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Page: AOBA Relationships
1. Are you currently a Farm or Associate member of AOBA?
 answered question1,426
 
skipped question
17
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Farm Member
89.1%1,270
Associate Member
10.9%156

2. What region are you from?
 answered question1,432
 
skipped question
11
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Pacific (AK,CA,OR,WA)
16.8%240
Mountain (AZ,CO,ID,MT,NV,NM,UT,WY)
12.2%174
West North Central (IA,KS,MN,MO,NE,SD)
5.9%85
East North Central (IL,IN,MI,OH,WI)
23.0%330
Middle Atlantic (NJ, NY,PA)
14.0%201
New England (CT,ME,MA,NH,RI,VT)
6.6%95
South Atlantic (DE,FL,GA,MD,NC,SC,VA,WV)
11.0%158
East South Central (AL,KY,MS,TN)
3.6%52
West South Central (AR,LA,OK,TX)
5.7%81
Canada
1.0%14
Other Country (please specify)
0.2%3

3. How long have you been a member of AOBA?
 answered question1,429
 
skipped question
14
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
12 months or less
14.5%207
13 - 36 months
29.6%423
37 - 60 months
22.6%323
5 years+
33.3%476

4. Which of the following organizations are you affiliated with? (Mark all that apply)
 answered question1,373
 
skipped question
70
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
ARI (Alpaca Registry Inc.)
88.3%1,213
AFCNA (Alpaca Fiber Cooperative of North America
23.0%316
TSN (The Suri Network)
9.8%134
ALASKA
0.2%3
ABA (Alpaca Breeders of Arizona)
1.7%23
ABR (Alpaca Breeders of the Rockies)
6.3%87
AB4C (Alpaca Breeders of Four Corners)
0.9%12
AROW (Alpaca Ranchers of the NorthWest)
1.7%23
ASFN (Alpaca Small Farm Network)
0.7%9
CABA (Columbia Alpaca Breeders Assn.)
2.9%40
CABO (Carolina Alpaca Breeders & Owners)
1.4%19
CALPACA (California Alpacac Breeders Assn.)
5.1%70
CANADA
1.1%15
DSAC (Deep South Alpaca Connection)
0.8%11
EAA (Empire Alpaca Assn.)
7.2%99
EVAA (Emerald Valley Alpaca Assn.)
0.3%4
FABA (Florida Alpaca Breeders Assn.)
0.7%10
GAA (Georgia Alpaca Assn.)
1.3%18
GLAA Great Lakes Alpaca Assn.)
5.6%77
IAOBA (Illinois Alpaca Owners & Breeders Assn.)
2.1%29
IMpaca! (Intermountain West Alpaca Assn.)
1.2%16
KAA (Kentucky Alpaca Breeders Assn.)
1.2%17
MABA (Maryland Alpaca Breeders Assn.)
1.5%21
MAPACA (Mid Atlanntic Alpaca Breeders Assn.)
11.1%153
MOPACA (Midwest Alpaca Owners & Breeders Assn.)
4.1%56
NEAOBA (New England Owners & Breeders Assn.)
7.0%96
NJAC (New Jersey Alpaca Community)
1.6%22
OABA (Ohio Alpacas Breeders Assn.)
8.4%116
PNAA (Pacific Northwest Alpaca Assn.)
1.5%21
PAOBA (Pennsylvania Alpaca Owners & Breeders Assn.)
5.2%72
SEAA (Southeastern Alpaca Assn.)
3.9%53
SoCAL (Southern California Alpaca Assn.)
2.4%33
SOJAA (State of Jefferson Alpaca Assn.)
1.9%26
STAR (State of Texas Ranchers)
1.8%25
TxOLAN (Alpaca Assn incl. TX, OK, LA, AR, & NM)
5.7%78
VAOBA (Virginia Owners & Breeders Assn.)
3.9%53
WABA (Willamette Alpaca Breeders Assn.)
0.8%11
 Other (please specify)
14.3%196

5. If you are a member of an affiliate, which did you join first, AOBA or your affiliate?
 answered question1,349
 
skipped question
94
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Not a member of an affiliate
11.7%158
AOBA first
70.4%950
Affiliate first
10.1%136
Don't Remember
7.8%105

6. When did you first hear about alpacas in the United States?
 answered question1,431
 
skipped question
12
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
2003 or earlier
79.7%1,140
2004
9.8%140
2005
7.3%104
2006
3.2%46
2007
0.1%1
 0.0%0
 0.0%0
 0.0%0
 0.0%0
 0.0%0
 0.0%0
 0.0%0
 0.0%0
 0.0%0
 0.0%0

Page: Information from AOBA
7. How did you first hear about alpacas in the United States?
 answered question302
 
skipped question
1,141
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Television show
3.0%9
Television advertisement
19.9%60
Newspaper article
4.6%14
Newspaper advertisement
0.3%1
Magazine article
7.9%24
Magazine advertisement
4.0%12
Word of mouth
13.9%42
Internet search
6.0%18
County/State Fair
8.9%27
Alpaca/Livestock Event
5.0%15
Nearby Farm
8.9%27
Don't Remember
4.0%12
 Other (please specify)
13.6%41

8. Did you contact AOBA at that time?
 answered question301
 
skipped question
1,142
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
27.6%83
No
70.1%211
Don't Remember
2.3%7

9. Did you visit the AOBA website to find farms?
 answered question302
 
skipped question
1,141
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
53.6%162
No
42.4%128
Website Not Available At That Time 0.0%0
Don't Remember
4.0%12

10. Did you receive a Farm and Ranch Guide (formerly Breeders' Directory) from AOBA?
 answered question302
 
skipped question
1,141
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
60.3%182
No
33.8%102
Not Available At That Time
1.3%4
Don't Remember
4.6%14

