| Sandollar Alpacas
The Quality You Seek; The Knowledge You Need!
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E-Connections Newsletter
Spring, 2010 |
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PNAA Alpaca Showcase
April 24-25, 2010
TRAC, Pasco, WA
Sandollar Alpacas invites you to attend the NORTHWEST ALPACA SHOWCASE, this Saturday and  Sunday, April 24-25, 2010 in Pasco, WA out at the TRAC. Over 150 breeders and 500 alpacas are registered to compete for highly coveted ribbons and banners in the show ring! The show is open from 8am to 5pm on Saturday and from 8am to 2pm on Sunday. Within the industry, this is known as a Level IV show, one of the top shows in the US.
This fun, family event is open to the public and admission is free. See the gorgeous alpacas in a rainbow of colors from all over the Pacific Northwest; talk with local breeders, shop our onsite retail store, or just come out and have a fun day. For a complete schedule go to www.nwalpacashowcase.com and click on "Visitor Information."
Sandollar Alpacas is pleased to be a Showcase Sponsor again this year. A breeding to our Accoyo America Cochise is included in the annual Herdsire Silent Auction; proceeds to benefit WSU. If you are a serious suri breeder, please consider bidding on this worthy alpaca for this worthy cause.
Our retail store stall will be located at Stall #17 in the northeast corner of the Arena at the end of the longest row of stalls facing the showring, and our alpacas will be housed directly behind in stalls 94-96. Please be sure to stop by and take a look at the new yarns, roving, felts and WARMTH socks; and don't forget to enter our drawing for a free teddy bear!
And if you are able to volunteer to work at the event, give us a call; there's always lots to do! Collins is the facility manager, and can use your help beginning Wednesday and running all through the event. Talk about a great way to get to learn about alpacas!
See you there!
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CAMELIDYNAMICS CLINIC
May 22-23, 2010 - Hosted by Sandollar Alpacas
You know YOU have been wanting to attend one of Marty McGee Bennett's clinics to learn how to handle your  camelids. What you didn't know is that your alpacas have been wanting you to attend as well! Did you know you Marty's methods have now been taught all over the world? That she has even taught on cruise ships? Did you know that you can even re-train alpacas that have been poorly handled or have never been handled? Well guess what! There is still time to register!
Nikki and Collins can attest to the fact that they had purchased a number of alpacas that they considered "uncharming" at best and felt angst at the thought of handling. But after only a few weeks of handling with Marty's methods, they are now handling those same alpacas with joy.
If you have one or more "uncharming" alpacas, bring him or her (or them) to the clinic for a first hand demonstration of "Marty's Magic" at the clinic.
Download a registration packet from www.SandollarAlpacas.com website's "Camelidynamics" page; or call 877-ALPACA4U. Or drop by our booth and register or pick up a packet at the PNAA Alpaca Showcase! Looking forward to seeing you in May!
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SHEARING WEEKEND
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Do your alpacas need to be shorn before the hot weather sets in? Shearing weekend at Sandollar Alpacas is coming right up two weeks after the Alpaca Showcase.  Email or give us a call to reserve your space. Last year we had over a dozen "alpaca guests", and sheared over 60 alpacas; and between last year's sales and cria crop, we are expecting even more alpacas to be shorn this year. Our shearer is an experienced professional who shears alpacas while they are standing (less stressful than laying them down); this will be his 3rd appearance at Sandollar Alpacas. He will also be shearing at other ranches in the Tri-CIties that same weekend.
This year's prices are the same as last years prices as follows:
$40.00 - Alpacas
$45.00 - Llamas
$ 5.00 - Pedicures
$ 5.00 - Worming & Annual CD&T Vaccinations
$10.00 - Show Blanket for all those fleece show entries!
$20.00 - Transport for those without a livestock trailer who live locally (per round trip)
Your fleece will be returned to you in clear plastic bags identified by alpaca, sorted into first, seconds and thirds. Your reservation includes a continental breakfast and a lite lunch; and we can always use an extra pair of hands! Whether you collect fleece, weigh it, sort it, identify it, sweep it up, or just watch it happen, it is really amazing to see all that glorious fleece coming off our alpacas. Be sure to make your reservation early.
