Our new Fiber Sorting and Grading Services!

Fiori del Campo is pleased to announce that it now offers alpaca fiber sorting and grading services using the Certified Sorted System

I just returned from a 4 day intensive class to train with Coarse Broads, Inc. to learn their system of fiber sorting and grading. I am now an official Certified Sorted™ Apprentice that will lead to becoming a full-fledged, card carrying Certified Sorter.

The Coarse Broads Sorter class is intense and rigorous and not for the faint of heart; not only is it choked full of data and information gleaned from lots of research, but there is a lot of after-hours study, a final exam that must be passed, and lots of practice sorting and grading. It can be a dirty, difficult and tiring job and is not for everyone. However, it is a service that is vital and mandatory for the current North American alpaca fiber industry.

Our mornings were spent studying sorting theory and the ins and outs of fiber, including but not limited to fiber basics, histograms and skin biopsies, fiber characteristics that affect the processing, understanding grades, and the value and advantage of Certified Sorted™ fiber, among many other topics. After lunch, the class worked on the hands-on part of learning the

Certified Sorted ™ system, including but not limited to learning to identify micron/grade, sorting fleeces utilizing the system, using the sort records and sort summaries to assist the breeder and more. As I stated earlier, there was also evening homework, not to mention a final exam that must be passed in order to become a Certified Sorted™ apprentice. Fortunately, I passed the final exam with a very high score – what a relief!

I am so glad I had to opportunity to attend and complete this difficult class; it has considerably expanded my knowledge base with respect to the commercial processing of alpaca fiber, as well as given me a whole new perspective on my own herd’s management and breeding decisions.