The Suri Network   exists to assist its members to protect, preserve, and promote the Suri alpaca. A group of Suri owners established the Suri Network in 1997, a few years after the first Suris were imported to the United States from Bolivia in the winter of 1991. There were several subsequent imports in 1993, 1995, 1996 and 1998 from Peru, Chile and Bolivia, and all Suris in North America are descendants of those imported animals.

Since its beginnings, the Suri Network has organized numerous educational events, published the PurelySuri Magazine, held multiple fleece shows, facilitated research, educated consumers about the unique qualities of Suri fleece, promoted the use of Suri alpaca in different products, developed a Suri breed standard, and served as a conduit between its members and the Alpaca Owners Association.

Below we offer a brief description and links to the various programs the Suri Network organizes. We are immensely proud that our membership has always been at the forefront of the alpaca industry promoting both the Suri alpaca and the use of its wondrous fleece.

Not only do we hope that you will join the Suri Network, but we also hope that you will share your individual talents by getting involved in our great industry by volunteering with us.

S.H.I.P. stands for the Suri Herd Improvement Program. Focusing on protecting, preserving, and promoting the Suri alpaca, the SHIP program is an outstanding way for our members to accomplish that. By collecting data from the evaluation of an alpaca's conformation and fleece, an owner is better able to discern that alpaca's strengths and weaknesses and how to improve them in the next generation. When the data is processed using special computer programs, animals can be ranked relative to all other Suri alpacas currently in the system. The resultant data are called EPDs which stands for Expected Progeny Differences and by using the data, a breeder is given a better idea of what the genetic makeup of their alpaca is. To learn more about SHIP,  CLICK HERE

SURI SIMPLY STUNNING: A few years ago, the Suri Network Board of Trustees embarked on a new program to create recognition of Suri as a natural fiber with specific characteristics of softness, luster, warmth, and adaptability in a wide variety of products. Branding will be beneficial for marketing breeding programs, the fiber produced, and to make high quality Suri products. This program became known as the Suri Simply Stunning branding initiative. Those who want to use this brand must receive permission from the Suri Network to  do so. If you are interested in participating, please READ MORE

NATIONAL ALPACA FARM DAYS
This annual event offers those interested in alpacas to visit farms across the country. Many farms showcase their Suri alpacas and products made from their fiber. They may also include demonstrations and educational workshops.

To find a Suri alpaca farm to visit near you click HERE, but do call ahead to be sure when they will be accepting visitors.

KEEP CHECKING BACK FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURI NETWORK ONLINE AUCTION HAPPENING IN LATE NOVEMBER
Money raised from this auction goes to supporting the activities of the Suri Network. The auction committee will soon be accepting donated items for public bidding. Please consider helping out with this by donating items or services, or bidding, or both!

FEATURED FARMS AND RANCHES
TO FIND A FARM NEAR YOU
CLICK HERE