11. How useful was the information you received from AOBA?
 answered question282
 
skipped question
1,161
 Not Very UsefulNeutralVery UsefulN/ARating
Average		Response
Count
AOBA Information2.5% (7)1.4% (4)2.8% (8)1.4% (4)12.8% (36)7.4% (21)8.5% (24)17.4% (49)13.1% (37)22.0% (62)10.6% (30)7.44282

Page: Current Alpaca Ownership
12. Have you EVER owned alpacas?
 answered question1,423
 
skipped question
20
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
90.3%1,285
No
9.7%138

13. Do you CURRENTLY own alpacas?
 answered question1,430
 
skipped question
13
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
97.4%1,393
No
2.6%37

Page: Original Purchase & Description of Herd
14. When did you purchase your first alpaca(s)?
 answered question1,258
 
skipped question
185
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Never Purchased 0.0%0
1993 or earlier
3.9%49
1994
1.4%17
1995
0.8%10
1996
3.3%41
1997
3.7%46
1998
4.0%50
1999
5.1%64
2000
5.4%68
2001
7.2%90
2002
11.8%148
2003
13.5%170
2004
15.0%189
2005
13.2%166
2006
10.9%137
2007
1.0%13

15. How many farms did you visit before your first purchase?
 answered question1,201
 
skipped question
242
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0
3.2%39
1
15.0%180
2
16.5%198
3
22.6%272
4
13.3%160
5
11.9%143
6
5.9%71
7
2.1%25
8
2.5%30
9
0.7%9
10+
6.2%74

16. Thinking back to when you purchased your first alpaca(s), how important were the following criteria in selecting the farm from whom you purchased you animals?
 answered question1,257
 
skipped question
186
 Not at all importantVery importantRating
Average		Response
Count
Farm well maintained/barns clean1.6% (20)0.9% (11)2.0% (25)2.7% (34)7.6% (95)5.9% (73)10.7% (134)15.8% (197)14.3% (178)38.5% (480)8.091,247
Could buy a discount package13.4% (165)4.0% (49)5.0% (62)4.9% (60)10.6% (130)8.0% (99)8.9% (110)13.3% (163)10.9% (134)21.0% (258)6.341,230
Herdsires had excellent show records13.2% (161)6.4% (78)9.8% (119)7.8% (95)15.0% (183)8.3% (101)8.8% (107)10.8% (131)8.6% (105)11.3% (138)5.501,218
Well known bloodlines9.6% (118)5.7% (70)7.4% (91)7.6% (93)14.5% (178)7.7% (94)8.4% (103)11.6% (142)9.8% (120)17.8% (218)6.091,227
Promised superior service/support2.8% (35)1.5% (18)3.0% (37)2.6% (32)7.8% (96)5.7% (71)9.0% (111)13.3% (164)15.4% (190)38.9% (481)7.961,235
Many alpacas to choose from4.8% (60)2.6% (32)6.5% (80)4.4% (54)16.9% (210)11.5% (143)15.3% (189)15.1% (187)11.0% (136)11.9% (148)6.471,239
Animals easy to handle5.5% (67)4.1% (51)7.0% (86)5.6% (69)15.1% (186)11.4% (140)12.2% (150)14.2% (174)11.8% (145)13.1% (161)6.371,229
Free boarding for a fixed period of time15.0% (184)4.4% (54)5.8% (71)4.7% (58)12.6% (154)6.1% (74)8.0% (98)13.2% (161)11.4% (139)18.8% (230)6.111,223
Free re-breeding of females9.8% (120)3.3% (40)3.8% (46)2.7% (33)9.3% (114)4.3% (53)6.8% (83)13.8% (169)16.4% (200)29.8% (365)7.151,223
Full reproduction guarantees3.4% (42)0.6% (8)1.1% (13)1.2% (15)3.2% (40)2.4% (29)4.4% (54)10.7% (132)18.3% (225)54.7% (673)8.711,231
Farm offered financing26.1% (316)6.1% (74)5.8% (70)3.9% (47)9.0% (109)4.1% (50)3.8% (46)7.2% (87)10.4% (126)23.7% (287)5.551,212
Farm located within 200 mi.16.7% (205)3.8% (47)4.7% (57)3.3% (41)8.2% (101)5.6% (68)5.5% (67)10.6% (130)13.4% (164)28.2% (345)6.521,225
Owners very knowlegable 1.3% (16)0.3% (4)0.7% (9)1.0% (12)3.9% (48)2.7% (34)5.0% (62)12.6% (157)19.0% (236)53.5% (665)8.861,243
Breeder had good reputation 2.0% (25)0.8% (10)1.8% (22)1.9% (23)6.7% (82)4.0% (49)5.5% (67)12.2% (149)15.9% (195)49.3% (604)8.451,226

17. Thinking about the farm from whom you purchased your first alpacas, how would you rate the level of service, support and mentoring offered to you during the fist year following the purchase of your animals? Would you rate it as:
 answered question1,265
 
skipped question
178
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Excellent
40.0%506
Very good
19.7%249
Good
13.3%168
Fair
10.9%138
Poor
9.7%123
 Other (please specify)
6.4%81

18. When you purchased your first alpacas, what was your relationship with AOBA?
 answered question1,261
 
skipped question
182
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Had never heard of AOBA
22.4%283
Had heard of AOBA but not a member
46.2%583
Alpacas Magazine subscriber, but not a member
5.8%73
Associate Member
15.0%189
Farm Member
10.5%133

19. How soon after purchasing your first alpacas did you join AOBA?
 answered question1,255
 
skipped question
188
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Joined AOBA before purchasing alpacas
22.7%285
Within the first 6 months
58.5%734
After 6 months but before 24 months
15.5%195
After 24 months or more
3.3%41

