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ULTRAFINE BALE SCHEME |
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‘Supporting Alpaca Breeders’ |
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General Outline of the Ultrafine Bale
The aim of the Ultrafine Bale Scheme is to gather alpaca fleeces exhibiting very fine fibre diameter from around Australia and market those fleeces in the potentially lucrative ‘Premium’ textile market.
The Scheme will also fund and support initiatives that create demand for ultrafine/superfine alpaca fibre such as marketing and research programs.
Current Criteria for ‘Ultrafine Bale’ fleeces
White Fleeces a fleece to be pure white – not light fawn. b average fibre diameter not more than 19 microns (for skirted fleece) c average fibre (staple) length to be within range of 75mm to 100mm d measured ‘comfort factor’ not less than 99% e fleece to be best style and character (considered to be of H1 grade) – no guard hair, soft handle, not tender, low VM.
Procedures for submitting fleeces:
1. Growers identify alpacas that have fleeces likely to meet the Ultrafine Bale criteria. 2. Mid-side samples from these fleeces are sent to AAFT. There are two options when doing this: a a mid-side sample is taken from alpaca before shearing and sent to AAFT. In this case, mid-side samples should be taken from the alpaca not more than two months before shearing. b a mid-side sample is taken at shearing and sent to AAFT. In this case, selected fleeces may need to be bagged and kept aside until mid-side result is known
Growers can expect fibre measurement results within one week of dispatch. Fibre sample bags are available on request at no charge. For the cost of the mid-side measurement please refer to our fibre testing price list.
3. Once mid-side measurement is shown to meet bale criteria, the skirted fleece is forwarded to AAFT. Arrangements can be made to have fleece/s picked up by contacting AAFT.
4. Upon delivery, fleeces will be grid sampled to confirm they meet criteria and to test for measurement variation over the individual fleeces. Fleeces that do not meet criteria may either be returned to owner or forwarded on to AAFL.
Fleeces will be weighed, with weights recorded on measurement results.
The cost for handling and grid testing by AAFT is $5.50 per fleece. The cost for forwarding the bale to AAFL will be on a cost-share basis and is estimated at $2.50 per kilo.
5. Growers will receive feedback on all respective measurement results. It is anticipated that they will also receive feedback on the processing of the bale.
Growers should be aware that proceeds from fleeces consigned to the bales may be delayed until the respective bales have been completed and dispatched to AAFL.
Sale Price
The current price for white ultrafine fibre is $60.00 per kg less costs.
Promotion
The ‘Ultrafine Bale’ will be promoted by AAFL and AAFT. It is anticipated that recognition will be made of growers who contribute fleeces to the bale.
AAFT Consignment Address
The address for sending samples and fleeces is: Australian Alpaca Fleece Testing PO Box 246 Crookwell, NSW. 2583 |
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AAFT |