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| Save 10% |
Planning to attend the PNAA Alpaca Showcase this weekend? Bring this coupon for 10% off your entire bill!
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| Offer Expires: April 25, 2010 |
Nikki's Notes
The month of February started out somewhat tame;  then I went to the Snowmass Alpacas auction in Phoenix, Arizona. I was there for the sale of the highest selling alpaca ever. It was the most exciting auction event I have ever attended; Snowmass Matrix sold for $675,000! Can you believe it? What does that tell you about the stability of our industry?
Then the first cria of the 2010 season for Sandollar Alpacas made its appearance on March 15th ... 30 days early! We weren't even on "high cria watch" yet; Collins just happened to be picking up the pastures and found him.
The baby weighed 14# which was in (although at the low end of) the normal range. Mom was a maiden and had plenty of milk but the cria was weak and couldn't stand to nurse effectively that first couple of days. So what to do??
The vet said the really mild winter and early spring were probably the culprits for the early birth, but in any event, we needed to milk mom out and get some of her milk and colostrum into the baby.  I had never done that before and so I got on the internet and found out how to make my very own "breast pump". It's absolutely amazing what you can find on the internet, ins't it?
I took a 60cc syringe and cut off the "syringe" end. Next I removed the plunger and turned it around so it was coming into the barrel from the other end. The "flanged end" became the "top" of the breast pump. I pushed the plunger in to within 1-1/2" of the flanged end and then put vaseline around the rim of the barrel to create a tight seal. This end was then placed on the udder over mom's teat (but not touching).
I began drawing the plunger down and after a couple of tries, voila, the milk came streaming out. Not only did the cria get mom's milk and colostrum, but this kept the dam from becoming too uncomfortable.
You should see that cria pronking around today playing with our rooster! This was our first LCA Quechua offspring, and he has incredible fleece in addition to an endearing personality. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and meet him!
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| Congratulations and Thank you!
Denice and Kerry Strawn
Two Females Added to their Herd!
Denice and Kerry Strawn have acquired two bred females from Sandollar Alpacas to add to their growing herd out in Finley, WA. The Strawns chose HRAZ Bianca, a full Peruvian white huacaya, and Ariel, a full Chilean white huacaya to diversify their bloodlines. "We are excited about the crias that are expected this year," said Denice. The girls will be going to their new home shortly.
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| Collins' Corner
Pastures & Irrigation
It is  important to have a well designed irrigation system for maintaining our alpaca pastures. Irrigation is necessary in most areas of the west for proper pasture maintenance.
Grasses are one of the highest users of water in the plant world, and will use approximately 100% of the evaporation rate. In a lot of areas, we can get the evaporation rate from the local weather service. Usually, this is given in a daily or 72-hour rate. A typical evaporation rate might be .25" per day. Here in the Kennewick area on a hot windy day, our evaporation rate could reach as high as .5" per day.
If we know what our evaporation rates are, we can then determine how much water must be applied to the soil to maintain a healthy pasture. If our evaporation rate were .25" and we were rotating our irrigation on a 7-day cycle, in other words, watering it every seven days, and we were figuring 80% efficiency on our irrigation, we would have to apply 2.2" of water per irrigation. The extra 20% of water in this situation would include initial evaporation due to a free water surface and excessive water for leaching salts out of the soil. This figure would be much higher if you use flood irrigation.
Now comes the really hard question: How long should you water? This depends on the design of your sprinkler system which includes spacing, nozzle size, pressure, and can best be determined by an irrigation enghineer. A typical application rate might be .25" to .3" per hour. We would divide this number into the number of inches we needed to apply and this would give us the number of hours our irrigation should run.
There are many other factors we have not talked about here, including type of soil, depth of soil, water holding capacity of soils, soil infiltration rate, etc. All of these things are important in designing a proper irrigation system for your pasture.
Remember, it takes water to grow a happy pasture. And if you have a happy pasture, you will also have happy alpacas. If you have any questions, please call me; I love to "talk irrigation" almost as much as I love to "talk alpaca". Call me toll free at 877-ALPACA4U.
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Desert Fiber Arts Group Holds Class At Sandollar Alpacas!