20. How important was each of the following in your decision to purchase alpaca(s)?
 answered question1,268
 
skipped question
175
 Very UnimportantNeutralVery ImportantN/ARating
Average		Response
Count
Investment potential2.5% (32)0.9% (11)0.6% (8)0.2% (3)5.2% (65)1.4% (18)4.1% (52)8.9% (112)12.6% (159)63.3% (797)0.2% (3)8.901,260
Retirement option5.2% (65)2.5% (31)1.2% (15)0.4% (5)13.2% (166)2.7% (34)5.8% (73)9.8% (123)11.8% (149)44.7% (563)2.8% (35)7.921,259
Tax advantages2.4% (30)1.2% (15)0.8% (10)0.6% (8)7.5% (93)2.6% (32)5.2% (64)10.3% (127)14.5% (179)53.7% (661)1.1% (13)8.581,232
Change of lifestyle - prior to retirement5.7% (71)2.3% (29)1.6% (20)0.6% (7)16.2% (203)3.7% (46)7.4% (93)10.4% (130)13.2% (166)34.4% (432)4.6% (58)7.531,255
Fell in love with them3.4% (43)1.2% (15)1.7% (21)0.9% (11)7.8% (99)4.0% (50)6.7% (84)11.3% (143)14.1% (178)47.1% (595)1.9% (24)8.281,263
Fiber production4.5% (56)3.4% (43)4.1% (51)2.8% (35)19.0% (239)8.4% (106)11.2% (141)15.1% (190)11.8% (148)18.9% (237)0.9% (11)6.801,257
Novelty/uniqueness16.8% (210)5.0% (62)4.5% (56)3.0% (37)22.1% (276)6.9% (86)7.9% (98)11.4% (142)8.7% (109)11.8% (147)2.0% (25)5.581,248

21. How much land did you have available?
 answered question1,265
 
skipped question
178
 
No LandResidential lot1-5 Acres6-9 acres10-29 Acres30+Response
Count
When you first heard about alpacas17.3% (218)17.2% (217)25.5% (322)7.8% (98)16.2% (204)16.2% (204)1,263
When you purchased your first alpacas10.0% (126)10.8% (136)27.9% (351)10.1% (127)21.2% (266)20.0% (251)1,257
Currently4.1% (51)2.9% (36)23.2% (291)12.5% (157)29.7% (373)27.8% (349)1,257

22. When you first purchased your alpacas, did you:
 answered question1,268
 
skipped question
175
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Take possession right away
25.2%320
Board them free at the seller's farm
50.8%644
Pay for boarding at the seller's farm
15.1%192
Pay for boarding at another farm
5.2%66
 Other (please specify)
3.6%46

23. How do you CURRENTLY house your alpacas? Don't include alpacas that are temporarily away for breeding or stud service.
 answered question1,262
 
skipped question
181
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
All of my alpacas are boarded
12.4%157
All of my alpacas are under my care
83.4%1,052
Some of my alpacas are boarded and some are under my care
4.2%53

24. How many alpacas in total did you purchase in your FIRST TWELVE MONTHS of alpaca ownership? (include animals under financing and owned in partnership). How many were huacayas? How many were suris?
 answered question1,263
 
skipped question
180
Huacayas
 
012345678910 - 1920+Response
Count
Total for all ages and genders3.6% (42)5.6% (65)14.5% (168)17.7% (206)14.1% (164)13.7% (159)9.0% (104)6.5% (75)3.7% (43)2.9% (34)7.1% (83)1.6% (19)1,162
Suris
 
012345678910 - 1920+Response
Count
Total for all ages and genders53.0% (305)11.3% (65)9.4% (54)5.4% (31)5.7% (33)3.5% (20)3.0% (17)3.1% (18)1.0% (6)1.2% (7)2.4% (14)1.0% (6)576
Total Huacayas + Suris
 
012345678910 - 1920+Response
Count
Total for all ages and genders0.3% (3)3.8% (34)14.9% (132)15.5% (137)14.9% (132)14.7% (130)8.3% (73)6.7% (59)4.8% (42)3.6% (32)10.1% (89)2.4% (21)884

25. Which of the following types of alpacas did you purchase in your FIRST TWELVE MONTHS of alpaca ownership?
 answered question1,261
 
skipped question
182
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Maiden breeding quality females
61.5%775
Adult breeding quality females
81.0%1,022
Junior herdsire quality males
36.2%456
Senior herdsire quality males
12.8%162
Non-breeding females (any age)
2.2%28
Non-breeding male (any age)
28.1%354

26. Which of the following have you ever used to fund your alpaca purchases? (Mark all that apply.)
 answered question1,261
 
skipped question
182
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Cash purchase
75.9%957
Financing from the selling farm
48.5%612
Credit card
9.4%119
Line of credit
16.9%213
Unsecured loan
2.2%28
Government loan
0.4%5
Home equity loan
21.3%269
Agricultural loan
3.6%45
Secured loan specifically for alpacas
2.1%27
Loan from relatives/friends
5.0%63
Retirement funds (401K, IRA, etc.)
14.7%185
Liquidated other investments (stocks, real estate, etc.)
18.7%236
 Other (please specify)
3.2%40

27. How many alpacas did you have before you started marketing alpacas?
 answered question1,250
 
skipped question
193
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Have never marketed alpacas
22.2%278
0
2.9%36
1
1.3%16
2
3.1%39
3-5
20.3%254
6-10
28.4%355
11-14
10.6%133
15+
11.1%139

28. How long after purchasing your first alpaca(s) did you begin to market them for sale?
 answered question1,241
 
skipped question
202
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
I have never marketed them
24.3%301
0-6 months
9.3%115
7-12 months
12.5%155
13-18 months
12.9%160
19-24 months
14.6%181
25-36 months
14.4%179
Longer than 36 months
12.1%150

29. After you began to market your alpacas, how many months did it take you to sell your first alpaca(s)?
 answered question1,227
 
skipped question
216
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Haven't begun marketing yet
23.6%289
Currently marketing, haven't sold yet
22.3%274
Less than 1 Month
2.7%33
1-3 months
8.4%103
4-6 months
9.8%120
7-12 months
15.0%184
13-23
10.1%124
24-35
4.6%57
36+
3.5%43

