But I was caught off guard by a recent question posed by a patron at our Guest House when they asked: “Do you have much competition?” I had to pause, as it spoke volumes to me concerning how we, the alpaca industry, have created our image, not through spoken words, but rather in our actions.
Instead, I smiled through gritted teeth and told her yes, I had much competition. And then I told her about my opponents.
I have to compete with synthetic fibers.
I have to compete with the cheap manufacture.
I have to compete with chemically altered “natural” fibers.
I have to compete using an animal that takes long to see genetic improvement.
more »