EAA Focus 2012

ALPACAS for Pleasure and Profit pg 8

also inside

Alpaca Taxation p14 Diary of an Alpaca Farmer pg 6 Your New BFF: Email Marketing p32

Pasture Management pg 16 Suris: Stylish Yet Practical pg 28 What the Fleece? pg 38

Your Show Booth p27 Getting Ready for Your 1st Alpaca Show Season p24 2011 Empire Alpaca Extravaganza p32 1 | Focus 2011

Focus 2012 | 2

Founded in May of 2001, EAA strives to educate and bring together alpaca breeders in New York. EAA works hard to create educational and marketing programming that will benefit all owners and breeders. We take seriously our mission statement: “To promote, educate and support alpaca breeders, owners and enthusiasts of New York State.”

President: Cindy Cuykendall Vice President: Sue Caston Secretary: Ann Merriwether Treasurer: Sue Zelazny Board Member At Large: Leslie Oliver, Sarah Lamanna, Holly Jacobs News Editors: Robin Shatzkin, Barb Rossi Design & Production: BreedWorks, LLC Editorial Note: The opinions, expressed in any letters, articles or advertisements within this publication are solely those of the respective author / contributors and do not necessarily reflect EAA’s opinion as a whole nor that of member opinions individually.

Cover Photo: Courtesy of Chris Houseworth, Cabinview Alpacas “Empire Alpaca Focus” Is published annually by the Empire Alpaca Association.

Distribution is by post to members and paid subscriptions world-wide.

Subscriptions: Contact the Empire Alpaca Association online at www.nyalpacas.com

Welcome to the first edition of FOCUS, a new Annual Publication of the Empire Alpaca Association. FOCUS is truly a pioneer publication in the alpaca industry, with online global coverage as well as hard copy available. The breadth of subject material in this first edition is global as well, with something for everyone, from the new alpaca enthusiast to the seasoned veteran.

This is an exciting time to be a part of the alpaca industry.

There are many innovative and dynamic changes occurring: new initiatives in the US fiber market, exciting advances in technology, new ideas being generated by organizations like AFCNA, ARI, AOBA, Alpaca United, CIABA and the New England Fiber Co-op and incredible leaps in the quality of the alpacas. Like many progressive industries, alpacas are global, rapidly advancing and relentlessly competitive. Therefore it is vital to stay abreast of the latest information and technology – remain FOCUSED. To those of you who are new to alpacas…Welcome to an incredible new world! To you “Experienced Breeders”… I invite you to dive in to this inaugural issue of FOCUS and renew your enthusiasm and momentum. Enjoy!

Cindy Cuykendall EAA President

Advertising: Advertising rates, technical specifications are available online at empirealpacaassociation.com Content may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed permission of the publisher and the respective authors / contributors.

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Dear Alpaca Enthusiasts, I am delighted and grateful for the opportunity to be able to write this letter for the first issue of Focus telling you a little about the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association. The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) is an international professional breed organization formed over 20 years ago. AOBA supports members through extensive member education, marketing and public relations programs, a world-class show system, government and industry relations services, a national show and auction and many other services. I’d like to take a few moments to describe just a few of these services: Education -Member and public education is a primary focus. AOBA members have access to an extensive library of books, videos, and other publications providing a wealth of information about raising alpacas, farming techniques, training, husbandry, veterinarian care, health and research advances, and marketing techniques. AOBA produces a number of brochures to assist members, available through the AOBA Store. Our new Webinar training program will soon be up and running.

Marketing - From the world wide web to print advertising those interested in alpaca information are reached through the National Marketing Program. AOBA has produced several brochures and DVDs, which are excellent tools to educate the public at farm events, fairs and meet and greet functions. Progressive and unique in its efficiency and results, the AOBA marketing program is top in its class and reaps significant benefits for members who put it to work for their farms or ranches. No other alpaca organization raises money that is funneled into a national marketing program for its members.

Public Relations Support - AOBA members have access to assistance for obtaining media attention to their farm, with opportunities to receive thousands of dollars worth of free advertising! AOBA has created press kits, and supplemental public relations materials that are available for AOBA members.

National and local shows - AOBA conferences and shows offer a great opportunity to speak to the public and connect with potential alpaca breeders; they are also excellent for networking with other breeders. AOBA’s show system and judges training program is considered the best in the world and show systems from around the globe hire our judges and seek input from us about their show systems.

Through educational opportunities for alpaca owners and prospective owners, the National marketing program, public relations support, and the show system AOBA provides a wealth of support for new and existing breeders. We solicit input from our members and provide feedback about where they want our industry to go in a variety of ways, insuring that voices are heard through surveys, committees, the AOBA newsletter, our world-recognized magazine, Alpacas Magazine, and much more.

AOBA members received reduced rates for shows, marketing opportunities and more. - One way to assure the success of the alpaca industry is by supporting the organizations that support us. We are grateful for each member and hope that if you are not a member, you take the time to get to know us and join our organization!

Libby M. Forstner, M.B.A., President Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA)

contents Diary of a Passionate Alpaca Farmer

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Alpacas: For Pleasure and Profit

(8)

Alpaca Taxation (14) Pasture Management (16) Getting Ready for Your 1st Alpaca Show Season (24) Your Show Booth: A Powerful Marketing Tool (27) Suris: Stylish Yet Practical (28) Your New BFF: Email Marketing (32) What the Fleece? Every Fleece Tells a Story (38) 2011 Empire Alpaca Extravaganza (40) 2011 Empire Alpaca Association Photo Contest (40)

contributors

Leda Blumberg

Hazen Reed

Susan Muther

Jim Daniels

Frank Rossi

Polly Michaelis

Lou Esutance (Photo unavailable)

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Diary of a Passionate Alpaca Farmer

by Leda Blumberg

It was a life-changing moment. I spotted a colorful herd of alpacas grazing on a roadside meadow. Of course I had to stop. A chocolate-colored cria (baby alpaca) wandered over to check me out.

Picture this -- an overgrown teddy bear with a long, graceful neck and the biggest, sweetest, most soulful eyes you’ve ever seen. That curious little cria thrust me into the world of alpaca obsession.

So I did what any modern gal would do: I went on the Internet to learn more. “Honey, did you know that alpacas use a communal dung pile?” I plied my patient husband, Steve, with all sorts of interesting alpaca details. “They don’t have hooves; their soft padded feet are easy on pastures. Oh my gosh, they don’t have top teeth in front…” And so went the winter evenings as I researched everything you could possibly want to know about alpacas.

I decided to attend an upcoming alpaca show to learn more about raising alpacas.

I talked with breeders, veterinarians and other alpaca professionals. I learned that alpaca farming is one of the two fastest growing agricultural industries in New York State (the other being organic gardening).

Although the weekend left me with some concerns -- parasites, poisonous plants and coyotes among them -- I was certain that I wanted to breed alpacas. Here is an abridged journal of my first year raising alpacas.

March: Steve and I planned about a dozen farm visits around New York and New England. We were looking for animals with exemplary conformation, excellent quality fleece (soft, fine and richly-colored), and distinctive bloodlines. Our trip up north coincided with a major ice storm that took down power lines and washed out roads.

But we persevered!

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Photos courtesy of author

June: Our foundation herd of four pregnant females is coming home! Although we’ve had horses for over 30 years, alpacas have different needs and we had to make changes to our fencing, we modified a barn for our pregnant girls and we built a new shed for the future boys.

The first arrivals were greeted with much excitement by the horses. The horses had never seen alpacas, and vice versa. Our Thoroughbred, Champ, was particularly excited. He raced around his field, stopped in view of the alpacas, stared, gave a loud snort, then did it all over again -- about 20 times -- before finally settling down.

July: I met with a veterinarian who specializes in alpacas to discuss the special medical needs of alpacas. Alpacas are modified-ruminants, which means they have a three-part stomach. Although their diet is similar to horses – hay, grain and grass – their digestive system is quite different. Alpacas are susceptible to a parasite, meningeal worm, carried by white tail deer and brought into pastures via slugs. We discussed preventative measures and devised an overall health plan.

August: Alpacas really don’t like the heat. Their native homes on the high plains of the Andes rarely get above 60 degrees. To keep them cool, we run fans in the barns and hose their bellies on the hottest days. As soon as I pull out the hose, the alpacas clamber around anxious for their turn. Aphrodite always makes me laugh during hosing. She does quarter turns and spins like a runway model to make sure she is cooled from every direction.

September: I was bringing hay out to our Icelandic Horses when I noticed Maja laying down in the deep shade of the locust grove. A small foot was sticking out beneath her tail! I was relieved to see the cria’s second foot and nose emerge indicating that the baby is in the correct position. Maja stood up and the cria dangled, paddling his front legs as if running. Within minutes, he was on the ground, gleaming and wet. I dried him off, treated his umbilical cord with iodine and stepped back so mother and son could bond. To my delight, he was standing within half an hour and was nursing shortly thereafter. After watching this jet-black newborn boy romp playfully around the field, we settled on the name Felix, which means “happy-go-lucky” in Spanish.

Late-September: I noticed that Aphrodite looked a bit restless, so I decided to postpone my horseback ride. Good decision! A few minutes later Aphrodite went into labor. Like Maja, she got up and down a few times while the cria was emerging. About 10 minutes after I saw the first foot, the cria was on the ground -- another beautiful boy, this one a brilliant copper color and later named Diego. Felix was excited to finally have a play-buddy and soon the two were frolicking around the field.

Watching those two crias, young and healthy, running and leaping, was pure joy.

October: We arranged for a very handsome blue-gray stud, Angel’s Vivo, to visit Aphrodite for a “mobile breeding.” If a female alpaca is receptive, she will lie down, usually within a minute or two of meeting her “new husband.” The male starts to “orgle,” a vocalization unique to mating alpacas, then they get down to the business of making a baby.

We were happy to have a successful breeding and Aphrodite’s pregnancy was confirmed with a blood test three weeks later.

Late-October: While I was in Syracuse at the Empire Alpaca Extravaganza, Steve was home keeping his eye on very-pregnant Gypsy Rose. Alpaca shows are judged on fleece and conformation, with equal weight placed on both (though some shows judge 60% fleece, 40% conformation). This show also had a ring devoted to classes for juniors (and those young at heart) with obstacle courses and costume classes.

Meanwhile, back at Alpacas played an the farm, the inevitable important role in happened – Rosie gave Incan culture. Nabirth on Steve’s watch!

Another quick easy birth, tive to the Andean and, yes, another boy. This Mountains of Peru, one a gorgeous silver gray.

Chile and Bolivia, His abundant energy and independent spirit led us to and domesticated the name Don Brio (“Mr. more than 5,000 years Energy” in Spanish).

November: We transformed a space in one of our heated barns, and stocked it with a wonderful assortment of alpaca garments – some handmade by local artisans, others from Peru. Alpaca fleece comes in more natural colors than that of any other fiberproducing animal. It is soft, warm and has a luxurious feel. We were thrilled to have our friends, family and visitors do much of their holiday shopping in our new farm store.

ago, they have long been prized for their fleece, which years ago was reserved for Incan royalty and was called “the fiber of the Gods.” First imported into the United States in 1984, there are now more than 150,000 American alpacas.

January: Winter is a blessedly quiet time on the farm. The alpacas love to sleep outside under the trees even though their barn is thickly bedded with straw. I guess you could say that they are “dressed” for the weather! I was too – in my delightfully warm alpaca hat, scarf, sweater and socks!

