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�FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE�

Alpacas Turning Heads at
New Mexico State Fair Livestock Show

(July 1, 2005) Santa Fe, NM�Cows, horses, chickens and rabbits are all common sights and sounds in the arenas of the New Mexico State Fair, but there is a new kid on the block�the alpaca. This unique fiber animal, related to the llama, has been bred for more than 2,000 years and was once reserved for South American�s Incan royalty for its fine and luxurious wool. The alpacas will make their appearance in the Dairy Barn at the State Fair Alpaca Show on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25.

Since alpacas were first imported to the US in the 1980's, the North America alpaca population has grown to more than 55,000 registered animals with nearly 700 alpacas in New Mexico. The temperate winters, dry heat summers and high altitudes of our southwest state are very similar to their indigenous high Andes climate making New Mexico ideal for alpaca ranching. It is natural that the State Fair hosts an alpaca show, now for the third year.

Breeding and raising alpacas is the fastest growing livestock business in America and the show circuit is a key way breeders measure their animals. Show Superintendant Bob Wargowsky of Stanley and Judge Jane Tellier of Alberta, Canada will reside over the halter and performance shows this year where alpacas will be evaluated 50% on the quality of their fleece and 50% on the soundness of their physical conformation. Breeders bring their livestock from all corners of New Mexico and surrounding states for the State Fair Show.

Amanda Evans is president of the New Mexico Alpaca Breeders, the volunteer organization of alpaca ranchers and enthusiasts. �Alpaca fleece is warmer than wool and, due to the scarceness of the breed, worth more to ranchers.� said Evans. �The fleece is so valuable and the alpaca is so efficient that they might be the only livestock in which it's not economical to kill the males. Many sheep-producing countries are actually considering switching to alpacas because they are more friendly to the environment than sheep.�

Alpaca ranches come in all shapes and sizes from the 200-animal ranch to the weaver with two alpacas in the backyard. Alpacas are relatively low maintenance livestock requiring only a simple three-sided shelter and proper fencing to keep predators out. They are ruminants, like a cow or deer, which means they chew their cud and are very efficient at that. One acre of pasture grass can comfortably feed around 10-12 alpacas. Where no pasture is available, an adult alpaca can thrive on two pounds per day of low protein hay, such as orchard grass, along with some mineral supplements. The alpaca diet costs about as much to feed the family dog.

The� alpaca averages around 3 feet tall at the withers and weighs around 150 pounds with a life span of 20-25� years. The alpaca comes in two breeds: the long-locked fleeced suri and the crimpy-fleeced huacaya alpaca. The main difference between the two breeds is their fleece. Both the suri and huacaya fiber is valuable for all types of fine textiles.

NMAB was established in 2002 with the purpose of promoting and marketing New Mexico alpaca breeders throughout the state. The group serves our members through networking, sharing resources and assisting each other as appropriate. The group holds meetings, educational seminars and shows each year. Ownership of alpacas is not a requirement to join the group. Visit www.newmexicoalpacabreeders.org for more information. The alpaca industry is governed by the Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association (www.alpacainfo.com) and the Alpaca Registry, Inc. (www.alpacaregistry.net).�������������������������������

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