News
WABA Onevoice update May 2006
The Heart of the Valley Alpaca Show and Sale 2006 was one of our best shows ever. We decided after HOTV 2005 that we wanted to host a smaller show this year, and that decision really paid off. Even though we had only one show ring, we still had a very competitive show with none of the communication problems of last year. All alpaca pens and the show ring were contained in one building, which made the show far less confusing. We also redoubled our marketing efforts this year so that we had more public show up to learn about alpacas.
In February, we had a fecal testing seminar with local expert Sherri Tallman of Hidden Oaks Llama Ranch. At the same time we had a medical skills clinic with Diana Chappell of Chappell's Alpaca Junction. This low-cost, potluck event was sponsored by our own WABA Education Committee and was open first to WABA members and then to the community at large.
On May 20-21, 2006, WABA sponsored an AOBA-sanctioned alpaca fleece show at the Scio Lamb and Wool Fair (www.sciolambfair.org/). This new alpaca fleece show is connected with the very long-standing wool show at the Scio, Oregon fair, which also features sheepdog trials, a parade, a fiber arts show, as well as booths and a dance. If you missed the fleece show this year, come next year! This is sure to be a repeat event!
Finally, WABA is working with EVVA and SOJAA to present an Alpaca Breed Standard Conference on August 26, 2006, at the Eugene, Oregon Hilton. More details about our conference are available by contacting WABA, EVVA, or SOJAA. Make plans to attend!
Contact: Maren Bradley Anderson, maren@et-farms.com
WABA Onevoice update February 2006
The Heart of the Valley Alpaca Adventure at the Oregon State Fair in late August 2005 was a great event for small alpaca farmers! Because the show was during the state fair, there was lots of foot traffic that alpaca-only events have trouble generating, and the participating ranches received lots of exposure to the general public! Another benefit was that the show was not in the livestock barn, which kept our alpacas away from the cows, horses, and other animals, thus limiting the chance that they would become ill. The event was held in the spacious, brand-new pavilion, which is a very elegant facility.
Also, we had a marvelous seminar on “The Art and Science of Selecting Quality Alpacas” held by Babs Manion this fall. Her flyer indicates that she has recently “joined the Alpaca Breeders Fiber School faculty.” Participants in this seminar gave rave reviews about the experience.
Now we at WABA have turned our attention to the Heart of the Valley show to be held in Albany, Oregon 0n March 25 &26, 2006. Since we have opted to host a smaller show this year so that we can take better care of the attendees, we have already sold out of pens, and soon our halter classes will be full, too. You can get to the show website by clicking here: http://www.heartofthevalleyalpacashow.com.
Finally, we will be launching our brand-spanking new website in February 2006. There will be new features, including a herdsire locator and improved sales page! Come check us out http://www.alpacas-waba.org/.
Hope to see you there!
Contact: Maren Bradley Anderson, maren@et-farms.com
WABA Onevoice update
The Heart of the Valley Alpaca Adventure at the Oregon State Fair in late August this year was a great event for small alpaca farmers! Because the show was during the state fair, there was lots of foot traffic that alpaca-only events have trouble generating, and the participating ranches received lots of exposure to the general public, and the general public was exposed to the alpacas! Another benefit was that the show was not in the livestock barn, which kept our alpacas away from the cows, horses, and other animals, thus limiting the chance that they would become ill. The event was held in the spacious, brand-new pavilion, which is a very elegant facility.
Also, we had a marvelous seminar on “The Art and Science of Selecting Quality Alpacas” held by Babs Manion this fall. Her flyer indicates that she “graduated from the International Alpaca Judging School (IAJS) in Peru and is an International Judge apprentice. In December 2004 she qualified as an AOBA judge apprentice. In July 2005 Babs joined the Alpaca Breeders Fiber School faculty.” Participants in this seminar gave rave reviews about the experience.
Now we at WABA have turned our attention to the Heart of the Valley show to be held in Albany, Oregon in March 2006. Soon our 2006 forms will be up on our website, so check often! We always sell out, and this year we are going to host a smaller show so that we can take better care of the attendees. You can get to the show website by clicking here: http://www.alpacas-waba.org/ , and then clicking on the “Heart of the Valley” link on the left.
Hope to see you there!
Contact: Maren Bradley Anderson, maren@et-farms.com