May: Our first shearing Day! A professional shearer from upstate came to shear for us. Shearing is done once a year and it goes fairly quickly if you are well organized. I enlisted many of my friends to help. Serena trimmed toenails, Claudia bagged fleece, Carlos and Steve held animals, Mary took photographs and kept records of who had their teeth and toenails trimmed. After everyone had been shorn, I did a preliminary cleaning of the fleeces, then packed them up and mailed them to a fiber mill in New Hampshire. The beautiful yarn that comes back is prized by knitters and weavers.

June: Three more crias on the way, a series of open houses at our farm, and more shows in New England! We look forward to another enjoyable season with our enchanting alpacas. O Leda Blumberg and her husband, Steve Cole, raise alpacas and horses on their family farm, Faraway Farm Alpacas, in Yorktown Heights, NY.

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Photos courtesy of authors

Alpacas: FOR

Pleasure AND Profit !

by Hazen Reed & Susan Muther

The alpaca is a most limited resource, keeping prices for both fleece from the animals, and the animals themselves, high relative to other stock and fiberproducing animals. Add in their adorable looks and temperament and you have the ideal livestock!

their extraordinary fleece, deemed the ‘fiber of the Gods’. Archeologists If you stand on a street corner and ask ten passers-by to tell you the have located garments made from alpaca dating back thousands of years first thing they think of when you say ‘alpaca’, most will say cloth(a little dry cleaning and they’re good as new, well, perhaps not quite). ing of some kind – sweaters, socks, hats, suits, coats. AND expensive Alpacas’ Camelid-genus cousins the llama, guanaco and vicuna also sweaters, socks, hats, suits and coats. This is good thing. Next, you produce fiber but alpacas are smaller, finer-fleeced, and easier to handle may hear also something about cute fuzzy animals. While this type than the much larger llama and guanaco. Alpacas also offer more fleece of questioning is hardly what you would found a business on, it is than the vicuna and with increasingly comparable quality. And while all instructive for the following reason: the first thing is the fiber. Alpacas these New World camelids can interare raised for their fiber. Fundabreed and produce viable off-spring mentally, it is for this reason we The first thing is the fiber. Alpacas most breeders’ goals are to breed breed alpacas. “pure.” An interesting side note on Because alpaca fleece is are raised for their fiber...it is for the ancient history of alpacas is that soft, durable and makes great up until 2001, alpacas were thought clothing, it is highly desirthis reason we breed alpacas. to be closest in ancestry to llamas, able. Because Alpacas are also Lama pacos. With the advent of rare, their fleece is even more computer-aided DNA sequencing and the work of Dr. Jane Wheeler of exceptional from an economic standpoint. With estimates of three to the Royal Society, we now know the alpaca is descendant from vicuna. five million alpacas world-wide (compared to estimates of over 650 Officially, the scientific name was changed to Vicuna pacos, as a result. million sheep), the alpaca is a most limited resource, keeping prices for So it is no surprise that alpacas have such soft fiber. Their closest genetic both fleece from the animals, and the animals themselves, high relative neighbors produce one of the most desirable natural fibers of any animal to other stock and fiber-producing animals. Alpacas give birth to only on the planet. However, Vicuna are difficult to domesticate, can be shorn one baby per year, keeping the population growth rate to a slow steady only once every 3 to 4 years, and garments made of pure Vicuna can run pace. The high demand for the alpaca’s luxurious fiber combined with into the tens of thousands of dollars. So while Alpaca garments approach a short supply makes the alpaca an excellent investment. the Vicuna’s softness, their prices do not reach those heights. Alpaca Domesticated for over five thousand years, alpacas are native to fiber, like Vicuna, is silky-soft and yet incomparably durable. It can be South America (Peru, Argentina, Chile and Bolivia) and were raised for

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lightweight or heavy, depending on how the yarn is spun. It is similar to wool, and comparable to cashmere in fineness, but has fewer, if any, oils and is generally considered “hypoallergenic.” Alpaca fiber garments are often worn by people who cannot wear woolen goods, and do so with none of the discomfort associated with wool—itchiness, oils and the like.

There are two breeds of alpaca easily distinguishable by the nature of their fleece. Huacayas, the most common alpaca breed, make up ninteynine percent of the world’s alpaca population. Huacaya fleece grows perpendicularly from the skin in dense, soft, crimpy fibers (much like sheep wool) giving the huacaya a teddy bear appearance. The very rare Suri possesses a unique silken fiber that hangs down along its body in ropelike dreadlocks that glisten with luster. Their fiber twists into distinctive pencil-sized locks that often grow to 15 or more inches in length.

Both Huacayas and Suris are equally suited to the climate of North America, either in the Southern heat or the Northern cold. Alpaca farms, featuring both breeds, can be found all across the U.S. as far south as the Florida Keys and as far North as Juneau, Alaska. Both breeds are shorn once each year in a manner that does no harm to the animals. Annual fleece production, shorn from one alpaca, ranges from 6 to 12 pounds of exceptionally soft fiber. Once cleaned, carded, and spun into yarns, alpaca fiber can be used in a variety of ways, from hand knitting, crocheting and felting to high-end commercial products sold on the international haute-couture markets. Alpaca fleece is much sought after as a luxury natural fiber world round.

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Alpaca fleece is highly sought

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after as a luxury fiber world-round

There are two breeds of alpaca, Huacaya (left) and Suri (right).

Both breeds are equally suited for raising in North America and both produce the luxurious soft fleece that makes alpaca fiber so highly desirable.

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Alpacas are sturdy, resilient animals and easy to raise even for novice breeders with little or no animal experience. They are great with children and can be trained to be quite comfortable with humans. They can even be dressed in costume for show and agility events—a great way to involve an entire family in the alpaca business enterprise.

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While alpacas are prized for their ultra-fine fleece, they are also easy to breed requiring minimal effort compared to other livestock. And in contrast to other traditional livestock, alpacas present fewer obstacles to getting involved. They can be raised profitably on a small acreage, making them a viable option for many more people. They are sturdy, resilient animals and easy to raise even for novice breeders with little or no animal experience. And they are great with children making the alpaca business a good candidate for a family to run together.

Herd animals by nature, alpacas focus dung on a communal pile, making cleanup easy. Alpacas are efficient eaters and tend to leave grass root-structure in place due, in part, to the fact they only have lower teeth in the front and cannot dig into soils. This and the fact they have soft-padded feet, means grass recovers from grazing more readily than when grazed by other livestock. Alpacas have rightfully earned the moniker of the “eco-friendly� livestock, as they are so gentle on the land they graze. Supplements of hay and small amounts of grain are suggested for breeding alpacas, but many breeders find this is not required if the pastures are of sufficient quality. Grain is also beneficial as a training reward helping alpacas become more accepting of their human handlers.

Full-grown alpacas weigh, on average, about 150 pounds. They have gentle natures and are great around children. And yes, Alpacas can spit, though they tend to reserve their green stuff for each other as they compete for prime position at the feeder. Alpacas can be trained to be

quite comfortable with humans and can even be dressed in costume for show and agility events (a great way to involve an entire family in the enterprise). There are over a 100 alpaca shows held in the U.S. each year. The alpaca show system is among the world’s best with expertclass judges who take time to educate participants on fleece quality, and breeding practices.

Of course, if you’ve heard of alpacas, you may have heard they are “expensive.” As with any commodity, expensive is relative. If one were to evaluate the price of an alpaca simply against the fleece off its back, the price may seem dear. However, if the alpaca is viewed as a breeding profit center, meaning one alpaca produces additional alpacas, or “stands stud,” the value proposition changes significantly. Prices for breeding quality alpacas have been stable over the past twenty years. Even during this down economy, prices have held strong (although, to be fair, volume has fallen off during the worst part of the recession). Average prices for pregnant females are 8 to 15 thousand dollars, and proven breeding males can be significantly more. On average, there is little difference in the prices for Suris and Huacayas. Markets tend to be local and quality and availability can vary in alpacas so prices can differ accordingly.

Alpacas have earned the moniker of the “eco-friendly” livestock because they are so gentle on the land they graze.

There are many business models around the raising of alpacas.

Breeders have been successful in specializing by breed, by color or by fleece type. Top breeders command consistently high fees for their stock and there is an active mid-range trade that supports a steadily growing industry of 5000+ breeders in the U.S. alone.

Alpacas can be pastured on limited acreage, with upwards of 10 to 12 alpacas per acre on quality pastures and more possible using supplemental hay and grain feedings. Breeding and birthing is typically easy and often unattended by human intervention. Baby alpaca, cria, survival rates of over 80% and 50/50 male to female birth ratios mean steadily compounding assets for invested breeders. Alpaca gestation is 11 to 11.5 months and while twinning can occur, it is rare. Natural breeding is required by the United States industry’s registry, The Alpaca Registry or ARI, (no artificial insemination or embryo transfer in the U.S.) which has protected the industry from explosive growth.

While it is certainly possible to house alpacas in large barns and in-

volved compounds, most breeders find alpacas are equally comfortable in three-sided run-in sheds. Males and females should be separated and young weanlings need a place away from mom after 4 -6 months, but not with the adult males, so most breeding operations have three or four active pasturing lots with suitable sheds for each. With these items, clean water and a love of animals, you can raise alpacas for fun and profit for years to come.

For more information on Alpacas, the World’s finest livestock investment, visit an alpaca farm. To locate a farm near you visit http://www.empirealpacaassociation.com. O Susan Muther and Hazen Reed and their twin boys run HaSu Ranch Alpacas in East Meredith, New York where they breed both Suri and Huacaya alpacas.

Hazen and Susan also own and operate BreedWorks, the premiere marketing and design business serving the worldwide Alpaca community.

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Photos courtesy of Bel Canto Farm

Alpaca taxation

by James C. Daniels, CPA, Partner

I grew up on a farm in upstate New York.

IRS Section 179 allows the complete write-off of business assets in the year acquired and placed in service. However, this write-off Ours was a dairy farm. I chased cows, milked is only available to the extent the business has taxable income. In my experience, this eliminates this option to most alpaca farms. cows, and cleaned up after cows. I was also Bonus depreciation allows the 100% write-off of tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less. This will allow the writevery aware of the twice a month milk check off of breeding animals and equipment purchased in the year acquired that my father collected. This was my introand placed in service. Single purpose agricultural structures also qualify for 100% write-off under the provision. However, the asset duction to the business of farming. I had no must be new (not used) and used 100% for business purposes. concept of how complicated this seemingly One of the more basic questions I run into is when does depreciation start for an alpaca? When is a breeding animal placed in service? simple business could be.

I typically start depreciation at around 15 months, when the animal is sexually mature. If the animal is too young to be bred, it is too young I went to college and became an accountant. I thought the hours would to be depreciated. be better than farming. Although the hours are only marginally better, I What is the depreciable cost basis of an alpaca? It is the cost of am still cleaning up messes made on the farm. Some of the more common the animal. However, often times an alpaca acquisition involves the mistakes I see made on alpaca farm returns relate to record keeping procetrading of animals and breeding services. The cost is the cash paid and dures, depreciation, sales tax issues, the tax reporting of alpaca sales, allobook value (cost less depreciacation of business and personal tion) of the animal traded. What expenses, and the write-offs if a future breeding is also part When does depreciation start for related to an in-home office. of the deal? If an animal, plus Alpaca farming is rarely cash, plus a breeding are paid for an alpaca? When is a breeding the only activity my clients are another animal, the cost of the involved in. Many have other animal acquired is the cash paid, animal placed in service? businesses or other employthe book value of the animal ment. The separation of these traded and the fair value of the breeding(s) included. However, the fair activities is very important. I recommend a separate checking account value of the breedings must also be recognized as income when the and separate credit cards for the different activities. This not only makes sale is consummated (no pun intended). it easier to summarize this activity, it also separates expenses related to Although the sales of alpacas and breeding services are not generthe business(es) and personal activities. The maintenance of separate really sales taxable, it is still a good idea to register for sales tax. This cords is also important when trying to convince nosey IRS auditors that will allow you to use your farming exemption for exempt purchases. this is a business; not an extension of personal activities (a hobby).

