Re: [AlpacaTalk] Less expensive way to process fiber!
I have to admit that I love Chris and Shelly from NEAFP. They're wonderful people and have developed a fiber system that many people love.
I do want to point out a couple of ways in which AFCNA differs from NEAFP however. Like NEAFP, we collect fiber at many locations to try to save our members the cost of shipping. We pool that fiber and make products here on the USA. Contributors receive (if they wish) sort/grade reports on the fleeces they contribute, which is valuable to those of us who can't afford to have fiber samples tested. The emailed contribution forms containing the sort/grade reports also serve as confirmation of receipt of the fiber.
The two major differences between AFCNA and NEAFP from a contributors standpoint is that AFCNA is a member-owned cooperative which means that members share in the annual profit through a dividend check paid out approximately 18 months after the contribution (it takes a year for the contribution to go through the processing steps and be sold, generating the profit that is distributed). Dividends, then, are a direct payment for your fiber, which means farm income whether you buy product or not. Then members may buy product at member discount (50% of retail) which they can then use or resell at retail for a profit. Last year, members bought and resold approximately $1.6M in products. That's a hefty addition to a farms income stream.
The difference is that NEAFP only sells products in select packaged amounts whereas AFCNA will sell a member whatever quantity they want, so if you only need 1 pair of socks, that's all you buy.
Perhaps that will give you another option to consider.
Judith Korff
LadySong Farm
Randolph, NY
(716) 499-0383
Sent from my iPhone
YES! New England Alpaca Fiber Pool!
Check out their website. Last year, we had shearing day on April 26 and on April 28th, took ALL of ours to NEAFP who was picking it up at a show in Harrisburg, PA! They also picked up at the VAOBA show in Richmond, VA this past December.A brief summary. They take 1st, 2nd and 3rds. You set up a "fiber bank" and they give you credit for the pounds you send. They POOL the fiber and have products made right here in good old U. S. of A.You can order their products at a lower than wholesale if you have fiber in your bank to cover it. They make gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, trivets, carpets, etc etc. The 3rds are used for totes and hampers and boot inserts. (which I have in my Muck boots because my feet freeze on those things and not they don't!)This is a very viable way to use your fiber. The prices are not bad at all........I think the cost, incl shipping on nice gloves came in around $10.25 and you can easily sell for higher.
They also sell yarn! Their yarn is much cheaper than having a mini mill do it, although I admit, I don't think it was as nice. It was nice, though.They make a machine washable survival sock that is wonderful and gets softer every time it they are washed!Anyway, I suggest you check out their website and peruse their products. They will also communicate what shows they are going to and you can save shipping by dropping off fiber to them ........they will also bring orders if you give them enough notice.I have been very satisfied with their work ethic, their customer service........everything! I also think their products have improved every year. Softer fiber.......and to have a place to send 3rds is absolutely delightful.Now, this year, I admit we took last year's 3rds and stuffed it inside burlap bags and made dog beds for our outside kennel dogs. It keeps them cozy and makes me feel good doing it!
LauraPS.........I am not affiliated with NEAFP in any way........I just appreciate them!-
On Sun, Jan 13, 2013 at 8:25 AM, heather braun <hiddenoaksfarm06@yahoo.com> wrote:
your not alone,I wish it wan't so expense getting the fiber made into yarn and products Im sitting on alot of fiber but its been tough with my husband in and out of a job do you have any ideas on how to get the fiber in to products,????????who do you use.???????any idea
--- On Thu, 1/10/13, Jody Ehler <Jody_Ehler@hotmail.com> wrote:
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posted by Chaddo at 9:37 AM
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