Several hand spinners attended Cheryl Reed's intermediate spinning class in the Event Center at Sandollar Alpacas on Saturday, April 17, 2010.  A good time was reported by all, and the students especially enjoyed their time during breaks when they enjoyed our newest cria who pronked around for their delight as well as meeting Jackson (see article below).
There is still time to register for the next class to be held at Sandollar Alpacas on May 15, 2010. Call Cheryl at 509-628-0188 or email her at teachspinit@msn.comto register.
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IMMEDIATE HERD REDUCTION SALE
Lost our Lease Next Door
MUST SELL 11 FEMALES NOW!!
5% - $ 4,000 to $ 6,999
10% - $ 7,000 to $ 9,999
15% - $10,000 to $12,999
20% - $13,000 to $15,999
25% - $16,000 or more
"All of our alpacas are what we consider "premium quality" having come from nationally acclaimed farms such as Latah Creek Alpacas (now Chelsea Farms), Snowmass Alpacas, Pacific Crest, Crescent Moon Alpacas and Alpacas of America, to name a few," said Nikki Griffith. "And best of all, all of our alpacas have been handled with the worldwide known CAMELIDYNAMICS™ method of handling, so the buyer is getting a very well behaved alpaca."
Several of their girls are bred and due this spring (five in April alone);  several were held open last year due to the difficult economy. SANDOLLAR ALPACAS offers reproductive warranties for all bred or breeding quality alpacas that it sells; if the female is bred, there is a 7-day live cria guarantee.
Open or maiden females are sold with a breeding to the buyer's choice of any herdsire totally owned by SANDOLLAR ALPACAS . "And we own some of the best including Accoyo America Cochise for the suri buyers. Or for the huacaya lovers, take a look at Cienega Creek Sheldon with his 7 blue ribbons, 2 CCs and 1 RCC," said Collins. "With pedigrees that include some of the top names in the industry, you can't go wrong" said Collins. "And we can deliver within a 100 mile radius for free" and up to 350 miles for a nominal charge."
So contact us today
877-ALPACA4U today.
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| SDAF "Jackson" Arrives!
Our new LSG!
Jackson on Duty
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We recently lost Elizabeth (affectionately known as Lizzie), our Great Pyrennes livestock guardian dog (LSG) to cancer. This was a very big blow for us both personally and as a guardian of our beloved alpacas. Our vet says the rise in cancer among the US pet population is very disturbing and she attributes much of it to all the fillers found in dog food today.
We found a local breeder with a new litter of purebred Pyrs from working parents with championship bloodlines, and picked "Jackson" as our new LSG. But we forgot about "puppiness" (that's puppy happiness for the uninitiated)...that's the joy of having a new puppy balanced by the piddles on the rug, and the chewing of everything in sight including ankles! So far the alpacas are not sure what to make of Jackson, and neither does Hannah, our other LSG, but they learn quickly, don't they! Stop by and meet Jackson!
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| SURI COLOR HERDSIRE - Accoyo America Cochise
One of America's truly elite fawn colored suri herdsires!
 Schedule a date today for your favorite colored suri female with Accoyo America Cochise, undefeated winner of four major fawn suri color championships, including AOBA, MAPACA, IAO and AWE. But we all know the proof is in the progeny...take a look at his first five of seven progeny that were shown, winning a CC, a RC, four blues and a second through 2009. And how about his progeny taking 4th at AOBA's 2009 Get of Sire, right behind three whites; what does that tell you about this elite colored suri fleece?
Your Price: $1,800 (Reduced from $2,500)
Multiple Breedings: $1,500each for three or more!
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SURI WHITE HERDSIRE - LCA Quechua
One of Latah Creek's truly unique white suri herdsires!
One of Latah Creek's truly unique white suri herdsires!
 Or for your favorite light fleeced suri, consider a date with LCA Quechua. Not only did this Snowmass Ice Dancer son's fleece win a first at AOBA, it just took the blue at AWE as well as Judge's Choice...as a 6-year old! Looking for a really fine fleeced light suri herdsire? You have found him? Proudly co-owned by Alpaca Rose Ranch.
Your Price: $1,250 (Reduced from $1,750)
Multiple Breedings: $1,000 each for three or more!