Also, if you operate a gift shop, the sales are generally taxable and The rules related to depreciation are complex. There are many difthe collection of sales tax must be reported and remitted, either on a ferent methods and lives that can be used. Typically, alpacas are writquarterly or annual basis. The boarding of animals is generally subject ten off over 5 years. However, because the IRS allows one-half year’s to sales tax. I suggest you not ignore this issue and check with your tax depreciation in the 1st year, this depreciation stretches to six years. professional or local sales tax authority on its applicability.

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be used exclusive to the business. Also, if the business reflects a loss The gain or loss on the sale of alpacas is based on the cost basis prior to the home office expenses, the home office expenses are not of animals sold. Cost basis is cash paid, less depreciation allowed. currently deductible and are carried forward to future years when the Animals born and raised on the farm have no cost basis as the costs business reflects a profit. Office furniture and equipment used in the expended to raise them are written off as incurred. The gain on the home office can be depreciated as a business asset. A separate phone sale of an alpaca is ordinary income to the extent of depreciation line to the home office is a fully deductible business expense. taken and capital gain (maximum 15% tax rate) for the portion of the gain not allocatable to depreciation recovery (assumOther common errors Although the sales of alpacas ing you have also met the one noted are as follows: year holding period).

• The depreciation of land. and breeding services are not ....

• Failure to maintain a separate cost Certain expenses related to basis for each animal. farming operations are partially sales taxable, it is still a good idea • Improper depreciation lives. business and partially personal.

• No allocation of business/personal Examples include real estate to register for sales tax. expenses. taxes, mortgage interest, property insurance, and utilities. The • Failure to account for barter activity. business portion of real estate taxes, mortgage interest and property insur• The write-off of both mileage and the actual cost of vehicle usage. ance could be based on the percentage of property used for farming versus • Failure to maintain an accurate inventory of the animals owned. personal (residential) use. The use of total acreage used for business versus • The deduction of donations on Schedule F. total acreage may be a good measure to use. To the extent possible to meter • Improper reporting of employees versus independent contractors. business and personal electric usage separately; this would be a good idea.

• Use of tax professionals not familiar with farm accounting or taxation.

The cost of a separate meter can be written off over time.

These are some of the common errors I have seen in providing tax services to farmers and other related businesses. As with many things, The write-off related to an office in home can be used to reduce it’s important to know what you know and to know what you don’t business profits. This write-off is based on the square footage of the know. I suggest you consult with a qualified tax professional for what home office versus total usable square footage of the home. This you don’t know. O percentage is then applied to home mortgage interest, real estate tax, homeowners insurance and utilities. Once calculated on form 8829, the allowable expenses are moved to and included on Schedule F. James C. Daniels is a Managing Partner at Davidson, Fox & Company, For the home office expenses to be allowable, the home office must LLP in Binghamton, NY.

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Photos courtesy of authors

PASTURE MANAGEMENT

by Frank S. Rossi, Ph.D.

A pasture is defined as an area where

soil to drain. Knowing soil drainage will inform your decision as to which is the proper grass for the pasture and to schedule grazing. plants are grown for feeding grazing animals.

Grazing schedule and soil physical type is critical as a wet soil of finer texture (more clay) is prone to compaction from animal tracking.

This is an excellent point to keep in mind Compaction leads to poor infiltration of water and lower oxygen to when considering a pasture, as it is first and the plant roots.

While alpaca are lightweight they will still compact the surface of foremost an integral part of a feeding prosoil and prevent proper drainage and encourage puddling. Therefore gram. Therefore, it follows that the same atit is vital avoid grazing animals on very wet pastures if for no other reason than the potential for compacting the soil. tention that is paid to proper nutrition should If a soil is very high in clay and a new pasture is to be established, be paid to producing a high quality pasture. the soil can be improved by adding properly tested and composted manure based material. This compost will improve the soil structure as well as become an important nutrient source for the new pasture, sigThe essential aspects of alpaca pasture management are soil managenificantly reducing your need to fertilize the pasture for many years. ment, plant (grass) selection, and grazing schedule. In the simplest And thus begins the discussion on terms, a well-drained, well-fed soil soil chemical properties. planted with the proper grass and A well-drained, well-fed soil will Soil chemical properties can strategically grazed will signifibe summarized into two key points. cantly contribute to the health and contribute to the health and well First it is important to know the well being of your herd. pH of your soil and second it is being of your herd. important to know the amount and Soil Management availability of mineral elements, i.e., There are two important aspects of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, etc.. Knowing these two factors will soil management for pastures: soil physical properties and soil chemical help you decide how to supplement the soil with fertilizer nutrients. properties. Soil physical properties are the texture, structure, and drainThe soil pH determines the nutrient availability of your soil. In age of the soil. These are critical to understand but not easy to adjust, essence, if the pH is out of balance the other nutrients that might be especially if you have an already established pasture. present will not be available to the plant. Therefore it is like the lock Soil texture is defined as the percentage of sand, silt and clay in a and key to opening the reservoir of soil nutrients. soil. Now of course there are other aspects that contribute to texture There is only one way to know the chemical needs of your soil and such as organic matter content, but the over-riding function of the soil that is to perform a soil test. There are several important aspects to will be determined by the percent of sand, silt and clay. soil testing. Laboratory soil tests will help you develop and maintain The soil separates (sand, silt and clay) are nothing more than a size more productive soil for healthy pastures that lead to proper alpaca designation, i.e. they are a description of the size of the particle. Sand fiber production. For perennial crops such as permanent pasture, the particles are larger than 2mm (0.1 inch) in diameter, silt between 0.1most important time to test the soil is before planting so that necessary 0.01” and clay less than 0.01” in diameter. See Figure 1. nutrients can be mixed into the soil. This test is especially important The particle size distribution in a soil determines how well it drains in acidic soils where liming is likely to be needed. After establishment, and how well it performs in very dry conditions. The higher percentage perennial pastures should be tested every 3 years after planting. of fine particles (silt and clay) often leads to a poorly drained soil but also In addition, within a pasture it is worth noting different vegetation one that holds more water during dry periods. Conversely, a high perto determine if your pasture has different soil types running through centage of sand particles will drain very well but will not sustain healthy it. In this case each soil type is worth sampling separately if it is feagrowth during dry periods without supplemental water. sible to manage the soil types differently. Often a pasture will simply Of course books have been written on soil physical properties but be managed as one thereby negating the benefit of “micro-sampling”. from a practical perspective it is necessary only to know the ability of

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Selecting the Right Grass We recommend working with your local Cooperative Extension to There is compelling but not unequivocal evidence that most mixed conduct the soil analysis. However, you can also call one or more labs grass pastures offer significant benefits to alpaca when compared to (such as Brookside or Holmes Labs in Ohio) to determine the cost of clover or alfalfa mixes. Also, grasses are very good for intensive grazthe soil test you need. ing. The key to a high quality grass pasture is selecting the proper After choosing a lab, request any necessary paperwork (such as an species and mixture for your location. information sheet), find out how to prepare it and submit the sample, In simple terms, all grasses will meet the needs of your animals if and where you should send the sample. Prepare and submit the sample they are able to thrive in the soil and climate. The nutritional value of according to the instructions. Plastic zipper bags work best; do not use a the grasses is more dependent on stage of maturity than grass type. Early paper bag. spring levels are often very high and then over the summer, as grass Most laboratories ask you to label the sample bag with identifymatures, they drop and then return to moderate levels in the fall. You ing information and to fill out and include an
information sheet. Don’t should adjust your fertilization and grazing program to the forget to include payment. Number each sample and keep a maturity and nutritional value of your pasture. record of the fields and areas sampled. Once you receive the Reed canarygrass is a fast-recovering grass for intensample report we are happy to review your analysis and sive pasture programs. Reed canarygrass is a vigorous, recommend appropriate fertilizer programs to maximize tall-growing grass with the ability to adapt to diverse your herd health. soil conditions. Until recently, its primary uses were The laboratories’ standard soil tests measure organic in waterways, ditch banks, and other areas where matter, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium water stood for part of the year. However, reed (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and soil pH canarygrass is also one of the most drought resis(acidity). This should be adequate. In some cases tant forage grass. This adaptability helps it do knowing the micronutrient content, especially well over a wide range of pasture conditions. selenium, copper and iron is important, howReed canarygrass grows fast in the spring ever, micronutrient testing and analysis is and heads in late May. The first growth often unreliable. should be harvested early as pasture or Soil test results should be compared hay to prevent it from becoming too to published research conducted to stemmy. Reed canarygrass qualdetermine optimum pasture perfority is best maintained by frequent mance for alpacas. grazing or mowing throughout Beyond the fertilization based the season. on soil testing, the focus of your Timothy is the most nutrient management program popular grass with New will be two fold. First, if York farmers. Timothy your pH is below 6.3 conhelps fend off weed sider applying calcium encroachment and is based lime products. a well-adapted crop There is no practical in New York. A way to lower soil pH distinction for if greater than 7.3. timothy is that it Second you must decide Figure 1: S oil is comprised of a number of different sized particles. Sand, silt and clay are is always 1-2 percentthe source and rate of ninothing more than size designations. age units lower in trogen needed to meet the protein than other grazing and nutritional perennial grasses. This could be considered favorable from a fiber needs of your animals. Nitrogen is the single most important nutrient production perspective for pasture growth.

Orchardgrass can be established in early spring, late summer, or Liming to adjust the pH (raising it) will be based on the recommenas a frost seeding in late winter before the frost is out. Orchardgrass is dations from your soil test. The easiest way to think about applying lime vigorous and leafy, producing more summer re-growth than timothy for adjusting pH is to remember the finer the lime particle and sandier or bromegrass. Orchardgrass heads very early, in mid-to late May. Its the soil the more rapidly the pH will be adjusted. best use is in mixtures with alfalfa designed for early harvest and sumFor nitrogen fertilizer the two primary synthetic sources of N are mer grazing. ammonium-based or urea. Both sources are quick release and provide a Forage-type perennial ryegrasses tend to be finer stemmed than rapid response. The more you feed, the more the grass will grow. This most other forage grasses and so can be highly palatable. However, is not always good unless you are intensively grazing and require rapid they can also be shorter and lower yielding. They tend to stop growth re-growth. The best fertilization strategy is to make light and frequent in dry weather and may be winter sensitive, particularly in northern applications at the 40-60 lbs per acre of actual N two to three times per New York. Ryegrass is competitive, so seeding rates should be held at year late Spring, late summer, late Fall. This might have to be adjusted 4 pounds or less per acre in mixtures. based on your soil type, grazing program and grass type.

Tall fescue is a long-lived grass that can produce high yields of forage for pasture or hay in the Northeast. Be sure to purchase endophyte (fungus)-free seed or novel endopyhte varieties.

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Festulolium is a hybrid between meadow fescue (Festuca) and perennial tetraploid ryegrass (Lolium). Festulolium combines the nutritional value and yield potential of ryegrass with the hardiness and summer re-growth of fescue. It does particularly well in rotational grazing mixes. Festuloliums have high yield, palatability, digestibility, and fast recovery after grazing or mowing.

The Dairy One Cooperative in Ithaca, NY offers a full range of forage testing, provides supplies for submitting samples and offers timely results. They can be online at http://www.dairyone.com Forage results should be compared to published research conducted to determine optimum alpaca performance.

