One of the biggest selling points behind all of our products is the feel good story behind them. The raw fiber that is used to make them is collected from U.S. Alpaca Farms across the country. It is then sorted, graded, cleaned and bailed in a century old textile mill in New England. From there it goes off to be scoured, spun into yarn, and then sent to many different manufacturers across the country. All of the commercial manufacturers we do business with have been hand picked because of their core values and dedication to the U.S. Textile Industry. They are family owned and operated businesses, who employ people in their communities and pay them a fair living wage. When an end consumer buys finished products from you at the local Farmer's Market or your Farm Store, they are supporting many responsible businesses, manufacturers, and alpaca farmers.

If this economic crisis we are living through currently has taught us anything, it is that as consumers, and businesses, we need to make smarter choices about who we do business with and why we do business with them. There are a lot of hidden costs that go into buying a product. Items made in foreign countries can be produced so cheaply because they don't have to pay their workers a fair wage, and they aren't regulated by their governments to make economically responsible manufacturing decisions. Buying that pair of socks at Big-Mart for $2.99 doesn't seem like such a good deal anymore when you add the true costs of producing that product. Workers were taken advantage of, the Environment was polluted, and it was shipped half way across the globe wasting precious resources to get to the store you purchased it at.

As consumers become more and more aware of the true cost of buying Foreign made products, it is important the U.S. Alpaca Fiber Industry aligns themselves to meet that new demand for "Guilt Free" clothing and accessories. People will be willing to spend a little bit more if they know that they are supporting U.S. Alpaca Farms, U.S. Businesses and Textile Manufacturers who in turn use that money to employ people in their communities, who in turn use the money they make to support their neighboring businesses run by their peers, rather than corporate conglomerates.

We are committed to always keeping the story behind each and every one of our products "Guilt Free", and encourage you all to share that with your customers, after all they should know who exactly they are supporting.

Going Further:When you have some free time be sure to watch this video, The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard. It is very informative about the true costs behind the products we buy everyday.

You can find out more information and further reading up on this topic at Annie Leonard's site, Story of Stuff

Tis the Season to be... Business Planning!

I know I know, right about now you are all cursing me as a I suggest one more thing to add to your never ending list of things to do. Between running the Farm, Selling Animals / Products, managing your Home, and getting ready for the Holiday Season, there isn't much time left in the day to take a step back and analyze the big picture. Although we are all short on time and energy, this is one of the most important aspects of running a successful business. As the year winds down it is important to look back on what worked, and what didn't and apply those lessons to your business plan for 2009. Once the Holiday Season winds down, it is a great time to sit down and develop a rough draft for 2009. Here are some great tips and resources that will help you along the way.

It's Planning Time!:Our December NEAFP Note of 2007 lays out a great way to set up Short and Long Term Goals for your Farm and Business, and then dissecting those goals into small tasks that can be accomplished on their own over time in order to achieve those goals.

Bringing Your Products to New Markets: In July of 2007 we wrote a NEAFP Note that discussed the many different avenues an Alpaca Farm can take to market their farm and sell their finished products. If you are looking to expand your reach but aren't exactly sure what is easiest for you and your farm be sure to check this NEAFP Note out. It gives breakdowns on Farmer's Markets, Agri-tourism, CSA's, Internet/Mail Order, Fiber Nooks/Retail Stores etc.

Setting Up your Fiber Nook/Farm Store: In October of 2007 we discussed the Do's and Don'ts of successfully setting up a Retail Presence. Whether you attend Farmer's Markets and Craft Fairs, or have a permanent Farm Store on your property, there are some great tips here for everyone.

Develop Your 30 Second Elevator Pitch!: In November of 2007 we discussed the growing Green Movement, and what role Alpaca Products fit into the consumer shift occurring in our economy. Alpaca Farms having goods manufactured with their fiber are on the front lines of the growing U.S. Alpaca Fiber Industry, and it is important they are able to communicate to the end consumer what makes wearing alpaca such an easy choice. Whether you deal directly with people at your farm store or local fair, or manage wholesale accounts with retail stores, having a "30 Second Elevator Pitch" is important. Brush up on your selling points here.

Below are some great Small Business and Entrepreneur Resources you can find Online that will help you making smart decisions for your business.

• INC.com -The Daily Resource for Entrepreneurs.
• AllBusiness.com -Simple Solutions, Powerful Advice.
• Entrepreneur.com -One stop Small Business Advice Shop.

Everyone here on the NEAFP team wants to wish you all a Merry Chrismas and a Happy New Year. 2008 has been an amazing year and we look forward to continually pushing the U.S. Alpaca Fiber Industry in the right direction.

Stay Warm and Safe this Holiday Season! and give your herd a hug from us!



Showcase your Farm Blog

NEAFP is in the process of re-working our Featured Farm showcase section and we would like to showcase the daily activities of an everyday Alpaca Farmer. A blog is a wonderful tool that allows people to get a closer look at the day to day activities of our favorite pastime and lifestyle, Raising Alpacas. If you have a farm blog we would love to share it with the rest of the community, and build a community of farms across the country. Please email us today with your Farm Site and Blog Information and we will include it in our new section! Email Us Today!