Greetings from Suri Network Board
Welcome to 2023! As we start the new year it is a good time to look at the past year and begin to focus on what is to be accomplished this year. Here are a few suggestions to ponder:
Review your business plan – Have the goals changed?
Educational plans – What do I need to learn more about?
Marketing plans - What shows to attend? What kind of advertising to market the farm?
Breeding plans – Which females to breed? What sires to use?
Schedule SHIP – What can I learn about my animals and their fiber?
Suri Network can’t help you with all the details, but we wanted to share some upcoming news that might provide useful information.
What’s Happening at Suri Network:
Winter Symposium – Now is the time to sign up for sponsorships and attending.
Do not delay!
We are excited to have our first in person symposium in over 3 years. This will be an exciting time to network with other breeders. Plan on attending and bringing a friend or potential customer. This educational event is for any alpaca breeder or future breeder so share the news and join us for some education and fun. This will be held at the same venue as the Amber Autumn Auction which includes Suris this year.
We have added a new Sponsorship Level – Platinum - $2500
Two Symposium registrations, Farm Membership, tote bag for all attendees with Farm name (SN logo will also be on the bag) ,one full page ad in PurelySuri magazine, one promotional item on tables both days, recognition during the Symposium and on the Suri Network website with clickable link, your banner or pop up displayed in the main conference room.
The Winter Symposium Presented by Suri Network
This day and a half conference is themed: “Enriching Your Breeding Program” with expert speakers focusing on how you can improve your Suri herd for maximum gain.
When: February 23-24 (noon), 2023
Where: Vee Quiva Hotel & Casino in sunny Phoenix, Arizona.
Our speakers include:
Register here for the conference:
Suri Network - 2023 Suri Symposium
On-line Auction
Thank you for your support in the auction thru purchasing products and sponsorships! We were able to raise more than $7000. This helps fund Suri Network’s ongoing educational and marketing efforts.
PurelySuri
This is Suri Network’s 25th Anniversary and we are celebrating the history of the Suri breed in America and memories through the years. We have included articles on Electron Microscopy, Color Genetics, General husbandry tips and cria care, Natural Dyeing and Farm and Ranch Insurance. We are excited and the publication is in the final stages and should be at your door in late January/early February.
Fiber Committee
Suri Network is embracing social media to promote Suri fiber! The fiber committee has been busy with its first Suri Network YouTube video production introduced in 4th Quarter 2022 and they are currently working on 2 more. The greatest success for these videos to be seen across social media relies on a three-pronged approach. To learn more about this approach please read the article in PurelySuri and attend the Winter Symposium.
Suri Simply Stunning Brand
The Suri Network Board and the Suri Network Branding Committee are thrilled to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has approved our Suri Simply Stunning mark!
What does this mean? It differentiates the Suri Network by achieving a transformational step to protect, preserve, and promote Suri alpacas and Suri fiber. This mark ties together and elevates all the other things that the Suri Network and its members do. Programs by Suri Network (S.H.I.P., fiber harvesting, breed standard, continuing education, marketing tools) are harmonized in common purpose for the benefit of every member whether you show animals, produce product or another aspect of Suris and members we have not yet met.
This has taken a tremendous effort by volunteers (especially Deb Christner, Ted Ritschard, and Liz Vahlkamp) over a sustained period to accomplish this achievement. We want to thank them for all their effort.
The Suri Network is moving forward to leave a mark for its members. We have reached a significant milestone in enhancing the brand and market for Suri alpacas and their fiber. To learn more about the Suri Simply Stunning Brand ready the article in PurelySuri - “That’ll Leave a Mark!” and attend the Winter Symposium for updated information. If you haven’t yet applied to be a licensee, now is a great time to do so!
Sustainability – Did You Know
Today, approximately 60% of all clothes include polyester, acrylic, nylon and/or other synthetic fibers. All of these are derived from plastic, which is derived from oil by-products. These fibers do not hold up well and during the standard washing process, the fibers are shed and end up in our oceans and other water systems. On the other hand, protein fibers, such as alpaca, are a counter to these plastic textile materials. They can last for years, if not decades, in garment form, the washing process is more favorable to the environment, and both of these factors contribute to clothing items staying out of the landfills and in our closets!
As we continue to plan for 2023 watch for more information on marketing, membership and additional educational trips or events.
The SN Board