Page: Farm Size and Sales
30. How many alpacas in total do you CURRENTLY own? (include animals under financing and owned in partnership). How many are huacayas? How many are suris?
 answered question1,250
 
skipped question
193
Huacayas
 
012345678910 - 1415-1920-2930-4950+Response
Count
Total for all ages and genders2.7% (31)2.3% (27)3.5% (41)3.6% (42)2.8% (33)4.3% (50)5.2% (61)5.1% (59)4.7% (55)4.1% (48)18.9% (221)14.9% (174)13.4% (156)9.2% (107)5.3% (62)1,167
Suris
 
012345678910 - 1415-1920-2930-4950+Response
Count
Total for all ages and genders42.0% (264)9.9% (62)4.6% (29)3.3% (21)2.9% (18)1.7% (11)3.7% (23)2.2% (14)3.3% (21)2.2% (14)7.5% (47)5.1% (32)5.7% (36)3.5% (22)2.4% (15)629
Total Huacayas + Suris
 
012345678910-1415-1920 - 2930-4950+Response
Count
Total for all ages and genders0.5% (5)0.7% (6)2.2% (20)2.9% (27)2.4% (22)2.7% (25)4.8% (44)4.7% (43)5.7% (52)4.6% (42)19.4% (178)15.4% (141)15.8% (145)9.8% (90)8.4% (77)917

31. How many crias have been born to you (you own) in the past 12 months?
 answered question1,234
 
skipped question
209
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0
9.6%118
1
11.5%142
2
16.9%209
3
14.5%179
4
11.6%143
5
7.9%97
6-9
14.2%175
10-19
9.9%122
20-49
2.8%34
50+
1.2%15

32. Which of the following types of alpacas do you CURRENTLY own? (MARK ALL THAT APPLY)
 answered question1,254
 
skipped question
189
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Maiden breeding quality females
86.8%1,088
Adult breeding quality females
96.4%1,209
Junior herdsire quality males
83.8%1,051
Senior herdsire quality males
66.6%835
Non-breeding females (any age)
18.3%230
Non-breeding male (any age)
61.9%776

33. How many different alpaca farms have you purchased alpacas from?
 answered question1,253
 
skipped question
190
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0
0.5%6
1
15.1%189
2
23.0%288
3
17.8%223
4
14.3%179
5
8.5%107
6-9
14.1%177
10+
6.7%84

34. Have you ever purchased an alpaca without inspecting it in person (purchased sight unseen)?
 answered question1,249
 
skipped question
194
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
42.6%532
No
57.4%717

35. Have you ever bid on an alpaca. . .
 answered question1,258
 
skipped question
185
 YesNoResponse
Count
At a live auction you attended in person?36.4% (454)63.6% (794)1,248
By phone or fax to a live auction?11.0% (131)89.0% (1,063)1,194
Online during an Internet auction?8.9% (106)91.1% (1,086)1,192
On a website?6.4% (75)93.6% (1,104)1,179

36. Have you ever purchased an alpaca. . .
 answered question1,257
 
skipped question
186
 YesNoResponse
Count
At a live auction you attended in person?28.9% (359)71.1% (885)1,244
By phone or fax to a live auction?8.1% (96)91.9% (1,093)1,189
Online during an Internet auction?6.3% (74)93.8% (1,110)1,184
On a website?16.6% (195)83.4% (977)1,172

37. Have you ever consigned an alpaca to an auction?
 answered question1,255
 
skipped question
188
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
16.3%205
No
83.7%1,050

38. Do you plan to consign an alpaca to an auction in the next 12 months?
 answered question1,255
 
skipped question
188
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
19.8%248
No
36.3%455
Don't Know
44.0%552

39. How many alpacas have you sold in the past 12 months? (Include animals that you brokered)
 answered question1,244
 
skipped question
199
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0
49.9%621
1
9.1%113
2
8.6%107
3
5.7%71
4
4.9%61
5
4.1%51
6 - 9
8.8%109
10 - 19
6.0%75
20+
2.9%36

40. Compared to 2005, was your total revenue from alpaca sales in 2006:
 answered question1,000
 
skipped question
443
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Higher than 2005
39.2%392
Lower than 2005
21.1%211
About the same as 2005
39.7%397

41. How many alpacas do you plan to sell in the next 12 months?
 answered question1,224
 
skipped question
219
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0
14.2%174
1
11.1%136
2
21.2%259
3
14.9%182
4
10.4%127
5
7.4%90
6-9
11.4%139
10-19
6.7%82
20+
2.9%35

42. How many alpacas have you purchased in the past 12 months?
 answered question1,229
 
skipped question
214
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0
37.3%459
1
17.7%217
2
15.5%190
3
9.3%114
4
5.3%65
5
3.4%42
6-9
6.9%85
10 -19
3.3%41
20+
1.3%16

43. How many alpacas do you plan to buy in the next 12 months?
 answered question1,231
 
skipped question
212
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0
49.3%607
1
16.0%197
2
9.9%122
3
3.2%40
4
1.9%23
5
1.1%14
6-9
1.4%17
10-19
0.6%8
20+
0.2%3
Don't know
16.2%200

44. Compared to 3 or 4 years ago, do you think that alpaca prices now are:
 answered question1,253
 
skipped question
190
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Higher
21.4%268
Lower
22.8%286
About the same
42.2%529
Don't know
13.6%170

45. Compared to 2005, would you say that in 2006 you received more, fewer, or about the same number of inquiries from potential alpaca buyers?
 answered question1,021
 
skipped question
422
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
More in 2006
35.8%366
Fewer in 2006
24.4%249
About the same number in 2006
39.8%406

Page: Fiber & End Product
46. When you initially purchased alpacas, how important was having a supply of alpaca fiber that you could use for crafts (spinning, knitting, etc.) and creative projects to your decision to purchase alpacas?
 answered question1,244
 
skipped question
199
 Not Very ImportantNuetralVery ImportantRating
Average		Response
Count
Fiber Availability35.5% (442)9.3% (116)5.2% (65)2.3% (29)17.7% (220)5.1% (64)6.2% (77)5.7% (71)3.5% (44)9.3% (116)4.131,244

