A visit to U.S. Natural Fibers in Springfield, Kentucky

Since I want to continue learning about alpacas and the exceptional fiber they produce, I felt it would be of benefit to me and the fiber that my animals produce, to attend one of the sorting seminars that was being offered in September at U.S. Natural Fibers in Springfield, Kentucky. Most of the seminars have been too far away for me, but this was just a three hour drive from Tanglewood, so I decided to go for it. What I did not know is how much I would learn, both from the very helpful teachers of the course, as well as from the interaction with other alpaca farmers who came from all over the country. It was one of the most worthwhile seminars I have attended and ranks with the other two in importance to any alpaca farmer: one a fecal seminar with Drs. Ruthanne and Ed McCaslin, and the other a neo-natal clinic that I attended two weeks before my first cria was born in 2004. If you have the chance to attend one of these sorting seminars, go for it, you won't regret the time or money you spent. A highlight of the seminar was getting to see first hand how their new dehairing machine works. It is an impressive piece of machinery and only one of three in the world. A visit to their brand new store in the town, was a treat as well, and I came back with a bunch of their comfy alpaca socks. It was an inspiring week-end, to say the least.