Grazing Programs Ultimately we manipulate the soil, fertilize, select the grass, etc., to let Sampling Your Pasture the animals out to graze. There are important aspects of alpaca nutrition Analyzing the hay and pasture that is supplying nutrients to your not covered in this article that are thoroughly addressed by Professor alpacas is an often-overlooked aspect of herd management. However, Bob Van Saun in The Complete Alpaca Book edited by Eric Hoffman. it is no less important than reviewing the tag on the bag of grain Pasture grazing should be viewed like a sports field. How much you feed your animals. In fact, while it is critical to have your soil can the kids play on it and still provide a safe and supportive surface? tested, testing the nutrient value of your hay and pasture ultimately For alpaca grazing the question is determines the success of your how much can they graze before pasture management program.

A well-drained, well-fed soil will it compromises the growth and An analysis is only as good recovery of the pasture? as the sample submitted. Taking contribute to the health and well There are a few key points to a good representative sample of consider when establishing a grazing your feed is the first and most being of your herd. program. First and foremost having critical step of the analysis process, sub-divided paddock areas is key to yet is often the step most taken for providing the rotation needed for proper pasture recovery. Second, how granted. many animals can be grazed on pasture before it is reduced? Third, timFollowing good sampling procedures will help insure that your ing and length of grazing, i.e., --pastures recover more quickly in cooler analytical results truly reflect the nutrient composition of your sample rainy spring and fall seasons compared to hot-dry summer months. and will be useful in developing your feeding program. Poorly taken samples can result in decisions that lead to either over or under feeding.

Both of these can be costly in terms of money and/or lost production.

Randomly select 12-20 sites where the animals graze and clip a handful of forage at grazing height. All sub-samples should be combined and thoroughly mixed in a clean plastic bucket to form a composite (further An analysis is only as good as the cutting the forage into 2 - 3� (5 - 8 cm) pieces aids in blending). sample submitted...Randomly Take a one-pound (0.5 kg) sample, pack tightly in a plastic bag select 12-20 sites where the aniand freeze for 12 hours prior to submitting for analysis. Freezing helps mals graze and clip a handful of prevent marked chemical changes due to respiration or fermentation. forage at grazing height.

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In the end, there are factors such as fertilization, grass type, and soil type that also come into play when determining grazing strategy. Over time, paying attention to not over-grazing, i.e., leaving about 3� of growth on the grass plants helps maintain a healthy and productive pasture. Supplementing with N fertilization and having a grass well adapted to your soil type and area leads to a more efficient grazing program.

Putting it all together While at times it can seem overwhelming, there are only a few key factors involved with alpaca pasture management. Know your soil physical and chemical properties, establish and managed the right grass, test often (soil and pasture) and then graze properly.

Putting all these concepts together undoubtedly leads to the pasture becoming an integral part of your nutrition program and the highest quality fiber an animal is able to produce. Feel free to contact us at Bel Canto Farm or local Cooperative Extension Service for more information. O Frank Rossi and his wife Barb own and operate Bel Canto Farm in Trumansburg, NY where they breed a colorful range of alpacas and adorable Kunekune pigs. Frank serves as Associate Professor at Cornell University’s Horticulture Department.

[ How to sample ]

1

Take your soil sample directly from where you are planning the crop to be planted or where the pasture crop is planted currently.

2

Avoid unusual areas. Avoid sampling

3

in small areas where you know conditions are different from the rest of the field (i,e., former manure piles or fertilizer bands). You often can spot these areas by looking for plants growing very well or very poorly

Take 15 to 20 subsamples. Each sample should consist of subsamples (X) taken from 15 to 20 locations within the sampling area.

4

Avoid contaminating the sample.

5

Use clean sampling tools and avoid contaminating the sample during mixing or packaging. A small amount of fertilizer residue on tools or hands can cause sample contamination. Do not use galvanized, brass, or bronze sampling tools to collect samples that will be tested for micronutrients such as zinc.

Sampling Tools

Take the soil sample at the correct depth. Sample the part of the soil where the plant roots will grow. For most annual and perennial crops, sample from the surface down to about 6 to 9 inches.

6

Carefully mix the soil sample. Place all of the soil subsamples from a single sampling area in a clean container and mix thoroughly.

Example Sample Grid

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Empire Alpaca Association Breeder Profile

When roses just aren’t enough, try Rosehaven Alpacas! www.RosehavenAlpacas.com Michele Armour & Rob Bruce 540 County Road 164 Callicoon, New York 12723 845-887-6801 info@rosehavenalpacas.com

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Rosehaven Alpacas is what can happen when you take two parts New York City/ Los Angeles TV Producers, one part Catskill Mountains, and over 80 parts alpacas and mix them vigorously.

Located on 40-plus acres, near the site of the original Woodstock Festival, in New York’s Catskill Mountains, Rosehaven Alpacas is owned and operated by Michele Armour and Rob Bruce. Working in both LA and NYC, Michele produces Emmy-nominated TV programming, and Rob manages production studios. Rob, never one to shy away from the spotlight, has even shared alpacas live on the popular national morning show, “The View.” Quite a sight to see, alpacas Isabel and Autumn, walking on the stage with Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbach and Barbara Walters!

Long before Rob made alpacas morning TV stars, he was driving the long trip from NYC to the farm when he saw a “moving cloud” on the road ahead. As Rob slowly approached, “strange, long-necked, alien creatures” surrounded him. Of course, this was Rob’s first exposure to alpacas, as a local farm’s herd had wandered out onto the road. He helped the farmers shepherd the herd to safety, and drove back to tell Michele of the funny looking, but fascinating creatures he had “bumped into.”

That single experience was just the start of an adventure that has become Michele and Rob’s dream. The farm now humms with beautiful huacaya alpacas in all colors. They have a full-feature store (on-site and on-line) offering a wide assortment of alpaca yarns made from their own alpacas, including their signature line of grey farm blend yarns over-dyed with vibrant greens, pinks and blues to create a stunning unique yarn. The store also offers hats, sweaters, gloves, coats, and alpaca socks. And in 2010 Rosehaven, along with Riverside Alpacas, released their stunning alpaca/bamboo blend fabric,

marrying high-end fashion with high-end technology. There is always more being added, as well, with a new line of home-products coming soon. Check the RosehavenAlpacas.com website for more details. But you really owe yourself a trip to feel the quality of these exceptional, locally produced alpaca products.

Rob and Michele are now well-studied alpaca breeders with over 10 years of breeding since their first “drive-by” exposure. Their herd of huacaya alpacas is deep in color and quality. They offer great fiber animals, as well as champion-winning stock in shades of grey, black, fawn and white.

With so many colors, why be choosy? Come see them all!

And especially, you want to be here when the cria (baby alpacas) are running around the farm. While seeing “clouds” on the road made Rob laugh, it’s the cria that make the adventure truly unbelievable and unique.

Each year, when the babies arrive, the farm is transformed, once again, into a new experience for Rob and Michele simply because the cria are so beautiful and joyful. As Michele says, seeing those little bundles of fleece

their experience with you, and discuss your future plans. Rosehaven Alpacas is always pleased to offer extensive warranties and exceptional customer support. Customers are truly friends.

Rob and Michele invite you to visit the farm in Callicoon. Spring through late fall is always hopping in this beautiful tourist area, and the farm is open by appointment, so call or email your plans for a visit.

And, RosehavenAlpacas.com is always open, so you’re welcome to surf by anytime.

“pronking” in the pasture is “one of life’s most amazing treats.”

Nestled between the quaint river town of Callicoon, and the vibrant hamlet of Jeffersonville, in an area known as the Beechwoods, Rosehaven Alpacas has truly become a destination in its own right. Folks return year after year for yarn, alpaca clothing and, of course, the alpacas. The alpacas actually look out onto the first hole of the fantastic Villa Roma Resort’s golf course. TV star alpacas with a golf course view, no less!

Rob and Michele are always eager to help new farms get started with alpacas. Their favorable, interest-free, starter packages make having your own alpaca farm less a dream and more a reality. In fact, they’ll even board your alpacas for you, while you prepare your farm.

Over 10 years of breeding, Rosehaven Alpacas has become one of the known names in alpaca breeding. Their champion alpacas have sold to farms from Maine to Ohio. Michele and Rob would love to share

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23 | Focus 2012

Getting Ready for Your 1st Alpaca Show Season

by Lou Eustance

Show season can be a very exciting time but also an intimidating one for new breeders. To make your first show season a memorable one, here are some helpful” tips”.

Selecting your show string: Pick a show string of your best animals. Make these decisions long before filling out show registration forms. For this you need to have an objective eye. We all love our alpacas, but not every one is a “show stopper”.

Things to consider in the selection process are: Conformation: Is the alpaca well proportioned, have straight legs and

a good head and top knot? Does it have a good bite? Make sure male alpacas have two symmetrical testicles and that no alpaca has a kinked tail, as this is considered a fault.

Fiber: What is the handle like? Is the alpaca fine and dense, and have

good consistent crimp style? Be careful with crias that have not been shorn as their fleece is like Velcro and can have too much farm matter in it which might adversely affect how they do in the ring.

Color: Make sure to accurately color check your show string. Use the

ARI color chart. If your alpaca’s color falls between two colors, i.e. medium brown and dark brown, always categorize to the darker shade.

Show Budget: Determine which shows you’ll attend. Decide whether

you will show alpacas or just enter the fiber competitions. Budget for the shows you will attend and include registration fees, vet fees for health paper work, hotel accommodations, food and transportation expenses (gas and tolls).

Show Registrations: Once you pick your shows for the

season, submit appropriate registrations and required paperwork. Do not wait until the last minute to register as shows fill up fast. Procrastinating may mean you don’t get in.

Photo courtesy of HaSu Ranch Alpacas

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Preparing your alpacas for the shows: Permanent identification & registration: Your show alpacas must have a microchip or other accepted form of permanent identification i.e. ear tag. and they must be registered with The Alpaca Registry.

Health Requirements: Check health requirements for transport-

ing animals to states where the shows will be held. Schedule vet visits enough in advance so he/she can provide you with tests results and documentation required for transporting. You need to show proof that alpacas being shown are negative for BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea). The test is done once in the alpaca’s life but proof of the negative result must be included in all show documentation. A good time to have this test done is when you draw blood for FTA cards to register alpacas. You can have the test done via the Alpaca Registry by marking this preference on the FTA card or you can have your veterinarian send blood samples to a lab that performs this test. For more information about the registration process and BVD testing contact the Alpaca Registry.

Halter Training: Have your show animals halter trained and manage-

able prior to entering the show ring. Unruly alpacas generally do not present themselves well and can become inconvenient throughout the judging process.

Grooming: While your alpacas should be in “paddock condition” for

the show, make sure the alpaca’s toe nails are clipped, its top knot is trimmed so it does not cover its eyes, and that excessive farm matter and alpaca poop are removed from its blanket. Remove alpaca pellets from under the tail and blanket prior to entry in the show ring. The judges will not appreciate handling poop while evaluating your alpaca.

A Correct Bite: If your alpacas’ teeth are long, have them trimmed.

Remember the judges can detect trimmed teeth. The purpose of trimming teeth is not to camouflage incorrect bites but to make your alpaca as comfortable as possible. Judges will be looking at the set of the lower jaw in relationship to the upper jaw in determining the correctness of your alpacas’ bite. That said, if your alpaca has an incorrect bite, you may consider not showing it since incorrect bites are considered conformational faults.

For more information about bite requirements refer to AOBA show rules.

Showing Juvenile Alpacas: Juvenile alpacas should be weaned on the farm long before the show. Weaning them just before the show, or on the way to the show, is not a healthy option. Though the show system permits alpacas 6 months of age to be registered for shows, your juvenile alpaca may not be ready at this age to be weaned, halter trained and transported to shows. Showing is stressful for juvenile alpacas whose immune system is not fully developed. Don’t rush the process. If your cria needs more time with his/her Dam or if its not mature enough to be subjected to the stress of weaning, halter training and transporting, then give them more time. The last thing you want is for juvenile animals to crash due to stress. There is always another show season. The ribbon is not worth the cost of a sick or dead animal.

