2023/2024 Alpaca Owners Guide

Alpacas Magazine is a way for owners to keep up-to-date with industry trends.

The registry itself is a tremendous asset to the entire alpaca community. Created in 1988, the registry’s scientific methodology and database are some of the most sophisticated and accurate of any livestock industry in the world. The vast majority of alpacas in North America are registered with AOA. The registry protects the existing gene pool and helps ensure each breeder’s investment is protected from cross-breeding with other camelids. It also precludes the registration of an alpaca if its parents were not AOA registered alpacas.  AOA MARKETING PROGRAM AOA also boasts a strong national marketing campaign, with a goal of promoting and increasing public awareness of alpacas, alpaca products, and alpaca fleece. This program is managed by AOA staff with the assistance of volunteers throughout the membership, and is overseen by the Board of Directors.  ALPACAS MAGAZINE Along with a number of educational and marketing materials, AOA also publishes a highly acclaimed magazine. Alpacas Magazine contains the latest information on alpaca health, genetics, husbandry, business tips, and marketing ideas. It is also a valuable resource with how-to articles relating to alpaca fleece, products, fiber artistry, spinning, and knitting. This must read magazine is distributed to subscribers around the globe.

AOA Business Members receive the magazine as part of their membership benefits, but it is also available through paid subscriptions.  AOA COMMITTEES The Fiber and Fiber Products Committee works to build public awareness of alpaca fiber and fiber products by publishing articles and developing projects that promote alpaca fiber and finished products as revenue streams. They also develop, manage, and create awareness for the Student Design Competition; and review and recommend updates for the Spin-Off and Auxiliary Fiber competitions. The Government and Industry Relations Committee is tasked with maintaining contact with other industry organizations, interacting with regulatory agencies in order to comment on proposed laws and regulations, advocating on behalf of the alpaca industry, and maintaining an industry presence in the U.S. Animal Health Association (USAHA). The committee promotes practices and regulations that support the health of our national alpaca herd, and assists members with information when action is needed at the local or state level.

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