They are able to grow about 5-8 pounds of fiber, lanolin free, during the year between shearings. Breeding stock as well as pet quality fiber producers, yield fleeces of comparable quality. Hand spinners appreciate the ideal 3.5 inches for the best spinning results. Alpaca female with crias after shearing. Shearing serves many purposes besides providing us with a beautiful fleece each year.
Shearing makes breeding easier and safer for the male as well as the female.
Just imagine, however, wearing a five pound alpaca coat in mid-summer. We usually shear our alpacas in June, so that they can begin growing their winter coat as soon as possible, and so that they can be cool for the sweltering months ahead. We usually wait until after our judging competition, as alpacas are judged on their fiber as well as conformation and handling. Our trusty shearer is Mark Loffhagen. Mark is a native of New Zealand.