Feed, Water and Poop: Bring water and feed buckets, hay bags, show pen mats, pooper scoopers, rakes and brooms to keep your alpaca pens and the area around your farm display neat and clean. Bring adequate amounts of grain, minerals, hay and other supplementation so alpacas get what they usually get at home. We bring our own water supply since sometimes a change in water coupled with stress can cause stomach upset.

First Aid: While there is usually an on-call veterinarian for each show,

you should still bring adequate first aid supplies with you. Useful items include: probiotics, Gastrogard, Rescue Remedy, a thermometer, antibiotics, Banamine, eye ointment, Novalsan solution, antibiotic ointment, needles and syringes and vet wrap, a stethoscope and hand sanitizer for you and anyone that wants to handle your alpacas.

Farm Display: Have your farm display ready and packed. Include

business cards, handouts about your farm and a guest book so that visitors to your booth can request additional information. Make sure your show display and materials represent you and your farm in the best way possible.

Show Ring Attire: Pick and pack your show ring outfits in advance.

While the judge is there to judge the alpaca and not you, it’s best to dress appropriately and not to call excessive or negative attention to yourself. A conservative outfit that does not detract from your alpacas is best, such as a white shirt and black pants.

Alpaca Transport: If you are transporting your alpacas to the show,

make sure your trailer is in good condition and that the vehicle intended to tow the trailer is in good working order. The last thing you need is to be stranded on a highway with a trailer full of alpacas.

We always bring the AOBA directory with us so in the event we get stranded, we are able to call upon local breeders for help if necessary.

Show Rules: Familiarize yourself with the AOBA show rules. Some questions can be addressed to the show superintendent.

Good Sportsmanship and Fun: Make sure you congratulate and shake hands with other breeders that place in the show ring. Listen to the Judges’ oral presentations as to why one alpaca placed over another in the show ring. After the class has been judged, take a close look at the alpacas that placed at the top of the class. It gives you a good idea as to why the alpaca was awarded the top honors. Remember that shows are not only about winning ribbons. They provide a great opportunity to showcase your farm and to meet and socialize with other breeders. Make sure that you have fun!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from more experienced breeders at the show. Remember, more experienced farms probably had to ask for help when they started too. O

Lou Eustance and her husband Bob share a passion for alpacas. Together they run French Hollow Alpacas in Cambridge, NY. Over the past 10 years they have enjoyed sharing their knowledge and passion about these lovely animals.

What to take to the show:

Gather supplies to take that will help you keep your alpacas comfortable and healthy. Bring copies of your ARI registration, show registration documentation, required health forms, and negative BVD test results or you may be denied entry at the show. Supplies to have on your check list are: Halters and Lead Ropes: Halters should be fitted to the specific

alpaca intended to wear it. Aesthetically, it is nicer when halters match the color or close to the color of the muzzle (black halters for alpacas with black faces, a white halters for alpacas with grey or white faces, and brown halters for alpacas with brown faces. Lead ropes can be black.

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Your Show Booth—

A Powerful Marketing Tool

by Lou Eustance

Show booths are a serious matter. They represent you and your farm’s image and identity. Show booths are also a great marketing tool. Here are some things to consider to make your show booth work for you.

• Make it unique: Your booth doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive.

It needs to be unique and represent you and your farm.

• Be consistent with your farm identity: Make sure your farm name, logo and tagline are an integral part of your show booth. Use colors that work well with your other marketing materials- if they are predominantly greens and blues, your display should have the same color scheme. Uniformity and consistency lead to recognition.

• Keep it clean (alpaca pens too)!!! There is nothing more unappealing than a disheveled farm display. Make sure your farm handouts are neatly displayed. Also, remember that your alpacas are representing your farm. Keep their pens clean. Perception is everything: Dirty pens can equate to the impression of a dirty farm.

• Draw passers-by: Have some type of “give away” (candies, pens, and refrigerator magnets) prominently displayed at your booth.

An alpaca breeder, manning his booth, answers visitors questions and hands out promotional materials.

Photo Courtesy of Bel Canto Farm (pictured: Sugartown Farms)

• Initiate conversation (be approachable): When passers-by approach your booth acknowledge their presence, greet them and strike up a conversation. Give them your business card and handouts and take their business card and have them sign your visitor book.

• Your guest book (to qualify prospects): Have a checklist on the guest sign-in page so visitors can indicate the type of information he/she desires from you. And make sure you can decipher the visitor’s handwriting. There is nothing more frustrating than being unable to follow up with a contact because you cannot make out the visitor names and contact information.

• Stay at your booth: The only way show both marketing works is if someone is manning it. Disappearing from your booth for long stretches of time will diminish your opportunities to market your farm and alpacas to show booth visitors.

• Have plenty of Hand-outs: There is nothing worse than running out of business cards or promotional materials during a show. More is better. What is not used can be packed and used at the next show.

• Follow-up promptly: It’s all about the follow –up. Requests for information should be addressed promptly upon returning to your farm.

We try to follow-up within 3 business days after a show.

REMEMBER You are the key to marketing your farm and generating sales. No booth, no matter how nice, can sell alpacas as well as you can.

Keeping promises builds credibility. The real selling comes after the show. Follow-up when you say you will. O Lou Eustance and her husband Bob share a passion for alpacas. Together they run French Hollow Alpacas in Cambridge, NY. Over the past 10 years they have enjoyed sharing their knowledge and passion about these lovely animals.

Children are important prospects too. Their love and delight for alpacas can serve as a great introduction for the parents. Raising alpacas is, after all, ideal for a family run business.

Photo Courtesy of HaSu Ranch Alpacas

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Photos courtesy of HaSu Ranch Alpacas

by Hazen Reed & Susan Muther

Suris: Stylish Yet Practical

by Hazen Reed & Susan Muther

Suri is the exquisite fleece from the Suri Alpaca. Each ultra-fine fiber of Suri Alpaca fleece has a high natural luster and sheen unlike fibers from any other fleece bearing animals... even their cousin the Huacaya alpaca-- Huacaya alpacas produce a dense, crimpy sheep-like fiber. Closer to silk than wool, Suri yarns create a luxurious and sensuous fabric that retains its shape, drapes well, and caresses your figure. 100% Suri garments shimmer with an apparent inner luster. Naturally hypoallergenic, yet still breathable, Suri fiber wicks moisture and dissipates humidity, making it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Stylish, yet practical!

The history of the Suri Alpaca is thousands of years in the making. Domestication of alpaca in South America’ high-lands dates back to pre-Incan times. Evidence of royal cloaks and capes have been unearthed in archeological excavations throughout central regions of the Andes. Examples of these ancient textiles are hanging in museums of the area. Suri Alpacas are bred exclusively for their lustrous, silky fibers. Suris are the rarer of the two breeds of alpacas. World-wide, the percentage of Suri Alpacas is believed to be between 1 to 2% of the global alpaca population. However, in the United States, Suris are flourishing, with 15 to 20% of the 55,000 U.S. alpaca herd being Suri. Don Julio Barreda, the master alpaca breeder of Estancia Accoyo in Peru, is credited with founding the Suri business here in the United States. His efforts to educate and inspire breeders across the country resulted in the importation and subsequent breeding of some of the finest Suri Alpacas the world has ever known. It was Barreda‘s observation that “many areas in the U.S. are ideal for Suri breeding” that stimulated this growth ( thanks to Mike Safely for this quotation from “Alpacas: Synthesis of a Miracle”). We are fortunate to be among the elite breeders of the world with U.S. Suri Alpaca growth so strong.

Still, with fewer than 10,000 Suri alpacas total in the United States, we have a long way to travel before the exquisite Suri fiber will support advanced commercial applications. Each year more breeders are Examples of Suri weaves. Photos courtesy of (top) Fashion & Designer Gallery Int’l (Bottom) SuriPaco.

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While Suris are most easily recognized for their long dreadlocks, the trait that is most special in Suri fleece is the lustrous silken fibers (luster shown in top right photo of previous page).

100% Suri Alpaca wedding dress illustrating the fiber’s exquisite draping and an example of the worsted milling technique that produces finer, more finished fabrics.

Photo courtesy of HaSu Ranch Alpacas

Photo courtesy of Amanda VandenBosch

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Breeders Association, Nashville, dazzled by these mystical camelids, Tennessee, Spring 2006.) but due, in-part, to slow herd demand for Suri fiber continues to Top breeders of elite Suris focus growth, the numbers of Suri remain on cultivating their herds for luster relatively low even though demand be strong...there is no other source first. It is luster that differentiates for Suri fiber continues to be strong Suri fiber from all other natural since there is no other source for this for this amazing silk-like fiber. fibers. High-end fashion designer amazing silk-like fiber.

Beatriz Canedo Patiño, recogWhile Suris are most easily nized by the International fashion press as “The Queen of Alpaca,” recognized for their long dreadlocks, the trait that is most special in Suri is a leader in couture design, and her fabric of choice is Suri Alpaca. fleece is the lustrous silken fibers. Some have compared Suri to Mohair Her results speak for themselves. Her fashions have impeccable goat fiber, but Suri is consistently finer, and far more lustrous, closer to finish, lovely forms and truly luxurious appeal. real silk. In fact, according to electron microscope research conducted Production of Suri fiber is different from that of Huacaya. The

by Andy Tillman, the smooth hair shaft of Suri fiber has the lowest scale sheep-like Huacaya fiber is most often processed using a woolen milling height of any natural fiber except for silk. All hair fibers are covered process in a plain weave (rarely a twill), which produces a fabric of a by a layer of sheet-like hardened cuticle cells (epidermal scales) which somewhat looser weave and a soft surface (due to napping) with little overlap each other, with their exposed edges toward the tip of the fiber. or no luster. While great for bulkier sweaters and garments with loft, The cuticle plays an important role for the entire fiber as it exposed to Huacaya yarns are most often used in knitted applications. environmental influences and responsible for the surface properties of Suri fiber is most frequently processed in the Worsted milling techthe fiber. Scale height is the amount the cuticle rises off the fiber shaft. nique that produces a finer, more finished fabrics with exquisite patterns Huacaya and Merino Sheep fiber scales rise dramatically off the shaft using a twill weave. The result is a more tightly woven, smooth fabric that like bark on a shag bark hickory tree, creating ridges that tend to cling is wonderfully silky and yet very durable. Better constructed, worsteds are to other fibers. Suri alpaca fibers grow from protein compounds or scales more durable than woolens, and often, considered more valuable. that overlap and have very little rise from the main shaft. In Suri alpaca, Breeding Suri alpacas is no different from breeding Huacaya alpacas. these scales are so low that the shaft is nearly smooth. This gives the In fact, Suri and Huacaya alpacas are fundamentally the same animal Suri fiber its silk-like quality. (Tillman, Andy and Dr. Cheryl Tillman, with the exception of the expressed Suri fleece-type (phenotype). Care“Surface Scanning Electron Microscopy of Suri Alpaca Fiber and Other fully recorded breedings, as well as independent studies, have indicated Members of the Camel Family”, Alpacas Magazine, Alpaca Owners & 29 | Focus 2012

Suris match Huacayas in their tolerance of cold weather and may actuthat the Suri phenotype may be a manifestation of a simply-inherited ally do better in warmer temperatures. trait. In terms of genetics, traits are usually referred to as either simplyShowing Suris is exciting. Since there are so few Suris Nationinherited or polygenic, meaning they are controlled by more than one wide, competition is often strong, even at smaller shows. U.S. breeders gene. Simply inherited traits are usually affected by only one gene. are doing a wonderful job in their breeding programs and the lustrous, The two most commonly recognized simply inherited traits in beef silky Suris in the show ring evidence the potential this breed has for cattle, for example, are red/black coat color, and horned/polled (not superior fleece production. Still, there are some things we can learn horned). In the case of alpacas, the Suri trait is the dominant gene, from our collective experience as breeders. Respected Senior Alpaca and the Huacaya trait is the recessive gene. If two Huacayas are bred Judge Amanda VandenBosch points out that while Suris look lovely in to each other, they will always produce a Huacaya phenotype cria, full-fleece, the extremely long fidue to the fact that Huacaya is bers of a yearling Suri can become homozygous recessive for the a detriment to the health of the fleece phenotype of crimpy, Both Huacayas and Suris share animal, and the fleece. Her expesheep-like fiber. However, rience in the show ring has shown because Suri is the dominate the same gentle temperament, tender fleeces due to stress and trait, even if the fleece-type weathering that could be avoided. gene is manifesting the Suri hardiness and basic needs.

