Today’s Statistics

Number of Alpacas By State

Supply and Demand
Price is always a result of supply and demand. With a long gestation period and the inability to import, demand for alpacas has steadily increased every year. This growing trend is clearly illustrated in the climbing numbers of the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association Membership (AOBA). When AOBA was established in 1988, only 87 members with less than 400 alpacas were involved. In 2012, the association has become representative of a billion dollar industry, claiming 3,865 members owning more than 204,530 + alpacas, and this is only the beginning!

The price range that can be found in one’s initial search may be lower or higher than the average cost range published by AOBA (see Table 2). This said: The key for capitalizing on this growing industry is in purchasing quality alpacas. Price of an animal will depend on conformation , fleece qualities, positive proven heritable traits, bloodlines, sex, age, and pregnancy status. Auction results from AOBA will show you what has been happening throughout the last few years. You be the judge!

                                The appreciation of the alpaca has grown steadily.

These prices are the highs.  There are alpacas for every pocket book so please do not be intimidated by these numbers!  We just want to illustrate that quality counts.  Try to purchase the best alpaca(s) you can!

As you can see, the American Alpaca Industry is growing. Demand for premium quality animals is evidenced by the price the public is willing to pay. The quality of animal with excellent conformation and exceptional fleece characteristics continues to rise as well. American breeding practices are setting the stage for future fiber processing on a nationwide scale.

[top]

Home | What is an Alpaca? | Who Owns Alpaca? | Types of Alpacas
What to Look for in an Alpaca | Why Raise Alpacas?
How to Care for Alpacas | The Future | Support Systems | Contact Us