47. Which of the following types of activities have you (or someone in your household) engaged in during the past 12 months?
 answered question870
 
skipped question
573
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Spinning
50.9%443
Knitting
67.1%584
Weaving
24.9%217
Felting
49.4%430
Crocheting
36.2%315
Dyeing fiber
24.6%214
 Other (please specify)
10.7%93

48. In the past 12 months, which of the following have you done with your fleece...
 answered question1,039
 
skipped question
404
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Contributed fleece to a fiber Coop
24.2%251
Used a mill to process fleece into rovings or batts
38.3%398
Used a mill to process fleece into yarn
58.5%608
Spun yarn within my household
28.6%297
Sold fleece to spinners or craftors
46.9%487
Bartered fleece for yarn or end products/services
13.8%143
 Other (please specify)
19.3%201

49. In the next 12 months, what do you plan to do with your fleece? Do you plan to:
 answered question1,211
 
skipped question
232
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Contribute fleece to a fiber Coop
39.1%474
Use a mill to process fleece into rovings or batts
42.8%518
Use a mill to process fleece into yarn
71.0%860
Spin yarn within my household
30.4%368
Sell raw fleece to spinners or craftors
56.4%683
Barter fleece for yarn for end products/services
16.4%198
 Other (please specify)
11.3%137

50. In the past 12 months, have you purchased wholesale alpaca products for resale?
 answered question1,245
 
skipped question
198
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
42.1%524
No
57.9%721

51. In the past 12 months, have you sold alpaca products...
 answered question649
 
skipped question
794
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Wholesale?
14.2%92
Retail to consumers?
96.5%626

52. Do you currently have a fiber store? If so, please indicate which type(s) you operate. (Mark all that apply.)
 answered question1,212
 
skipped question
231
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
No fiber store
62.5%757
Farm store dedicated to alpaca products
20.9%253
Farm store with alpaca and non-alpaca products
6.4%77
Retail store dedicated to alpaca products
2.1%26
Retail store with alpaca and non-alpaca products
2.6%32
Online store dedicated to alpaca products
9.5%115
Online store with alpaca and non-alpaca products
3.1%38
Booth at festivals
23.0%279
 Other (please specify)
6.1%74

53. Do you think AOBA should spend (more, less, or about the same) amount of it's marketing and advertising budget promoting alpaca fiber and apparel to consumers?
 answered question1,248
 
skipped question
195
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
More
65.0%811
Less
1.0%13
About the Same
18.5%231
Don't Know
15.5%193

Page: Farm Marketing
54. Please rate the effectiveness of the following advertising/marketing. If you have not done it, please mark "Never Used"
 answered question1,234
 
skipped question
209
 Very IneffectiveNeutralVery EffectiveNever UsedRating
Average		Response
Count
AOBA Farm & Ranch Guide6.4% (78)3.6% (44)3.1% (38)1.6% (20)11.3% (139)3.8% (47)4.6% (57)7.5% (92)2.8% (34)7.1% (87)48.2% (591)5.741,227
Alpacas Magazine - Regular Issue3.2% (39)1.8% (22)2.1% (25)1.3% (16)6.7% (81)2.1% (26)4.3% (52)5.4% (66)2.5% (31)6.4% (78)64.2% (782)6.271,218
Alpacas Magazine - Herdsire Edition3.0% (37)1.9% (23)1.7% (21)1.2% (15)7.0% (85)2.1% (25)3.4% (41)4.0% (49)1.5% (18)3.6% (44)70.6% (861)5.761,219
AOBA Leads Program3.7% (45)1.3% (16)1.9% (23)1.0% (12)5.9% (72)1.7% (21)2.4% (29)1.9% (23)2.1% (26)3.3% (40)74.7% (905)5.541,212
Personal Farm Website(s)1.6% (19)1.9% (23)2.1% (25)1.5% (18)5.8% (70)4.4% (53)7.4% (89)11.0% (133)11.1% (134)20.5% (248)32.9% (398)7.701,210
Commercial Website(s) 1.9% (23)1.4% (17)1.3% (16)0.9% (11)5.4% (65)2.9% (35)4.5% (54)8.6% (104)10.2% (123)19.1% (231)43.9% (532)7.821,211
Offline Auctions2.1% (25)0.9% (11)0.7% (9)0.4% (5)4.4% (53)0.9% (11)1.4% (17)2.0% (24)2.6% (31)4.5% (54)80.0% (962)6.481,202
Online Auctions2.7% (32)0.7% (8)1.2% (14)0.8% (10)4.3% (52)1.7% (21)1.1% (13)1.4% (17)0.7% (9)1.4% (17)83.9% (1,009)5.151,202
Farm Magazine Ads4.6% (55)2.0% (24)3.6% (43)2.0% (24)8.1% (98)2.9% (35)4.1% (50)3.6% (43)4.0% (48)3.4% (41)61.7% (744)5.561,205
National Magazine Ads2.2% (27)1.3% (16)1.2% (15)1.0% (12)5.9% (71)1.6% (19)2.7% (33)2.7% (32)2.3% (28)3.3% (40)75.7% (914)6.011,207
Local Newspaper Ads3.6% (44)2.2% (27)1.3% (16)1.7% (21)5.5% (66)3.2% (39)4.4% (53)4.8% (58)5.6% (67)5.4% (65)62.2% (751)6.321,207
National Newspaper Ads1.5% (18)0.8% (10)0.7% (8)0.5% (6)4.4% (53)1.0% (12)0.9% (11)1.3% (16)1.7% (20)1.4% (17)85.8% (1,033)5.721,204
Television Ads1.2% (14)0.3% (4)0.7% (8)0.6% (7)2.1% (25)1.6% (19)1.4% (17)2.6% (31)2.6% (31)5.8% (70)81.3% (983)7.341,209
E-Mail2.6% (31)1.3% (16)1.7% (20)1.5% (18)6.3% (76)4.5% (54)5.7% (69)8.0% (96)8.2% (99)10.3% (124)50.0% (602)7.101,205
Direct Mail3.0% (35)1.9% (22)2.1% (25)1.6% (19)5.7% (67)3.6% (43)4.7% (55)5.8% (68)5.3% (63)4.9% (58)61.5% (727)6.371,182
On Farm Events1.7% (21)1.5% (18)1.7% (21)1.1% (13)3.8% (46)2.7% (32)5.1% (61)7.4% (89)9.9% (119)16.5% (198)48.6% (585)7.741,203
Off Farm Events (non-shows)1.3% (15)2.2% (26)2.0% (24)1.6% (19)6.1% (73)3.9% (46)5.4% (65)8.3% (99)8.5% (102)8.5% (101)52.2% (623)7.071,193
Alpaca Shows2.3% (28)2.9% (35)2.5% (31)2.2% (27)6.6% (80)6.3% (77)7.8% (95)11.2% (136)14.3% (174)19.1% (233)24.8% (302)7.431,218
Non-Alpaca Events2.0% (24)2.0% (24)2.5% (30)3.0% (35)7.7% (91)5.3% (63)4.7% (55)6.1% (72)5.8% (68)4.5% (53)56.4% (665)6.291,180
Alpaca Affiliate Websites3.6% (43)2.6% (31)2.7% (33)1.9% (23)8.5% (103)6.5% (78)5.5% (66)8.2% (99)6.7% (81)8.3% (100)45.5% (549)6.491,206
Alpaca Affiliate Newsletter Paid Ads2.4% (29)1.3% (15)1.9% (23)1.3% (15)5.5% (66)2.7% (32)3.3% (40)2.7% (32)2.8% (33)2.9% (35)73.3% (877)5.921,197
PR/press releases1.9% (23)1.2% (15)1.3% (16)1.2% (15)4.6% (55)2.8% (34)3.9% (47)4.2% (51)5.1% (61)5.2% (63)68.4% (822)6.731,202
Your Own Farm Newsletter1.8% (22)0.3% (4)0.8% (9)0.6% (7)3.3% (39)0.9% (11)1.4% (17)1.8% (21)1.5% (18)3.0% (36)84.6% (1,011)6.281,195
Other form of advertising not listed1.6% (18)0.4% (4)0.6% (7)0.6% (7)5.6% (63)2.0% (22)1.8% (20)2.1% (23)2.1% (23)4.2% (47)79.1% (883)6.511,117