Her advice is to shear Suris for phenotype, it could be carrying an optimal Suri fiber producthe unexpressed, recessive Huation length of 6 to 8 inches. This caya fleece-type gene. If two of length actually demonstrates superior genetics more readily, due in these alpacas are mated and both pass the recessive Huacaya gene, the part to the fact that re-growth after shearing is one indicator of genetic cria born to this pair will be Huacaya phenotype. There is no value excellence. Her view is that it is also easier to see that wonderful luster judgment on this fact, however, top breeders are always looking to at this fiber length. It is undeniable that a full-fleece Suri Alpaca is one improve their herds, and breeding if “true-to-type” is a goal, which it of the unique creatures the world has to offer, we must also keep our should be, the higher economic value will be derived from Suris that economic drivers in mind when making husbandry choices. For an are homozygous dominant for the long, lustrous Suri phenotype. extreme example of the full-fleeced Suri, consider the mystical “Wasi” Husbandry of Suris is similar to that for Huacayas. Both breeds below. These, usually gelded Suri males, are allowed to grow their share the same gentle temperament, hardiness, and basic needs. Clean fleece unshorn through their entire life. Many farms in South America pastures, well-tended barns and good forage make for happy alpacas. retain just such a Wasi in the belief that it is an offering to the gods of Alpacas prefer free access in and out of an open shelter. A three-sided purity and richeness they hope will be returned to their own herds. run-in shed can provide satisfactory cover from wind and rain in Owning and breeding Suri Alpacas is to partake in an historical cooler months, and a welcome relief from sun and heat in the summer. timeline dating back thousands of years. And yet, breeding for this Luckily for us in the United States, Suris do exceptionally well in the luxurious silky fiber includes the breeder in some of the world’s most diverse climates across the country. As Don Julia Barreda said, we are elite and revered of industries, the couture fashion world of Italy and very lucky here to have so many places ideally suited to raising Suris.

New York. We invite you to experience the Suri first hand by visiting a farm near you. The riches of history await the careful Suri breeder who can cultivate this magical fiber that is oh so stylish, and yet so very practical! O

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Susan Muther and Hazen Reed and their twin boys run HaSu Ranch Alpacas in East Meredith, New York where they breed both Suri and Huacaya alpacas.

Hazen and Susan also own and operate BreedWorks, the premiere marketing and design business serving the worldwide Alpaca community.

The mystical “Wasi” at left. These, usually gelded Suri males, are allowed to grow their fleece unshorn through their entire life... in the belief that it is an offering to the gods of purity and richeness they hope will be returned to their own herds.

Photos courtesy of Mike Safley

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31 | Focus 2012

Your New BFF:

Email Marketing

by Hazen Reed & Susan Muther

In this day of overstuffed and over-

spammed email inboxes, it may seem

out-of-date to write about email marketing. Some inboxes are so over-filled that their owners simply abandon that email address and create a new one on another service, moving on like digital nomads, leaving behind both good and bad out of sheer frustration.

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The great promise of email marketing is that you can reach potential buyers directly and, as the story goes, have immediate marketing success. We have all been tempted to send email ads promoting our next great event or an alpaca we’ve consigned to an upcoming auction.

Moreover, when we did so, we expected the money and calls to start flying in. Get the right (and large) list of names and addresses, and blast away, right? Promises, promises. Reality can be so different.

If email doesn’t work as promised and we’re all receiving too much spam, why write about email marketing? Isn’t social media the craze these days anyway? A 2011 study conducted by online marketing magazine and research service, Multichannel Merchant, of businessto-consumer and business-to-business firms, reports that 84 percent of respondents find email incredibly effective. Further, 90 percent report that their main website, when supported by a solid email marketing program, is better at producing qualified buyers than all other marketing combined. Even though some disparage email marketing, it remains one of the most effective tactics available to us…when used properly.

The trick, say marketing gurus, is to follow one simple rule: Get Permission.

You must have permission to send to each person on your email-marketing list. Avinash Kaushik, Google’s “Digital Marketing Evangelist” and author of Web Analytics 2.0, puts it this way: “Embrace permission marketing and email will be a surprising and loyal BFF.” We’d dare say it is even better than Search (and without a shred of doubt, more than Social Media), because you control everything: the message, the customer data, the ability to reach current and prospective customers, drive new sales as well as repeat sales, experiment with new ideas and offers, and so much more.”

Simply put, email marketing remains one of the best ways for you to reach prospects, nurture relationships, and cultivate your most valued customers.

In our design and marketing practice, clients frequently ask for email marketing services, a request we appreciate and enjoy fulfilling.

However, we always start with two questions: 1. What is your objective?

2. Where is your list?

Most clients can “sort of ” answer the first question with a general statement something along the lines of, “Well, we want to sell {something}.” Unfortunately, most cannot answer the second question at all.

Many expect that we have a “list” to which we can send their message.

There are two basic problems with these answers. First, email marketing – no, wait – almost all marketing, is about what your customers want, not what you want. Therefore, starting from the point of view “I need to SELL something” can be fatal. It usually results in spam-like pushy emails about which no one will care. Your marketing should focus on providing meaningful material that truly helps your customers.

Second -- and this really needs to be stated clearly -News flash: using a list that is not yours is NOT permission marketing. Using any list of email addresses you have not personally collected, and whose owners have not explicitly granted you permission to send email, may be a violation of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s CAN-SPAM Act. Messaging to folks who do not know you and who have not granted you and your business the right to send them email is destined for unremarkable performance.

In fact, you risk being prevented by your ISP (internet service provider) or ESP (email service provider) from sending emails altogether, if they assess your messages as spam. When sending out email marketing, the professional marketers ask themselves, “If the recipients of my email were to NOT get this message, would they be upset?” If you can answer “YES” to that question, you have an exceptional emailmarketing program. Send out your message, and reap the profits, for there will be many. However, if you are “blasting” at a list of unknown people, expect the worst. Think about it. Who wants to be on the receiving end of a “blast?” Not me, and I bet, not you. To find out how to restore email as your BFF, read on.

Where Do I Start?

Think of email marketing as a way to connect with prospects. Successful email marketing, like successful social media, is about informing and interacting. It’s not a place to promote and sell, at least not directly.

In order to make email marketing effective for your business, you must own your list. You must have collected the names, mailing addresses, and email addresses of each person on your list. According to the CAN-SPAM Act, email marketing is “any electronic mail message the primary purpose of which is the commercial advertisement or promotion of a commercial product or service.”

And, yes, that means alpacas. Each separate email in violation of the CAN-SPAM Act is subject to penalties of up to $16,000! The first thing you need to do is establish your own list, often called your “house-list.” This is your gold mine. Smart businesses know that this list is their future, and they will not part with it for love, nor money.

If you are getting a free list from someone else, you can bet the quality of that list is, well, worth about every penny.

It is easy to be tempted to share email lists, or use an email service that has a list. Shared email lists come with risks. If company A uses a shared list and a recipient in that list “unsubscribes,” then when company B wants to use that same list, the unsubscribed recipient will not be on the list and will never have the opportunity to see company B’s message. You lose that potential relationship because your message never reaches that unsubscribed user.

Furthermore, if another marketer using the same service or list is spamming, or even appears to send spam-like messages, filters can block the entire sending IP address (network address of the computer).

When this happens, any email sent from a blocked or banned IP address is refused. Since IP addresses are often shared by hundreds of accounts, this impact can be very costly indeed. Said another way, one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch.

Create Your Own List If you have been sharing email lists, it is time to start building your own. Do not share it with anyone, ever. Your goal is to collect as much information about people on your list as possible. The more detailed the information you collect – interests, hobbies, aspirations, behaviors – the more you can use that information to construct helpful and meaningful materials that resonate with your audience. Remember, you are trying to build relationships here, not just sell stuff.

(Note: Always list your contact information, including your physical address in each message. This indicates a real business, but also shows you are not hiding anything. It helps build trust. Offer a way for recipients to get off your list. A simple “unsubscribe” link works fine, but it must be available on each message.)

In every email you send, make sure you have a way for non-list readers to sign up for your list. Many well-crafted email messages are shared with friends and business partners. Make it easy for these nonsubscribers to get on your list.

Set Goals Next, define your goal. Goals can be measured, and improved upon over time. Examples include, “We want to have 50 people download our sales list.” or, “We want 60 people to enroll for our next seminar.”

It is even possible to have a goal like, “I want 25 people to download a PDF brochure on our auction alpaca,” because this is measurable. You can know the scope of your email’s reach.

Simply throwing out a wild pitch is “spammy.” Knowing why you are doing something helps you determine who should receive your message. You may send your message to fewer folks, but your returns will be greater. When you can clearly picture the recipient, and you can feel some of their pain, you can provide answers, tools, products, and yes, even genetics, that help solve their problems.

Next, think about what you want the recipient of your message to do, exactly. Map out the “click-path.” For example, “I want recipients to click this button, which will take them to a specific webpage dedicated to this email (referred to as a ‘Landing page’ because this is where you want people to ‘land’), so they can read more, and download my PDF file on (fill in the blank).” By having a clear click-path that you want users to follow in a best-case scenario, you can measure your results, determine if you’ve been successful, and learn what to improve on next time. Without such a plan, you have little idea of your success, and you fall back to the annoying, spammy, interruptive stuff everyone dislikes. Design your emails, and your content, to direct readers towards a task that you can measure.

What Is Your Content?

When thinking about your content, it’s helpful to consider how relevant it is to your subscriber. If you cannot state what benefit they will receive from your content, or how it is relevant to them, you really should not proceed with your campaign. Create content --stories, images, how-to’s and tools -- that subscribers care about, and want to receive. Moreover, create content they will want to share (think “Like,” as in Facebook) with their friends and business associates. Work towards giving them

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things they cannot find anywhere else but from you. Then you become a valued resource they come to repeatedly, and eagerly share with their network of friends and associates.

Create a Schedule Develop a content plan or editorial plan mapped out over time. Do not give subscribers everything you know in one giant email. Use your content to build relationships. Divide it into small parts, and send out each part over a set schedule of weeks or months. Be consistent about when you send. People have so little time; they are not likely to read long passages at one sitting. Wouldn’t it be great to hear that people are excited to get your next message? Allow them to hear from you over time, like a good neighbor…uh, sorry, no offense, State Farm!

Some Fundamentals Regarding each individual email campaign, there are some fundamentals to keep in mind. Getting these right improves your chances of success. When creating your emails, take special note of the following: • The “From” line • The “Subject” line • Top or “Above the Fold” Content • Headlines and sub-headings • Images and image ALT tags • Call to action • Landing page • Tracking These items are basic to every email message, or should be. Using them well enhances your chances of having your message opened (open-rate), read and interacted with (click-through rate) and, hopefully, shared (share-velocity). Let’s take each in turn.

