SATURDAY
8:00 Breakfast and Introductions
9:00 Overview of the Alpaca Industry and Market
A review of the history of the alpaca and globalization of the alpaca industry and market, the present market and the likely evolution of the industry in the future. Focus on Identifying trends and niches that new breeder can pursue in order to increase success
10:30 Break
10:45 Animal Care and Herd Management
Basics of animal husbandry and importance of environment, nutrition, and preventive care in optimizing alpaca health and value
12:15 Lunch & Social
Local gourmet cuisine and beverages. Opportunity to explore the farm and visit the animals. Personalized assistance available during this time
1:00 Breeding to Maximize Herd Improvement and Optimize Fiber quality
To be a successful breeder, one must understand the critical importance of genetics, including the use of simple genetic theory (heritable traits, prepotence, homozygosity) and selection to continuously improve each generation
2:15 Alpaca Selection Theory
Illustrating the most desirable phenotypic trait, ways to identify them, and why they are important
3:15 Break
3:30 Hands-On Session: Alpaca and Fiber Evaluation
Hands on session in the barn! Evaluate the alpacas and assess fiber. See examples of herd improvement achieved through thoughtful breeding.
5:00 Individualized Assistance- Relax and Unwind
6:00 Dinner
During and after dinner we will be available to assist participants develop their business plans. Additionally, we will be available on Sunday for participants who want additional assistance. These are the elective topics for Sunday morning...you could even choose to do more hands-on with animals and fleece.
SUNDAY- In addition to the seminar topics below, we will host our HERDSIRE OPEN HOUSE. This open house is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!!
8:15 Breakfast Country fare!
These are the elective topics for Sunday morning...you could even choose to do more hands-on with animals and fleece.
The group as a whole who stays for Sunday may choose two of these topics to be run-up until 12.30pm
"The Alpaca Market Place."
Understanding the current market place and what the future might show. An analysis of trends and what niche a new breeder might pursue to brand their farm.
"Understanding Genetics."
To be a successful alpaca breeder people must understand genetics. Simple genetics theory including insights into prepotence, homozygosity and heritable traits will be discussed to illustrate what it is that makes a good alpaca, from the inside!
"Alpaca Selection Theory."
A presentation that aims to illustrate the most desirable phenotypic traits of an alpaca. Ways to identify them and why they are so important.
"Breeding for Gain"
A serious look at breeding systems, record keeping and evaluation. This is possibly where the thrivers are separated from the survivors!
"Putting Money in the Bank!"
Sales and marketing can be a very intimidating process for many people. Here is a chance to learn from Tim who has sold many alpaca breeders world wide. A no holds barred session guaranteed to motivate you.
"Showing For Success"
Jude has judged alpacas in the show ring now for many years and has judged at all the major shows all over the alpaca world. She gives insights and hints from personal experience of how to prepare and conduct yourself for showing alpacas.
"Why do we Farm Alpacas."
A Global perspective. Tim takes you through world alpaca trends and analyses why alpaca is farmed and the importance of it as a textile in the world market place.
"Alpaca Business Planning"
Tim takes you through the nuances of planning an alpaca business.
"Making the Fiber of the Future"
Tim takes you through his very popular presentation on making alpacas that will take you into the future. He denounces many myths in the industry as well as gives you tools to make a future out of alpaca farming.
"Alpaca Farm Management"
Tim and Anita take you through the process of starting and running an alpaca farm. This covers everything from barn design to pasture management, fencing, nutrition, husbandry and herd management soft ware.
"Making The Fiber Of The Future"
Tim takes you through his very popular presentation on making alpacas that will take you into the future. He denounces many myths in the industry as well as gives you tools to make a future out of alpaca farming. |
