The alpaca is renown for its exceptional fleece and is considered by the fashion world to be one of the most exclusive. The fleece is prized for its softness (comparable to mohair), fineness (it is a no itch fiber), and strength. 

Considered to be a relatively rare specialty fiber, alpaca fleece production is limited in the US and Canada to date because of the comparably small numbers of animals in North America. Worldwide production is only about 4,000 tons yearly, which justifies the cost of this special yarn. Compared to approximately 5,000 tons of Cashmere, 8,500 tons of Angora rabbit, 22,000 tons of Mohair, and 83 million tons of sheep's wool, the amount of alpaca fiber produced worldwide is a fraction of total wool production. 

Quality, versatility, and rarity are some of the factors about alpaca that have kept demand strong. Nearly all of South American alpaca fiber is exported to Europe and Japan for use in the high fashion industry.

The Alpaca Fiber Coop of North America was formed in 1998, and offers members an exciting and rapidly growing market for their raw fleece.  It also serves members as an excellent source for high quality value added products at retail prices.  Coop receipts last year alone were over a million dollars, and 2004 appears to be on record breaking pace. AFCNA has recently begun producing its own beautiful alpaca sport socks made exclusively from North American members fleece.  Demand has exploded and will help assure more profits are returned to members. 

At Dougherty Creek Farm, we believe alpaca fleece is the foundation of the future market for alpacas. We are dedicated to the continual improvement of our fiber by selective breeding and nutrition.

Interesting Alpaca Fleece Facts: 

• Alpaca contains no lanolin. This means it is hypoallergenic to most people. High-grade alpaca, such as "Baby Alpaca", has a low prickle factor, meaning it does not feel itchy and most people can comfortably wear pure alpaca next to their skin. 
• Alpaca fiber is naturally water resistant. The absorption of environmental humidity is low. 
• The structure of the alpaca fiber makes it behave as an insulator. Alpaca contains microscopic air pockets, which creates lightweight clothing with good insulating values. 
• Softness (hand): Alpaca fiber is silky, soft, supple and smooth to the touch. It is prized for its unique silky feel and luxurious handle. 
• Alpaca fabric has an excellent drape, appearance and touch. 
• Alpaca is the only animal that produces up to 22 natural colors, which can be blended into over 200 natural shades. It is easily dyed any color and always retains its natural luster. 
• Alpaca fiber is resilient and has very good elasticity or memory, making it a favorable choice for blending with other fibers.
• Alpaca fiber is stronger than sheeps wool - "In respect to strength the Huacaya variety stretches a longer distance before reaching the breaking point than the Suri fiber and both the Huacaya and Suri have greater strength than sheep fiber." - "Animal Breeding and Production of American Camelids", by Rigoberto Calle Escobar.