The “From” Line The “From” line (fig. 1) is the first thing subscribers see in their in-box.

They evaluate whether to view a message based on their knowledge of the sender. In just a fraction of a second, users go through a complex calculation of trust assessment. “Do I know this person / business?” “Do I trust their emails?” A recognizable person / farm name in the “From” line improves open rates instantly. Conversely, unknown or oddly constructed “From” lines, such as “Joe Spammer (on behalf of Desperate Marketer)” undermines confidence, and certainly reduces open rates.

Once you determine your ‘From” name, (farm or personal) do not change it. It may take until the fifth email or more before recipients feel comfortable enough to open one of them. Consistency (in “From” line and timing) greatly improves trust and builds your relationship.

The “Subject” Line Next in the recipient’s speedy calculation of trust is the “Subject” line. The “Subject” line is the 50 or so characters users see in their email readers. Tell recipients what the email topic(s) cover. Be clear.

Be relevant. Be brief. Do not over-hype your subject lines, at least not without knowing that your audience is ready for the hyperbole.

Avoid “Filter-Food.” Spam filters are common today, and are getting better at removing unwanted spam. Avoid subject lines with the word free, sale, sex, win, etc. Don’t use ALL CAPS. And remember, filters just look for a set of characters together, so even something like the word ‘sextant’ can trigger a spam filter, and prevent your lovely email message from being delivered.

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Top or “Above the Fold” Content The upper-most portion of an email message is key to getting recipients to get interested. Again, they have little time and they make decisions very quickly about whether to read more. Personalize your message with the recipient’s name, which you should have in your “house-list.”

First, it is a nice thing to do, and second, it increases click-through rates dramatically. Personalizing helps reinforce the relationship aspect of the message; it helps create a sense of trust and enhances credibility.

When thinking about the content that’s “’above the fold’ (stuff that is visible without having to scroll the email or webpage), strive for scan-ability. Let users see bullets or lists of the content further down the email. Tease them with great headlines and graphics.

Headlines and Sub-Headings If your email message is opened, and displaying in a subscriber’s email reader, you have only a matter of seconds-- some say less than 5 seconds-to keep reader’s attention. Make the best use of that time as possible. Create headlines and sub-headings that tempt, tease and tell your story.

Images and Graphics Images in messages are great. We all love seeing that special alpaca in bold, beautiful color. “We’re so proud of our champions’ banner; we have to fill the screen with it.” Hold on! Images are great, but most email readers initially prevent images from being displayed. Recipients have a choice whether to download the email’s images. And know what? Many folks never download the images. Hence, if your entire email is one big image, you are taking a big risk that your message will never be seen.

(Note: The majority of Alpaca industry emails are actually one big image. The text within an email can be sent as an images as well. Always ask your email developer how they will build your email, as one image or with HTML text and images.)

When using images, it is a good idea to add in ALT text, or words added to the html ALT tag that handles the image’s display. The ALT tag is often displayed where the image should appear in your email message. So a description of the picture, or a short summary of the content of your message, even when recipients have not yet permitted your images to be downloaded, can still appear. You can tell recipients, “Hey, this is an amazing picture of a great champion” before they see the picture.

Keep images relevant, small and professionally produced. Highquality images adds credibility and trust, just like high-quality words.

Call to Action As noted above, you must know what you want recipients to do.

Before you send a message, you must be able to clearly state, “I want people to (fill in the blank) when they read this email.” Taking action is a signal the reader is engaged. Taking action is also recordable, and most email service providers track how many users click links, which links they click and more. This data is incredibly valuable to you as it helps you learn about your subscribers’ behavior. You can start to learn what interests them. So you can provide more of the good stuff on each subsequent email you send.

Direct readers to click where you want them to click. Make your “call to action” clear. In addition, consider placing it in more than one spot on your email. Some people look for buttony-like things, while others seek out underlined text. Still others use the rollover cursor as their clue. Make it easy, and don’t make them think. Provide enough targets to get them where you want them to go.

Fig 1: Key Elements From Line — A recognizable person name or farm name in the “From” line improves open rates instantly. Email recipients evaluate whether to view a message based on their knowledge of the sender.

Subject Line — Keep the ‘Subject’ line clear, relevant and brief. To void Spam Filters avoid words such as ‘free’, ‘sale’ and ‘win’ etc.

Landing Pages Landing pages are special pages on your website that work in tandem with your email messages. These pages can be existing pages on your site, but often are unique pages dedicated to the campaign. The value of these pages comes with tracking. Tracking is possible on most links in your email message.

You should be able to identify who opened your message, what links they clicked and when, and how many times they clicked them. This data is available from reputable email service providers. It is fun to see and a great way to learn your customers’ interests.

Even better, you can tag your links with codes that can work with your landing pages, further enhancing tracking, making “end-to-end” tracking a reality. It is great to get users to your site, but if you can’t see where they went after reaching your site, you’re seeing only part of the picture.

Landing pages help solve that tracking problem. When integrated with your Web site’s tracking systems, they help you see what users do when they get to your site-- where they go next, if they make a purchase, or took some further action, like downloading a PDF. Landing pages can also attract significant search traffic, if designed correctly. One key reason is that the majority of landing page content is dedicated to one topic. This makes it easier for search engines to determine that a landing page is about a specific topic and only that topic, and thus a good option to send back to searchers. As such, you may see new traffic coming to your Web site’s landing pages, apart from that resulting from your email campaign. Give these users a way to share your page and sign up for more!

Get Social Marketing online is all about connecting, and social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Google + are leading the way. Do you have followers? How many “Likes” do you have? Offering recipients of your email a chance to “Tweet” or “Like” it can expose your message to exponentially more viewers. And do not forget about smart phones. Social apps on smartphones make sharing super easy. Designing your email to play nice with both large and small screens can be a challenge, but the opportunity for even just one recipient to forward your email to their “wall” could open your business to hundreds or even thousands of new prospects who may, in turn, visit your email and your Website. They may even sign up to receive your email marketing.

A well-designed, well-organized and engaging email message: Aim for scan-ability by using headings and subheads, a branded presentation, using relevant content, a hierarchical organization, and a personalized greeting (using your own permission-based list).

Photos courtesy of HaSu Ranch Alpacas

Tracking We have touched on tracking several items above, and if you have experimented with email service providers like Constant Contact, Vertical Response, or AWeber you know these services have all kinds of fun charts and statistics.

Knowing what they mean can be very helpful, but even at their best, these data only measure the effectiveness of email to drive action to some other place. To measure your email marketing well, you need to start thinking about the end, first. Where do you want recipients to go? What do you want them to do once they open and read your email?

These questions lead to more involved topics and bring in

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your Website and its tracking, or analytics, tools. A full description of these tools and methods for capturing this important data is beyond the scope of this article; however, a brief description is warranted.

Most email service providers can show the following data points about each email message you send: • Delivery Rate – the number of messages actually delivered to recipients’ inboxes. This tool is useful for detecting bad email addresses, but since your list is SOOO good, this number should always be low.

• Open Rate – the rate at which folks actually open your message. Be careful with this one because opens usually are tied to images being viewed. Given that many email readers have images turned off and only downloaded when they click the ‘download images’ button, messages may be opened, but not tracked • Click through Rate – the rate at which users take the action you want them to take. How often did they click the link to see more about Fluffy? While these tracked data points reveal a lot, they do not tell the full story. For that, you need more.

Since most email campaigns include links to some other place – your Website, for example – you need a way to track the traffic from your email to your Website. Knowing whether someone actually went where you wanted him or her to go after reading your email message is key to understanding your overall email marketing effectiveness.

Break out your Website’s server logs and reporting tools, and find those numbers. This task will require a little work on your part, or that of your design/marketing agency, because links must be encoded properly to permit the tracking. Google Analytics can be a terrific asset to you in this exercise.

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With these additional data in hand, you can evaluate things like: • Email-driven bounce rate – the rate at which traffic leaves without doing anything at all. Even if 100 percent of your recipients click through to your Web site, if 99 percent leave after getting there, your campaign has not achieved success.

• Depth of Visit – how long are folks staying on your Website after arriving?

• Actions completed – did the users actually buy something, download something, or fill out the form you wanted them to fill out?

Knowing the percentage of people on your list who are taking the action you really want them to take ties the pieces together, and helps you become an end-to-end email marketer.

In Conclusion Email marketing can be one of your best marketing tools, if you do it well. Specifically, remind yourself to stop blasting people, treat them as you would like to be treated, and have clear goals about what you want to happen. Provide real value in your content. Allow sharing.

Build your own list. Review your numbers and evaluate your list regularly. With these things in mind, email can and will become your Best Friend Forever! O Susan Muther and Hazen Reed and their twin boys run HaSu Ranch Alpacas in East Meredith, New York where they breed both Suri and Huacaya alpacas.

Hazen and Susan also own and operate BreedWorks, the premiere marketing and design business serving the worldwide Alpaca community.

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What the Fleece?

Every Fleece Tells a Story

By Polly Michaelis

One of the coolest things about being a fleece judge is looking at a fleece spread out on a table and listening to the story it tells. An alpaca’s fleece reveals so much about the animal beneath it – is it healthy, how old is it, was there a life-changing event like an illness, a parasite load, weaning, or change in environment? There’s no Magic 8 Ball: environment and stress as well as genetics, influence the characteristics we judge. Let’s start at the top of the fleece show score sheet and talk about a few of the items. While some of the discussion covers both Huacaya and Suri, the majority of this article focuses on Huacaya. A future article can discuss Suri.

Fineness & Handle: Fineness is based on an estimation of the micron

count of fiber diameters across the blanket. Fine fleece makes the softest garments. The handle score is assigned to the pleasing (or less than pleasing) feel of the fleece relative to the alpaca’s age. There’s a method to the madness. When looking at characteristics to consider in a breeding program, long lasting fineness and a pleasing hand are HUGE. These characteristics are what define alpaca as a luxury fiber.

Uniformity: There are 3 considerations – micron, color and staple length.

When looking at fleece, on a table or on the alpaca itself, you’re looking for similarity of characteristics across the blanket. We’re hoping for the least amount of variation. In the best of worlds, we’d get 5 inches of perfectly uniform fleece across the entire fleece. The longer the staple, the better the end product. The more uniform the color, the more uniformly dye takes.

The more uniform the staple length, the more uniformly fibers spin into yarn. This is also the part of the scorecard impacted by an exhibitor’s skirting abilities. If the fleece is presented in it’s entirety, complete with belly hair, second cuts, or leg fiber, those less desirable fleece parts will be considered in the uniformity score. If it’s included in the bag, it will be judged.

Style: Style includes character (crimp) and staple type/density. Crimp is

the natural wave formation of Huacaya fleece and is important to the final product as it adds elasticity (memory). Crimp also helps keep individual fibers together within processed yarn. To put it in a breeder’s perspective, I quote leading fiber expert Cameron Holt’s article Is Crimp Important?.

Crimp is the expression of excellence in breeding. It helps you estimate, in particular density and fineness with the help of handle. We have learned from experience that if crimp is well-maintained and superior in nature in an older Huacaya it indicates the alpaca has the ability to maintain its fleece excellence This certainly is an important trait to look for in your selection process.

