About STAR
The State of Texas Alpaca Ranchers (STAR) was founded in 2005 as a Non-profit 501(c)5 Organization. An affiliate of AOBA (Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association) it consists of group of alpaca ranchers who share common interests, challenges and goals in raising Alpacas as livestock for agriculture fiber. In 2009 the Board of Directors voted to open membership opportunities to non-farm members. Our Mission Statement reflects this.
STAR Mission Statement:
To provide a resource for Texas alpaca ranchers, enthusiasts and others who care for alpacas, to improve public awareness, education and growth in the livestock and fiber industry, focusing on the unique qualities of alpacas within Texas agriculture.
Purpose as stated in the Articles of Incorporation:
State Of Texas Alpaca Ranchers is formed to increase public awareness of Alpacas, and the Alpaca product industry; to support educational and informational activities to increase public awareness of Alpacas and Alpaca products; to provide a forum for member Alpaca ranches to discuss Alpaca impacting legislation, rules and regulations of industry governing bodies; to sponsor reports, meetings and workshops for Alpaca ranchers on Alpaca industry topics including educational seminars; conduct shows and events showcasing Texas bred, raised and owned Alpacas; seek sources of funding for Texas Alpaca breeders and Alpaca product producers within Texas; promote Texas as a premier Alpaca breeding state within North America; be affiliated with such national organizations as appropriate to promote the growth and marketing capabilities of Texas Alpaca breeders.
Committees:
Opportunities are open to any Farm Member to participate in any of the following committees
1. Farm & Ranch Division
2. Education Committee
3. Show & Fiber Committee
4. Membership Committee
5. Marketing Committee
6. Communications Committee
Farm & Ranch Division:
The STAR Farm and Ranch Division will gather, compile, and disseminate information concerning the fundamental design, implementation, and continuing operations of alpaca ranching in Texas. The mission of the Farm and Ranch Division is to assist our members and those who provide them with goods and services to understand our unique challenges.
The mission of the Farm and Ranch Division is to assist our members and those who provide them with goods and services to understand our unique challenges. Proper agricultural set up of paddocks, fencing, and pastures are common and significant to all Texas alpaca ranchers. The STAR Farm and Ranch Division will gather, compile, and disseminate information concerning the fundamental design, implementation, and continuing operations of alpaca ranching in Texas.
Education Committee:
The STAR Education Committee is responsible for providing education opportunities for its members through seminars, workshops and clinics. It also has taken a proactive role in providing education specific to Alpacas to students of veterinary medicine as well as to practicing veterinarians and has partnered with Southwest Veterinary Symposium and Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and continues to pursue additional resources to benefit the Alpaca ranchers and owners in Texas. It works closely with Communications.
Show & Fiber Committee:
The STAR Show & Fiber Committee provides members an avenue to showcase their alpaca and the many uses of alpaca fiber through promotional events, shows and competitions. It works closely with Marketing and Communications.
Membership Committee:
The Membership Committee keeps accurate record of all members. It works toward providing Members with information about STAR benefits available to them and works toward recruiting new members. It is also charged with the collection of nominations for upcoming elections and the coordination of Volunteers. It works closely with the Communications and Marketing.
Marketing Committee:
The STAR Marketing Committee is responsible for the development of promotional and marketing materials and also coordinating events with other committees and to assist in promoting those events through various media resources (ie: Web site, advertising etc.)
Communication Committee:
The STAR Communication Committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining regular communication with all members through printed or emailed newsletters, web site or other form of communication as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. Information disseminated by the Communication Committee is provided through various resources including AOBA, ARI, ARF and STAR Members.