55. Which of the following parts of the AOBA National Marketing Program are you using DURING the current 2007 calendar year? (Mark all that apply.)
 answered question1,199
 
skipped question
244
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Farm & Ranch Guide full listing (1/3 page, printed & web directories)
19.9%239
Farm & Ranch Guide basic listing (printed directory & web listing)
14.8%178
Farm & Ranch Guide web only listing (web directory)
7.0%84
AOBA leads program
13.8%166
Alpaca in AOBA auction
3.1%37
None of the Above
56.9%682

56. During 2006 how much did you spend on the following types of marketing and advertising activities?
 answered question1,195
 
skipped question
248
 $0$1-$99$100-$499$500 - $999$1,000 - $4,999$5,000 - $9,999$10,000+Response
Count
Printing and Direct Mail53.4% (590)13.3% (147)20.3% (224)7.4% (82)4.3% (48)0.5% (5)0.7% (8)1,104
Email ads76.9% (805)9.4% (98)8.5% (89)3.4% (36)1.2% (13)0.2% (2)0.4% (4)1,047
Commerical & personal websites29.9% (340)7.0% (80)35.5% (404)16.8% (191)8.9% (101)1.6% (18)0.4% (4)1,138
Newspaper, catalog & magazine ads55.2% (612)7.3% (81)14.9% (165)9.7% (108)10.2% (113)1.7% (19)1.0% (11)1,109
Consultants and promotion services84.5% (880)2.4% (25)6.8% (71)2.4% (25)2.4% (25)1.1% (11)0.4% (4)1,041

57. How many alpaca shows have you attended in the past 12 months?
 answered question1,241
 
skipped question
202
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0
11.0%136
1
17.2%213
2
20.5%254
3
19.0%236
4
11.8%146
5
6.8%85
6
6.3%78
7
2.3%28
8
2.3%29
9
0.6%7
10+
2.3%29

58. How much would you estimate you have spent in the past 12 months on farm event/show expenses (including cost of registration, pens, show fees, travel and lodging)?
 answered question1,203
 
skipped question
240
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
$0
13.1%157
$1-$99
2.7%32
$100-$499
12.2%147
$500-$999
16.3%196
$1,000-$2,999
25.4%305
$3,000-$4,999
12.6%152
$5,000-$9,999
11.4%137
$10,000+
6.4%77

Page: AOBA
59. Please indicate how much you agree or disagree with the following statements.
 answered question1,368
 
skipped question
75
 Strongly DisagreeNeutralStrongly AgreeN/A or Don't KnowRating
Average		Response
Count
AOBA membership is a good value3.4% (47)3.2% (44)4.0% (54)4.0% (54)17.7% (242)6.9% (94)9.3% (127)15.7% (214)9.0% (123)23.1% (315)3.8% (52)6.961,366
AOBA is a world class organization2.9% (40)1.5% (20)2.4% (33)3.1% (42)17.7% (240)6.2% (84)9.4% (128)13.4% (182)12.2% (165)24.5% (333)6.7% (91)7.281,358
AOBA communicates well with me3.5% (48)2.8% (38)3.8% (52)3.9% (53)14.0% (190)6.4% (87)10.2% (138)16.9% (229)14.1% (191)20.6% (280)3.7% (50)7.111,356

