For the sake of simplicity, let me call the current hybrids 2HDS 1 (2 parent-line Hybrid Dragon Silk, v. 1). The eggs were delivered to Vietnam in January of 2023. By the end of the year, GSS had only managed to produce the ‘small’ production batch we have estimated at 25 kilos. KBLB knows perfectly well there is no future in 2HDS 1. They produced this batch simply to work out all of the kinks in production: ensure Prodigy can deliver eggs; GSS can raise them in spring/fall conditions; silk reeling and finishing can be done.
KBLB also knows a better version of DS is going to be available this Spring. Why do I say this is DS? Because that is what they promised Kings. So, BAM 1 could be called 2HDS 2 (2 parent-line Hybrid Dragon Silk, v. 2). The eggs will be shipped to Prodigy as soon as they are available. Prodigy will ramp up the breeding pool. Prodigy will begin providing BAM 1 eggs to GSS for production. Production will be increased as quickly as Prodigy and GSS can do so.
People have read the word ‘also’ to mean something that Thompson clearly did not indicate. Here is the full quote:
“Kraig Labs expects this center will serve as a central location for collaboration with the VSA and LAREC to enhance sericulture in Vietnam. The Company anticipates this facility will also serve as the distribution and collection hub for the resulting recombinant spider silk fibers, yarns, and fabrics.”
Center purpose 1: Collaboration location with VSA & LAREC
Center purpose 2: Collection and distribution hub for silk fibers, yarns, and fabrics.
It makes no sense to set up another silkworm farm in Lam Dong. There are plenty of farms in the area, KBLB’s capital is better spent on things needed to make Spydasilk operate and allow existing silkworm farms to grow 2HDS 2 when KBLB can provide the eggs.
Although Prodigy has a considerable capacity to produce eggs, by now shareholders should have an appreciation for the fact that not all eggs are worthwhile. It will take quite a bit of time for Prodigy to ramp up to a situation where they are supplying eggs for a metric kilo/month production level.
Fortunately there are only 132 days until the end of June, so it won’t be long before we determine who is correct. That is less than 3 full-term breeding cycles.
Good luck. You’re gonna need it.