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HUACAYA LIGHT HERDSIRE - CC Sheldon
One of Cienega Creek's truly unique white huacaya herdsires!
One of Cienega Creek's truly unique white huacaya herdsires!
 Or for your favorite light fleeced huacaya, consider a mating with CC Sheldon. This Peruvian Royal Fawn grandson amassed seven blue ribbons during his showring career including the RCC banner at the PNAA Showcase two years ago. But more importantly, he is packing on the fleece on his first two progeny.
Your Price: $1,000 (Reduced from $1,500)
Multiple Breedings: $750 each for three or more!
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HUACAYA DARK HERDSIRE - CM Moraes
One of Crescent Moon's truly unique True Black huacaya herdsires!
One of Crescent Moon's truly unique True Black huacaya herdsires!
 Or for your favorite colored fleeced huacaya, consider a mating with Crescent Moon's Moraes. This Rayo Del Sol son (one of the highest selling alpacas of all time) was on Crescent Moon's show string and did VERY WELL in national competition Our first progeny are expected this year. He is proudly co-owned with Square Top Ranch in Sonoita, Arizona spending his winters in the south and summers in the north.
Your Price: $1,000 (Reduced from $1,500)
Multiple Breedings: $750 each for three or more!
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| The Leather Sandollar Boutique
Shop Luxurious Homegrown Alpaca Retail!
 Sandollar Alpacas' country mercantile, The Leather Sandollar Boutique, is now open. Be sure to stop by and see all the new homegrown merchandise being stocked which was created from last year's clip. In addition to a large inventory of yummy homegrown huacaya and suri alpaca yarns in a variety of weights and colors, you will find roving in a variety of colors, large felts and our pride and joy, the new Sandollar Alpacas "WARMTH" socks...in addition to the toys and luxury alpaca retail already on display. Also on display will be Collins' collection of leather accessories and gifts. So when you come by to see our new crop of crias this year, be sure to visit the store!
We plan to bring a representative sampling of our store inventory to the PNAA Alpaca Showcase this weekend (see coupon). But if you aren't able to make it, The Leather Sandollar will be open from noon to 4pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Make plans to drop by soon!
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| COLLINS' MOST POPULAR PRODUCT! Alpaca Travel Mug
Custom Hand Tooled Leather Accessory
Need a coffee travel mug for those cold trips from the house to the barn? Well search no longer! Collins has designed and created this beautifully burnished, hand  tooled, custom leather sleeve that slips over the included travel mug! This travel mug also makes the perfect gift for that special alpaca person that has everything! Call 877-ALPACA4U toll free to order.
List Price: $29.99
(includes travel mug and sleeve)
S & H: $8.00 plus insurance if desired
Total: $37.99
Note 1: If you prefer, your logo can be tooled on the sleeve. Please send high resolution artwork to info@SandollarAlpacas.com for a quote.
Note 2: We accept MC, Visa, Discover and American Express. Call 877-ALPACA4U to place your order today.
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| COLLINS' NEWEST PRODUCT! Alpaca Photo Album
Custom Hand Tooled Leather Accessory
Have you been looking for a special place to put the photos of all those champions and their adorable crias? Well search no longer!  Collins designed and createdthis beautifully burnished, hand tooled, custom leather photo album measuring approximately 7" x 7" and it is the perfect solution! This album also makes the perfect gift for that special alpaca person that has everything!
Call 877-ALPACA4U toll free to order today!
List Price: $54.99
S & H: $ 8.00 plus ins. if desired (quoted on request)
Total: $62.99
Note 1: If you prefer, your logo can be tooled on the front cover. Please send high resolution artwork to info@SandollarAlpacas.com for a quote.
Note 2: We accept MC, Visa, Discover and American Express. Call 877-ALPACA4U to place your order today.
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
Daily Tours - Sandollar Alpacas Ranch is open to the public by appointment. To schedule your ranch visit, call Collins TOLLFREE at 877-ALPACA4U, or Nikki at 509.378.6909 today (closed Mondays)!
Leather Sandollar Alpaca Boutique - Now Open! Come shop the softest in alpaca yarns, felts and roving, as well as luxury alpaca retail and custom hand tooled leather gifts and accessories from our newly re-stocked store. Wednesdays through Saturdays; 1-4PM. Products from our 2009 fleeces nearly all here!
