1.   As our alpaca herd became larger, it was necessary to develop a new system of handling, to eliminate stress for both myself, as the shearer, and our animals. I had recently had a back operation, which made the conventional method of shearing almost a physical impossibility.

2.   We are very concerned for the welfare of our animals, and the need to create as little stress as possible when handling them, particularly pregnant females. Since using The Alpaca Shearing Table we have made dramatic improvements in this area.

3.   By providing for the safety and comfort of the animal and the best mode of operation for the handler, greater efficiencies have been achieved.

4..   We have found this table has made the handling of our animals for general health care a more efficient procedure with less stress.

5.   For the last several years we have established a range of high quality knitting yarns and garments which are sold from The Alpaca Shop on our Totara Grove property. This has required a steep learning curve in fibre management. The need for the elimination of any contamination of fibre colour and grading of legs, bellies, bibs, necks etc, required us to take a serious look at our technique of both shearing and fibre handling. The Alpaca Shearing Table in conjunction with the Portable Fibre Handling Table has allowed us to make dramatic improvements in these areas.

Our preference for blade shearing came about after considering two main factors:
1.   Reducing Stress
2.   Increasing Fibre Production

It has been well established in the high country of the South Island of New  Zealand that sheep grow approximately 30% more wool than if they were shorn with machines. We have established that our alpacas have grown 10-15% more fibre through having the extra fibre cover resulting from the blade shearing method. This can now also be achieved by using our new shearing comb spacer. The extra cover provides protection from the wet, cold weather conditions, a particularly important factor for the well being of our pregnant females.