Seminars

Are you interested in learning more about the business of raising alpacas? Or do you already have alpacas and want to learn more about caring for them, the various income streams available, and finding ways to use their valuable fiber to sustain a profitable business? These free seminars will introduce you to the business of breeding alpacas, how to care for them and how to process their fiber.

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Saturday, April 27, 2024

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• 8:30-10 a.m. – "Alpaca Health and Nutrition," Dr. Raul Landeo. The session will focus on health issues encountered by those raising alpacas. Bring your questions. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Landeo, who grew up in Lima, Peru, practices at Lodi Veterinary Group. He and his wife, Brook, own Hillsboro Alpaca Ranch.
   

• 10:30 a.m.-noon – "How Sorting Maximizes your Fleece Production," Georgia Meyer. Learn the different ways you can use the fiber from your alpacas. She'll explain the difference between the blanket (firsts), neck (seconds), and leg and belly fleece (thirds). She'll talk about going for rovings to yarn to finished wearable garments. Georgia started with the purchase of several alpacas where she learned about the value of their fleece. This led to her becoming a certified sorter. She then went on to get her own line of socks. 
   

• 12:30-2 p.m. – "Parasites, Good Practices and Prevention," Dr. Don Bliss. Dr. Bliss will share valuable information on our fight against parasites. The owner/operator of Mid America Research, Dr. Bliss has authored several publications using the research and testing he uses in his company. Mid America conducts laboratory work for producers across North America and specializes in fecal worm counts.
   

• 2:30-4 p.m. – "Fiber Processing: Putting (and Keeping) Money in Your Pocket," Jessie and Dirk Monson. Learn how to maximize your return from fiber processing. The couple has been involved in the alpaca industry for 10 years, both as fiber producers and fiber processors. They founded Yarn Factory in 2020, just south of Fargo, North Dakota, working with all animal producers to add value turning raw fiber into yarn and finished consumer products.
  
  ​Sunday, April 28, 2024

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• 8:00-9:30 a.m. – "Fiber Processing Demystified," Rachel Boucher. You will learn basic information on what fiber processing entails, in addition to tips on how to get the most bang for your buck. Raising alpacas and processing fiber since 2004, Rachel has expanded her expertise to include fine wools, mohair and other blends of fine fibers.
   

• 10-11:30 a.m. – "Alpaca 101: From Start up to Championships," Kevin Stoer. Kevin will delve into what it takes to be successful raising alpacas. He will discuss the many important areas owners run into while on their alpaca journey. Bring your questions or concerns about breeding alpacas. Kevin, who has a degree in educational psychology and worked as a school counselor, was an FFA advisor/coach for 21 years. He started London Dairy Alpacas in 1996, converting his family's farm from dairy to alpacas. He is a certified state camelid judge, and currently president of the Great Lakes Alpaca Association.

 

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