2019 Seminars

 

Interested in raising alpacas for yourself, or do you already have some and want to learn more?

 

Attend a FREE seminar at the show!  Here is a list of our 2019 Seminars. See if any spike an interest!

 

SATURDAY:

9:00 – 10:00 am - “DISCUSSION ON VARIOUS ALPACA HEALTH AND BREEDING ISSUES”

Dr. Lynn Peterson from Kettle Hills Veterinary Services will discuss some issues.  He graduated from Purdue University of Veterinary Medicine in 1989 and moved to Hartford, WI were he established his practice.  He has been treating alpacas for over 17 years and enjoys teaching about them.

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10:30 – 11:30 am – “LEARN ABOUT FIBER SORTING”

“What grade of fiber is your animal?” There are three methods of determining grading. Know the different methods of sorting.  Learn the history and have a better understanding of your herd.  Grades of fiber and what are best products made from that grade.  Bring one of your alpaca fleeces to be graded and have a better understanding of your own breeding program.  Georgia Meyer of Silver Creek Alpaca is one of seventeen “Certified Sorters” in the United States. She has sorted over 1000 alpaca fleeces.  Georgia has produced her brand of socks” Alpaca Tundra Socks- made here in Wisconsin.

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12:30 – 1:30 pm - “ALPACA 101-FOR THE BEGINNER OR THOSE THINKING OF STARTING”

This seminar is an introductory walk into alpaca species, animal husbandry and general information on what is required in getting started in the alpaca business. We will discuss the kinds of alpacas, farm requirements, histograms and the AOA EPD program and what to do with the fiber.  Bring your questions.  This seminar is presented by Jim Konyn of Hums of Faith Suris. He has owned alpacas since 2006 and is President of the Great Lakes Alpaca Association.

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2:00 – 3:00 pm - “THE BUSINESS OF FIBER- IS IT FOR YOU?”

Learn about alpaca fiber from Christian Davies of C & M Acres Fiber Mill located in Maxwell, Iowa.  He and his wife, Michelle raise both huacaya and suri alpacas.  They are very involved in the alpaca industry including showing, breeding stock, fiber processing, fiber arts and providing educational seminars.  In 2012 they started their fiber mill and can handle all processing steps in house.  They process all types of fiber into rovings, bumps, batts, felt and yarn.

This seminar is an in-depth look at fiber as a business.

Covering:

• What does it take to make a fiber business?

• What does it take to make a profit with you fiber?

• Pricing, costs, and hopefully profit. An in-depth look at the business side of fiber.

• Marketing. Once you have the products, the work really begins. How do you market your fiber business.

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SUNDAY:

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8:30-10:00 am – "Alpaca Owners Association Update adn Q/A Session"

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Join Bud Synhorst, AOA Executive Director, as he informs us about all the exiting things that's happening in

AOA. There will be time to ask questions to better understand what's new and where we are going.

 

 

 

10:30 – 11:30 am – “FIBER PROCESSING 101”

Learn about alpaca fiber from Christian Davies of C & M Acres Fiber Mill located in Maxwell, Iowa.  He and his wife, Michelle raise both huacaya and suri alpacas.  They are very involved in the alpaca industry including showing, breeding stock, fiber processing, fiber arts and providing educational seminars.  In 2012 they started their fiber mill and can handle all processing steps in house.  They process all types of fiber into rovings, bumps, batts, felt and yarn.

An overview of the mechanics of fiber processing from bag to finished products. A look at self processing and mill processing.

• Hand processing:  All the steps needed to make products and all the products that come out of the process and what equipment is required or needed?

• Mill processing: Overview of the process a mill goes through to make products from your fiber.

Hand processing vs mill processing: Why one or the other?

 

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