February 27-27, 2010 - Snowmass Alpaca Auction, Phoenix, Arizona. Nikki was there, but was NOT the winning bidder on Snowmass Matrix (he sold for $675,000! Can you believe it? The highest selling male of all time! How Exciting!)
May 9, 2010 - Shearing Day at Sandollar Alpacas. Make your reservation now to have your alpaca shorn for the hot summer days coming up. Call Collins at 877-ALPACA4U, or email Nikki at Info@SandollarAlpacas.com
May 22-23, 2010, 2-Day Basic Camelidynamics Handling Clinic with Marty McGee Bennett - Come learn the secrets of handling your alpacas with safety, respect & fun! Hosted by Sandollar Alpacas. Call or email for your registration packet today! Or download the package from the Camelidynamics page of the www.SandollarAlpacas.com website.
June 19, 2010 -Alpacas 101 - This is a free seminar which introduces the alpaca; its care and its investment potential. Space is limited; please email or call 1-877-ALPACA4U for a reservation; 9am to 11:30am. Then stay for the afternoon session, the Alpaca Handling Clinic (see below).
June 19, 2010 - Alpaca Handling Clinic - This is a free seminar which introduces care of your new alpacas. Watch demonstrations of haltering, leading, pedicures, and more. Then take a turn leading and practicing on our obstacle course. Find out what it's like! Space is limited; please call 877-ALPACA4U for a reservation; 1pm to 3:30pm.
July 10, 2010 - Lazy Hazy Alpaca Dayz - Come enjoy the free, open ranch day event. There will be snacks, fiber arts demonstrations, and of course, all the newest crias will be on display! 11 to 4pm.
September 25-26, 2010 - National Alpaca Farm Days (NAFD) - most local alpaca farms throughout the US will be open during this national event. 11 to 4pm each day.
November 14, 2010 - 5th Annual Alpaca Holiday Bazaar - Again hosted this year by Sandollar Alpacas. Come shop luxury alpaca retail items from all of the local breeders. Held each year in the Sandollar Event Center and Annex. 11 to 4pm each day.
2010 Alpaca Show Season in the Pacific Northwest
April 9-11, 2010, Alpaca Western Extravaganza (Level V Show),
Ridgefield, WA
April 23-25, 2010, PNAA Alpaca Showcase (Level IV Show),
Pasco, WA
May 8-9, 2010, CABA Classic (Level IV Show),
Portland, WA
May 14-16, 2010, International Alpaca Odyssey (IAO),
Redmond, OR
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Our "OTHER Job" Quiz
Question #1: Did You know Nikki is a licensed real estate broker & appraiser? Are You searching for that Perfect Property? Perhaps a pristine piece of land on which to build your new home? Or perhaps an existing farm where you can move your new alpacas right in? Or perhaps you are a small business owner who is looking to lease or buy a commercial property? Or perhaps you are an investor, looking for a great return on investment?
Nikki operates a full service real estate consulting firm, Sandollar Realty Advisors, specializing in appraisal and brokerage of commercial and agricultural property. However, unlike a traditional broker, Nikki does not take listings and works only with buyers or tenants. She is the consummate professional that can help you find the perfect property...and then make the transaction go smoothly! Give Nikki a call at 509.378.6909 to schedule an appointment...there's never a charge!
Question #2: Does that Perfect Property Need some Outdoor Improvements?
Collins, with his degree in agriculture, and 15 years of experience operating his own greenhouse/nursery and landscaping business, is an expert in designing pastures and irrigation system set-ups. Once Nikki finds the perfect property, Collins can assist in designing your irrigation and pastures to maximize the alpaca production potential of your property. Give Collins a call at 509.378.5833 today.
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Sandollar Alpacas is a Proud Member of the Following Organizations!
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THANK YOU!
Collins and Nikki Griffith of Sandollar Alpacas would like to extend a sincere "THANK YOU" to all our customers for taking the time to review our publication. You are the reason we are here!
Sincerely,
Collins and Nikki Griffith
Sandollar Alpacas
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"We are very sad" said Nikki; "Collins worked so hard to create that pasture from the ground up ... ground that had lain fallow for over 30 years. But, a
