Shearing season is upon us! And that, of course means that clip collection is just around the corner as well.

We have negotiated with our receiving and sorting facility to open clip collection for a full 10 months. This is in response to member feedback at the 2006 Annual Membership Meeting in Reno, Nevada. Many of those present had requested a year round collection of fiber. Logistics, and the needs of our contractor, do not allow for a year round collection, but we hope that this new 10 month window will better meet the needs of the membership.

Collection dates for 2007 clip are May 1, 2007 to February 29, 2008.

I will be updating the member website (www.afcna.com) over the next few days with 2007 forms and shipping instructions, and I will send out another email to let everyone know when that is done.

New! Custom Label Sock Program

Last fall we quietly experimented with custom labeling our popular Extreme Alpaca ™ socks. This proved successful, and we are now ready to offer this on a broader scale. This program allows you to offer customers a product that reflects your unique image while supporting our Cooperative and the North American alpaca industry.

Details to take advantage of this program are:

• Minimum Order - one gross (144 pair) of adult sized socks. Mixed size orders are acceptable (e.g. 50 pr. each of 9-11, 10-13 and 13-15, or any combination)
• 50% paid at time that order is placed
• Member to provide photo or logo for placement on label
• Orders to be received no later than July 1, 2007

There will be a $1.00 per pair premium charged to cover the costs of creating and printing the label. Please expect a four to six week lead time for delivery of the order.

If you are interested in this program, please contact Mendy.

Speaking of socks... I had opportunity last week to examine (and wear) prototypes of our new calf length sock, and our juvenile socks. I am impressed!! We are working out a few last minute details, such as labeling for the juvenile socks, but you can expect these to be offered soon. (Mendy may have limited supplies for display and sale at the Mapaca and Great Western Shows).

The calf length sock is a great boot sock, stretching to just below the knee. Snug, but not constricting, I wore a pair for a full day and they never sagged to my ankles. Another pair was worn by a concrete worker in loose fitting rubber boots, and he raved about their warmth, wicking...and the fact that they stayed up! Calf length socks will be included in the custom labeling program.

The Juvenile sock is perfect for kids. Small enough that only one half of our double alpaca logo will fit on the sole, these are just waiting for a doting grandparent to buy for their favorite grandchild(ren). These will require a different labeling solution due to their smaller size (a hang tag) and so will not be included in the custom labeling program.

The calf length sock will be offered for $12 wholesale member price. The Juvenile sock will be offered for $8.50 member wholesale price.

There are a lot of different things coming together over the next few days and weeks, so expect several more messages from me in short order. Until then, best regards.

John Merrell, President
Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America, Inc.