60. Please rate your satisfaction with the following:
 answered question1,367
 
skipped question
76
 Very UnsatisfiedNeutralVery SatisfiedDon't KnowRating
Average		Response
Count
Overall satisfaction with AOBA2.9% (39)2.9% (39)4.4% (60)5.2% (70)18.1% (246)6.6% (90)10.6% (144)15.4% (209)11.9% (162)17.8% (241)4.1% (56)6.841,356
AOBA Office Staff 0.8% (11)1.3% (18)1.2% (16)1.4% (19)20.1% (271)3.1% (42)8.2% (111)10.9% (147)10.5% (142)20.6% (278)21.9% (295)7.381,350
AOBA Board of Directors4.1% (55)3.7% (50)2.8% (37)3.6% (49)22.2% (298)3.9% (52)6.1% (82)8.2% (110)8.7% (117)11.7% (158)25.1% (337)6.301,345
AOBA Marketing Committee2.8% (37)1.6% (21)2.5% (34)3.5% (47)19.0% (255)6.3% (85)8.0% (107)12.1% (162)11.5% (154)12.8% (172)20.0% (269)6.801,343
AOBA National Marketing Programs (all marketing)3.4% (46)1.9% (25)3.0% (41)4.5% (60)17.1% (230)7.6% (102)8.8% (118)12.7% (171)11.5% (155)11.7% (158)17.8% (240)6.681,346
AOBA Farm & Ranch Guide Program8.1% (110)4.1% (55)4.0% (54)5.0% (68)15.4% (208)6.1% (83)8.4% (113)8.9% (120)10.1% (136)16.1% (217)13.8% (186)6.301,350
AOBA Show Committee3.8% (51)2.5% (34)4.5% (60)3.1% (42)18.8% (253)5.2% (70)6.9% (93)11.8% (159)10.4% (140)14.3% (193)18.8% (253)6.631,348
AOBA Education Committee2.3% (31)1.3% (18)2.8% (37)3.1% (42)22.1% (296)6.5% (87)8.0% (107)9.9% (133)9.7% (130)12.4% (166)21.7% (291)6.681,338
Alpacas Magazine3.0% (41)2.0% (27)1.5% (20)1.9% (26)8.4% (114)4.3% (58)8.4% (114)11.9% (160)17.2% (232)35.6% (481)5.7% (77)7.981,350
AOBA Websites2.5% (33)2.4% (32)3.4% (45)2.5% (34)12.6% (168)7.8% (104)10.0% (134)14.9% (199)16.6% (222)21.5% (288)5.9% (79)7.341,338
AOBA National Conferences2.0% (26)1.7% (23)1.7% (23)2.4% (32)17.8% (235)3.9% (51)5.8% (77)8.1% (107)9.9% (131)12.9% (171)33.8% (447)6.891,323
Development of US Alpaca Industry3.6% (48)2.7% (37)4.3% (58)5.7% (77)13.4% (181)8.6% (116)10.2% (137)15.7% (211)10.8% (145)10.8% (145)14.2% (191)6.591,346
Development of US Fiber Industry11.4% (153)9.5% (128)10.2% (137)9.8% (131)13.0% (175)8.7% (117)6.7% (90)7.9% (106)4.0% (54)4.8% (65)13.9% (187)4.791,343

Page: AOBA National Conferences
61. How many AOBA National Conferences (summer or winter) have you attended?
 answered question1,363
 
skipped question
80
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0
54.6%744
1
15.2%207
2
7.6%103
3
5.5%75
4
4.2%57
5+
13.0%177

62. How many people from your farm plan to attend the 2007 Summer Nationals in Louisville, KY?
 answered question1,362
 
skipped question
81
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
0 Don't plan to attend
63.0%858
1
12.6%171
2
19.3%263
3
2.7%37
4
1.8%24
5+
0.9%12

Page: Demographic Information
63. Thinking about your decision to purchase alpaces, what was the role played by members of your household in the decision process to purchase alpacas?
 answered question1,341
 
skipped question
102
 Male Head of HouseholdFemale Head of HHOther Adult in HHOther Adult Outside HH Response
Count
Initiated the purchase decision44.1% (587)73.5% (979)3.2% (42)1.9% (25)1,332
Provided input during the decison process67.0% (879)73.2% (959)6.4% (84)6.9% (91)1,311
Recommended purchase50.8% (644)76.2% (966)4.9% (62)6.4% (81)1,268
Made final decision to purchase alpacas64.8% (853)78.7% (1,036)4.2% (55)2.4% (31)1,317
Handled financial arrangements for purchase55.4% (729)67.4% (886)2.8% (37)1.4% (19)1,315

64. What is the sex of the person responding to this survey?
 answered question1,360
 
skipped question
83
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Male
29.8%405
Female
70.2%955

65. What is the age of the person responding to this survey?
 answered question1,356
 
skipped question
87
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Under 18 0.0%0
19 - 24
0.1%2
25 - 29
0.2%3
30 - 34
1.5%21
35 - 39
5.2%70
40 - 44
13.4%182
45 - 49
17.8%242
50 - 54
22.7%308
55 - 59
18.1%245
60 - 64
12.3%167
65 - 69
6.2%84
70+
2.4%32

66. What is the last grade of school you completed?
 answered question1,355
 
skipped question
88
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
8th grade or less 0.0%0
Some high school
0.5%7
Graduated high school
7.7%105
Trade or technical school
5.0%68
Some college
24.6%333
Graduated college
36.1%489
Post-graduate school
24.1%327
 Other (please specify)
1.9%26

67. What is your current employment status?
 answered question1,357
 
skipped question
86
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Working full time outside your home
39.7%539
Working part time outside your home
8.3%113
Working full or part time in a home-based business
11.3%153
Working full time as an alpaca farmer
25.0%339
Retired/ working part time as an alpaca farmer
12.9%175
Unemployed/seeking employment
1.5%21
Unemployed/disabled
1.3%17

