JULY 2009 - Hobby Farms Magazine is dedicating the
September/October 2009 issue to Llamas!
www.hobbyfarms.com

Watch for the following ad...

MAY 2009 - For the first time in the history of the co-op, we are totally CAUGHT UP with sorting/grading all the llama fiber through 2008
GREAT JOB to everyone who helped out!
 

Pacific Northwest Llama Fiber Cooperative LLC

(United States)

Larry McCool

Fiber Products

The Pacific Northwest Llama Fiber Cooperative LLC processes their fiber though Pendleton Mills, one of the longest
running mills on the West Coast.  The Cooperative’s product line consists of blankets, rugs, and socks.

 
 
  Larry McCool: “We collect up to 6000 lbs (2727 kg) a year.” The organization has
  been operating two years. The first year they made 100 blankets, the second year 575.
  Leg and neck fiber usually goes to make  4’x 6’ rugs that are Southwestern in style.

 

Niche

The Pacific Northwest Llama Fiber Cooperative LLC believes they are the only commercial entity in the United States
solely processing llama, and they are proud of it.

How does the organization work?

Larry McCool: “We have an open membership for anyone owning llamas in North America. Fifty-two farms

belong and contribute fiber. There is a nominal membership fee for a lifetime membership. Currently our members

are spread over Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. All the big ranches in Oregon belong. We have a five

member board of directors. Nobody is paid and there are no employees. Everyone sends their fiber to a centralized

collection point. We then grade the fiber into four classes based on handle. Our graders rely on tactile skill to determine

the four classes and visual skills to separate the fiber into different colors. We take about 1,200 pounds (545 kg)

to the mill at time and processed around 6000 pounds (2727 kg) last year. Members get back what they put in.

For example, if you contribute 5% of the fiber you get 5% of the profit.

Members can also buy products at wholesale prices.”
 

How The Pacific Northwest Cooperative, LLC was created
Larry McCool: “I was raised on a farm. I believe that livestock needs to produce something. I was
attracted to llamas and have owned them for twelve years. We could pack with our llamas or take them
to shows to get ribbons. A judge might tell us our llama had good fiber, but this really wasn’t developing
a product. You can’t live on acknowledgment alone. People would win a ribbon and haul their fiber

to the dump. I decided to organize llama growers into utilizing their fiber.

At first it was difficult to convince people. Kay Patterson was our first paying member. This helped a lot. She is highly respected and seen as the founder of the llama business in the United States.”

How do you get new members and attract customers to your products?

Larry McCool: “Our members bring in new people and we go to shows to sell our products.

We’ve just put up a website too.”

Processing helps llama raising

Larry McCool: “We’ve learned a lot about fiber now that we are in the processing business. The most expensive

llama I ever bought didn’t have very good fiber. I’ve learned from my mistakes and so have others. Members of the

co-op, including me, are now paying more attention to fiber quality, with a good idea of what quality really is.

This influences animal selection and breeding.”

Advice for llama breeders

Larry McCool: “Be careful in selection of animals. Learn about the lineages. Young animals can fool you. Their fiber

can change fairly drastically as they mature. Use all of the fiber not just the barrel cut.”

Have association with other organizations helped?

Larry McCool: “Yes, the Willamette Valley Llama Association has supported all kinds of research and learning

about llamas. Many of our members also belong to that organization.

Rewarding

Larry McCool: It is a great feeling to see this get off the ground. People are feeling positive about fiber.

We are moving forward.