THE SURI NETWORK |
The
Suri Network exists to assist its members to protect, preserve, and
promote the Suri alpaca. A group of Suri owners established the Suri
Network in 1997, a few years Since its beginnings, the Suri Network has organized numerous educational events, published the PurelySuri Magazine, held multiple fleece shows, facilitated research, educated consumers about the unique qualities of Suri fleece, promoted the use of Suri alpaca in different products, developed a Suri breed standard, and served as a conduit between its members and the Alpaca Owners Association. Below we offer a brief description and links to the various programs the Suri Network organizes. We are immensely proud that our membership has always been at the forefront of the alpaca industry promoting both the Suri alpaca and the use of its wondrous fleece. Not only do we hope that you will join the Suri Network, but we also hope that you will share your individual talents by getting involved in our great industry by volunteering with us. EVENTS PURELYSURI MAGAZINE |
after the
is
published once a year and contains a variety of topics related to Suri
alpacas. Provided on the linked page is access to past issues of the
magazine. Our editor is always seeking articles, topics of interest, photos and, of course advertisers. Please contact Cindy at the Suri Network Office if you have something to submit. SHIP
SHIP
stands for the Suri Herd Improvement Program. Focusing on protecting, preserving, and 
promoting the Suri alpaca, the SHIP program is an outstanding way for our members to accomplish
that. By collecting data from the evaluation of an alpaca's conformation
and fleece, an owner is better able to discern that alpaca's strengths
and weaknesses and how to improve them in the next generation. When the data is processed using
special computer programs, animals can be ranked relative to
all other Suri alpacas currently in the system. The resultant data are
called EPDs which stands for Expected Progeny Differences and by using
the data, a breeder is given a better idea of what the genetic makeup of
their alpaca is. To learn more about SHIP, CLICK HERE
SURI SIMPLY STUNNING: A few years ago, the Suri Network Board of Trustees embarked on a new program
to
create recognition of Suri as a natural fiber with specific
characteristics of softness, luster, warmth, and adaptability in a wide
variety of products. Branding will be beneficial for marketing breeding
programs, the fiber produced, and to make high quality Suri products. This program became known as the Suri Simply Stunning
branding initiative. Those who want to use this brand must receive
permission from the Suri Network to do so. If you are interested in participating, please READ MORE
YOUTH
Kids
and alpacas are a natural fit. Several years ago the Suri Network
developed some documents for Suri alpaca youth groups that can be found on
our Youth page. They may be a little dated, but there is good
information there. Additionally, the Suri Network has rented booth space
at the National FFA convention where information about alpacas, their
fleece, and the ease with which they can be managed is given to these
Future Farmers of America and their adult leaders. Visit our Youth Page
for more information.