68. In what kind of business are you employed or were you employed prior to becoming an alpaca farmer?
 answered question1,341
 
skipped question
102
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Medical
14.8%199
Education
12.7%170
Alpacas full-time
1.2%16
Business Services
6.7%90
Manufacturing
7.8%105
Construction
5.4%73
Trans/Comm/Utilities
2.2%29
Retail
6.3%84
Finance
3.6%48
Government
7.3%98
Marketing/Advertising
4.1%55
Food Services
1.1%15
Animal Medicine
1.6%22
Repair/Parts
0.7%10
Military
2.3%31
Wholesale
1.3%18
Trade
0.8%11
Real Estate
3.3%44
Computers
7.2%97
Legal/Law
2.1%28
Aviation
2.0%27
Other technology
2.8%37
Landscaping
0.7%10
Insurance
2.7%36
Farming (non-alpaca)
3.4%45
Pharmacy
0.7%9
Financial Services
2.2%30
Student
0.4%5
 Other (please specify)
18.3%245

69. Prior to raising alpacas, please indicate whether you have ever been involved in any of the following activities.
 answered question1,353
 
skipped question
90
 YesNoResponse
Count
Raised crops commercially 16.0% (61)84.0% (320)381
Bred/sold commercial livestock 56.8% (171)43.2% (130)301
Bred/sold exotic animals 11.6% (29)88.4% (220)249
Bred/sold domestic animals/pets 28.9% (237)71.1% (584)821

70. How would you describe yourself in terms of your knowledge about computer technology? Would you say you are:
 answered question1,366
 
skipped question
77
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Very knowlegeable
25.5%349
Somewhat knowlegeable
55.9%763
Not too knowlegeable
17.0%232
Not at all knowlegeable
1.6%22

71. Do you have a DSL or other high speed computer connection?
 answered question1,360
 
skipped question
83
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Yes
77.6%1,055
No
22.4%305

72. How often do you personally use the following types of equipment within your household?
 answered question1,365
 
skipped question
78
 FrequentlySometimesRarelyNever usedRating
Average		Response
Count
PC with Windows 2000 or older17.2% (150)9.5% (83)24.4% (212)48.9% (425)3.05870
PC with Windows 2003, XP or newer88.9% (1,163)4.8% (63)1.1% (14)5.2% (68)1.231,308
MAC11.9% (120)2.9% (29)7.1% (71)78.1% (785)3.511,005
Internet dial up 29.6% (301)7.4% (75)23.8% (242)39.3% (400)2.731,018
Internet high speed76.1% (920)4.1% (50)2.6% (31)17.2% (208)1.611,209
Internet wireless50.1% (553)9.7% (107)5.5% (61)34.7% (383)2.251,104
VHS tape player17.3% (197)33.0% (375)35.1% (399)14.7% (167)2.471,138
DVD player58.1% (763)33.2% (436)6.3% (83)2.4% (32)1.531,314
CD player54.0% (694)35.7% (458)9.0% (116)1.2% (16)1.571,284
Handheld computer (Palm, iPod, iPac, Blackberry, etc.)23.3% (275)10.5% (124)10.8% (127)55.5% (655)2.981,181

Page: Financial Information
73. How would you classify your alpaca venture? Mark all that apply.
 answered question1,347
 
skipped question
96
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Just investigating the industry
4.4%59
Hobby
7.3%98
Professional/Business
88.6%1,194
 Other (please specify)
6.2%83

74. How would you describe your farm?
 answered question1,362
 
skipped question
81
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
Not started
6.1%83
Growing
74.2%1,010
Mature
13.9%189
Downsizing
5.9%80

75. How would you classify revenue from your alpaca farm?
 answered question1,336
 
skipped question
107
 Response
Percent		Response
Count
The sole source of income for your household
1.9%26
A primary source of income
3.4%46
A significant source of income
8.5%114
A supplemental source of income
43.6%583
Provides no income to your household
42.4%567

76. Please indicate below the approximate gross dollar amount generated by each the following activities on your farm in 2006.
 answered question1,231
 
skipped question
212
 $0$1-$499$500-$999$1,000-$4,999$5,000-$9,999$10,000-$24,999$25,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000+Don't knowRating
Average		Response
Count
Breeding Stock Sales56.7% (680)0.4% (5)0.7% (8)2.3% (27)2.8% (34)11.9% (143)9.7% (116)7.3% (88)6.3% (75)2.0% (24)3.571,200
Non-Breeding Stock Sales70.2% (811)4.0% (46)6.8% (79)14.0% (162)1.5% (17)0.8% (9)0.3% (3)0.0% (0)0.0% (0)2.5% (29)1.941,156
Stud Services62.0% (735)1.2% (14)2.3% (27)16.4% (194)7.0% (83)6.0% (71)1.5% (18)1.3% (15)0.3% (4)2.1% (25)2.521,186
Boarding/Agisting70.8% (817)5.5% (63)3.6% (42)9.8% (113)4.2% (49)2.5% (29)1.0% (12)0.3% (3)0.0% (0)2.3% (26)2.001,154
Raw Fiber Sales55.6% (650)31.4% (367)6.7% (78)3.3% (38)0.3% (4)0.3% (3)0.2% (2)0.0% (0)0.0% (0)2.3% (27)1.791,169
Finished Alpaca Products - Retail Sales52.1% (623)16.7% (199)7.7% (92)14.0% (167)3.6% (43)2.4% (29)0.5% (6)0.5% (6)0.4% (5)2.1% (25)2.291,195
Finished Alpaca Products - Wholesale Sales87.7% (994)4.7% (53)2.2% (25)1.2% (14)0.4% (4)0.5% (6)0.4% (4)0.1% (1)0.3% (3)2.6% (30)1.461,134
Other Industry Related Products81.9% (917)6.9% (77)2.6% (29)2.1% (23)1.0% (11)0.7% (8)0.2% (2)0.2% (2)0.1% (1)4.4% (49)1.681,119
Other Industry Related Services79.3% (884)5.2% (58)2.8% (31)4.6% (51)1.2% (13)1.3% (15)1.0% (11)0.3% (3)0.1% (1)4.3% (48)1.831,115