Snowmass Matrix (photo credit: Snowmass Alpacas)
Last year, Snowmass Alpacas did not hold their annual auction. When I asked as to why, this is what Julie Skinner responded:
The sale was postponed for several reasons. The main being that we felt there were too many auctions held this past year putting a real strain on the overall market. Also Auctions have become more of a sale venue for average to poor quality alpacas. With the strain on the economy we felt this was a good year to not hold our sale.
In February, the auction resumes and as usual, lot 07 is reserved for the showcase of the event. In this case, that spot is reserved for Snowmass Matrix, perhaps the most famous son of Snowmass Quechua. I’m in more than a bit of suspense to see who bids on him, who wins him, and just how much it takes given this economic climate and the depressed prices we’ve seen for alpacas recently.
One thing I know for sure, if Matrix is being put up for sale, the son who is succeeding him in the Snowmass breeding program must be a stunner.
As an owner of an incredible Snowmass Matrix herd sire, Snowmass Royal Destiny XX, I really hope he commands his true value. The lingering fineness of that bloodline is spectacular. We’ve had our boy skin biopsied and what most people don’t realize is that this fine fleeced line is also in the top half a percent for density. That’s an elite combo especially since it’s been effective from white to gray. Talk about improving the American herd.
I’ll be watching, that’s for sure! I believe lingering fineness is becoming recognized as an increasingly important trait.
The results are in and Matrix sold for a whopping $675,000. Pocket change for someone. That was good news for us. I hope it draws more breeders to Snowmass Royal Destiny XX.