansas. One of the concerns that many alpaca ranchers had, according to Jodie Stickney, owner, was that here was another exotic species like the emu or ostrich, having no agricultural end product value. "When we brought our operation to central Kansas, few people knew what an alpaca was," says Jodie, "There were no provisions for the animals. With the help of Mid-Kansas Co-op in Lindsborg, we were able to get feed coming on a regular basis for the alpacas. It was not always easy to get it here and keep it stocked but Gary and Craig stayed with it and now many MKC offices carry alpaca feed. It is not difficult to care for alpacas but, because they are not native to this country, they do need special nutrients not naturally found in standard cattle or sheep feed." Alpacas came to this country from South America as imported livestock about 25 years ago. In 1998, after assuring there were enough animals to constitute continuing bloodlines, importation of alpacas to this country was closed. No additional alpacas could be imported into America, and therefore, offered breeders the opportunity to create an American Standard for the species. Today, American alpacas are desired all over the world for their robust constitution, size and spectacular fleece. And, while, they cannot be imported to this country they can be exported. The fleece is a valuable export and the breeder's association is currently setting up export to Mexico. Alpacas are found native to only one place in the entire world and that is the Andes Mountains of South America. Raised in harsh and rugged conditions they are usually small-boned and their fleece is thin and fine, though, still silky and rare. American alpaca ranchers have spent over twenty years breeding hardiness, strength, bone structure and increased fleece production into the American alpaca. The 2008 farm bill gives authenticity and credibility to the alpaca as a viable, livestock product of the United States. It defines "livestock" and the accompanying explanatory language specifically mentions alpacas. Because of the newly acquired federal designation, alpaca breeders will now have access to the large numbers of programs offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other farm-specific programs. They include grants, loans, disaster assistance, assistance in marketing of end products and technical assistance grants. Low interest loans and grants are available for business expansion, construction of new facilities and fiber processing businesses, techniques and products. Low interest loans and grants are also available for non-traditional alpaca breeders including ethnic minority and women ranchers. In addition to grants, loans and other programs, a federal designation helps breeders who have struggled with zoning, taxes or other state and local government issues. Being classified as livestock at the federal level provides ammunition against communities wanting to name and classify alpacas as "exotic breeds" that can lead to zoning or regulatory issues. It can also assist some states and communities deal with the sales and use tax issues. This designation gives alpaca breeders the opportunity to join forces with other agricultural producers in making our voices heard on Capitol Hill. This opens up many opportunities to move forward with the long-term goals of establishing fiber collection and processing mills in America to process fiber and products for Global industries. If you would like to consider raising alpacas or would like more information about this article, contact Jodie at Smokey Valley Alpacas, P.O. Box 307, Lindsborg, KS 67456, 620-245-1671, e-mail smv@ks-usa.net or visit www.smvalpacas.com. 9/8/08 Date: 9/3/08
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