If you look at an older female with multiple crias you likely won’t see much organization to her fleece. The fibers will be straight with little evidence of staples or locks. You could see “crinkle” along the fiber. Her fleece would score on the low end of the range. A fleece with staples opening like a book and are organized into tightly packed individual staples would score at the upper end of the scale. It may also be a very bright, fine fleece. Once you see crimp style in the 9-10 point range (the highest), take a mental picture Brightness: The healthier an alpaca, the brighter its fleece and more

pleasing to the hand its fleece will be. The more uniformity in micron and fleece color, the brighter it will be. Brightness is one of the positive attributes of alpaca over other wool breeds. Environment or husbandry

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affect brightness, but at the skin (cut side) you should still see evidence of brightness even if you bed on limestone or live on that amazing red clay that creates the rare peach-colored alpaca often found in Virginia and climes south.

Lack of Guard Hair: Guard hairs are those longer, broader micron and straighter fibers that don’t incorporate as well into yarn when processed.

When rearing fleece-producing animals you want to have Photo courtesy of the author really good fleece -- none of that over 30-micron stuff that causes the prickle factor (a/k/a “itch”). You want fineness to be a lasting characteristic that passes to the next generation. We expect guard hair in certain places such as the apron and belly – it protects the critter and keeps it warm. You don’t want it in the blanket fiber; that’s not a desirable trait and we’re hopefully breeding to eliminate or reduce it.

Impurities, Stain & Fleece Damage: This line item on the scorecard is

another one humans can seriously influence. Once upon a time, a wise person said, “groom your pastures, not your alpacas”. This is where you’ll see the results. If you’ve got a whole lot of junk in your fleece (dung, bird droppings, itty bitty pine cones, bugs, etc.), if your fleece breaks, or is rotten, think again about the health of your alpaca and the condition of your pastures. Why? If your fleece breaks when spun, you’ll get noils or slubs in the finished product. Noils and slubs are those annoying little imperfections in the yarn that can ruin a finished product. The impurities such as burdock, timothy heads, and dung tend to ruin the texture and look of the finished yarn. One other thing to consider in this category: the more impurities in the raw fleece, the more effort (read here: cost, dollars you’ll spend) to clean the fleece prior to carding and spinning.

Fleece Weight: Face it – this relates to production value – the higher fleece weight, the more end product you can produce. What you want to consider is fineness relative to weight. A whole lot of steel wool isn’t as desirable as a goodly amount of seriously yummy soft fleece.

Everything leads back to the finished product. Each of the characteristics evaluated are those most important to the commercial end use as luxury garments. The fleece will tell the story; you just need to listen! O Polly Michaelis is an AOBA-certified judge for halter, fleece and performance.

She and her husband Ken own and operate Finger Lakes Alpacas, home to a diverse herd of 50+ happy Huacaya alpacas, a thriving business and a wonderful lifestyle.

39 | Focus 2012

Empire Alpaca Extravaganza

by Robin Shatzkin

Held in Syracuse, NY at the expansive State Fairgrounds, our Extravaganza is THE event for everything special about NY Alpaca.

With internationally renowned judges in three rings all weekend, alpacas and their owners compete in both halter and performance competitions.

Our youth classes sport the next generation of alpaca enthusiasts with some of the most creative costumes for both humans and their talented alpacas. This year’s adult egg and spoon obstacle race was both hilarious and exciting for everyone as a most unlikely alpaca owner won first place!

In addition to competition rings, the Extravaganza hosts an annual Photo Contest whose winner you will see in this issue. Our Member Booth gives farms the opportunity to sell handmade and other items to the public. A Vendor Village brings products from all over the world.

Our second annual Fashion Show was a rousing success. EAA members and vendors shared their favorite items in the ring during lunch on Saturday. This show is a terrific way to showcase available alpaca merchandise.

The Fiber Area is an ongoing education venue as are the many seminars given during the weekend by experts in their fields. Looking for an amazing herdsire? Pay attention to center ring during the Herdsire Parade on Saturday to see the handsome machos available in the Herdsire Auction.

It’s a busy weekend with lots of fun, friendly competition and interesting events. Next year, this event will be extended to THREE DAYS to include a Fleece Show and Fiber Arts Competition.

Now you know why the Empire Alpaca Extravaganza is THE event for everything special about NY Alpaca! O Photos courtesy of Photography by Hermann

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41 | Focus 2012

Empire Alpaca Extravaganza Black & White

First Place & Judges Choice Andee Fagan, Arrow Acres Farm, LLC ‘The Alpaca & The Praying Mantis’

Second Place Kristy Smith, Smith Family Alpacas ‘Trust’

Third Place Megan Burt, Fraggle Rock Farm

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Color

First Place Megan Burt, Fraggle Rock Farm

Computer Enhanced

First Place Megan Burt, Fraggle Rock Farm

Second Place Kelsey Young, TKO Alpacas Second Place Leda Blumberg, Faraway Farm Alpacas ‘Foggy Morning’

Third Place Ann Young, Hilltop Alpacas

Third Place Andee Fagan, Arrow Acres Farm, LLC ‘Look at the Pretty Leaves’

2011 Photo Contest Winners Humor

First Place Don Sherman, Arrow Acres Farm, LLC ‘Do You Really Need to Take that Picture?”

Second Place Lauren Drapikowski, Laure-Lin Alpacas “Hay, Do You Have Any Floss?’

Youth

First Place Kristy Smith, Smith Family Alpacas ‘Love’

Second Place Kelsey Young, TKO Alpacas

Alpacas Interacting

First Place Megan Burt, Fraggle Rock Farm

Second Place Janet Whidden, Rocking Horse Farm ‘New Friends’

Photo Not Available

Third Place Megan Burt, Fraggle Rock Farm

Third Place Aislin Burt, Fraggle Rock Farm

Third Place Kristy Smith, Smith Family Alpacas ‘Kisses’

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Empire Alpaca Ext ravaganza

Show Results

SYRACUSE, NY | October 22 & 23, 2011 Judges: Jude Anderson, Jill MaCleod, Sharon Loner # of Alpacas Shown: 419, # of Entries: 577, # of Classes: 115 Show Superintendent: Melissa Young-Crozet, MelissaYoung45@hotmail.com

HUACAYA MALES 101 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Black, M (2) (Jude Anderson) 1 32188998 Black Warrior de Alta Vista Finca Alta Vista LLC 2 32017779 HRF Centaurus Hickory Ridge Farm Alpacas

Alan Clark & Hernan Torres; Michael &Terry Rychlewski Kaye Provost

102 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, TB, M (15) (Jude Anderson) 1 31173636 HRF Peruvian Gunner Hickory Ridge Farm Alpacas 2 31882347 Bull McAlister of Patchwork Meadow Patchwork Meadow Alpacas

Kaye Provost Susan Caston

103 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, BB, M (8) (Jude Anderson) 1 31973137 Levi By Design Applewood Farm Alpacas; Dr. Robert & Pat Sigler; Charles & Kathleen B. Thompson

Coffee Pot Farm 2 32050868 FPA Prometheus of Lancaster Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC Bob Fish 104 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, Black, M (5) (Jude Anderson) 1 31424684 IF Santiago A.L. Paca’s Farms; Independence Farm Doug & Denise Caldwel; Ken & Ruth Hopkins 2 31532617 Shawnee’s Shiloh 09 Shawnee Alpacas Donna & Marc Sanderson 105 – Black Huacaya Male Color Champion (30) (Jude Anderson) C 31173636 HRF Peruvian Gunner Hickory Ridge Farm Alpacas R 32188998 Black Warrior de Alta Vista Finca Alta Vista LLC

Kaye Provost Alan Clark & Hernan Torre; Michael & Terry Rychlewski

106 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Brown, M (2) (Jude Anderson) 1 32154528 FPA Abreyu Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC 2 31784382 Sarsaparilla of Coyote Creek Coyote Creek Farm

Bob Fish Bob and Sue Regier

107 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, DB, M (7) (Jude Anderson) 1 31887014 Happy Hearts Heart Of Gold Happy Hearts Alpaca Farm 2 32045444 FPA Mayhem Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC

Susan & Alan Monat Bob Fish

108 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, MB, M (13) (Jude Anderson) 1 31303255 Tin’s Diesel Tinbrook Alpacas 2 31900812 LAAF Agavito Long Acres Alpaca Farm

Kathy Bryan & Betsy Rodgers Sarah & Michael Donahoe

109 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, LB, M (5) (Jude Anderson) 1 32118636 A Paca Fun’s Tucson A Paca Fun Farm 2 32118605 Paragon’s Durango Copper Star Alpaca Farm

Neil & Jo Padgett Barbara & Joe Croccos

110 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, Brown, M (5) (Jude Anderson) 1 31347716 Beethoven’s Dorian Vermont Alpaca Compan; Cagneys Way Brian & Bethany Cole; Keith & Sarah Sartorini 2 31701952 CCNF Golden Sambac Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 111 – Brown Huacaya Male Color Champion (32) (Jude Anderson) C 31347716 Beethoven’s Dorian Vermont Alpaca Compan; Cagneys Way Brian & Bethany Cole; Keith & Sarah Sartorini R 32118636 A Paca Fun’s Tucson A Paca Fun Farm Neil & Jo Padgett 112 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Fawn, M (3) (Jude Anderson) 1 31536646 KCF Peruvian Sol Invictus Kendall Creek Farms Alpacas 2 32188851 Adonis de Alta Vista Finca Alta Vista LLC

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Chris & Lori Works Alan Clark & Hernan Torres

113 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, DF, M (13) (Jude Anderson) 1 32118667 Paragon’s Illusionist A Paca Fun Farm 2 31569224 A.L. Paca’s Helix Galaxy Alpacas of the Alleghenies

Neil & Jo Padgett Dr. Bert & Mary Altmanshofer

114A - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, MF, M (9) (Jude Anderson) 1 31908269 TGF Freedom Fighter Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro 2 31703031 A.L. Paca’s Centaurus Galaxy A.L. Paca’s Farms; Doug & Denise Caldwell; Russ & Joanie Pond

Winterberry Farm Alpacas 114B - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, MF, M (9) (Jude Anderson) 1 32045154 FPA Gold Ascension Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC Bob Fish 2 32003789 CCNF Magnanimous Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 115A - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, DF, M (4) (Jude Anderson) 1 31700849 CCNF Wayfarer Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 31882019 Hilltop’s Ripple Effect Hilltop Alpacas, LLC Scott & Kathy Young 115B - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, MF, M (3) (Jude Anderson) 1 31158039 Ringo Cloud A.L. Paca’s Farms;

Tuscany Valley Alpacas 2 31380577 Log Cabin’s Dakota Log Cabin Alpacas

Doug & Denise Caldwell; Carol Grace Karen Clark & Helen Harris

116 – Fawn Huacaya Male Color Champion (41) (Jude Anderson) C 31700849 CCNF Wayfarer Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz R 31882019 Hilltop’s Ripple Effect Hilltop Alpacas, LLC Scott & Kathy Young 117 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Light, M (6) (Jude Anderson) 1 32154535 FPA Fahrenheit 4000 Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC 2 32103106 A.L. Paca’s Major Galaxy A.L. Paca’s Farms & Tanner Z Farm

Bob Fish Doug & Denise Caldwell & Sheila Schwartz-zych

118A - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, LF, M (11) (Jude Anderson) 1 31576017 Morning Sky’s Design Morning Sky Farm 2 32095968 MFI & LMFI Peruvian Lord Nelson Tanner Z Farm

Bob & Lynn McClurg Sheila Schwartz-Zych

118B - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, LF, M (10) (Jude Anderson) 1 32043624 A.L. Paca’s All In Favor A.L. Paca’s Farms 2 31716468 Chatham Lancaster’s Peruvian Apollo Chatham Alpacas

Doug & Denise Caldwell Judith and Jeff Zimbalist

119 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, BG, M (11) (Jude Anderson) 1 32004809 CCNF Invictus Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 31769648 Patty’s Hamilton Vermont Alpaca Company Brian & Bethany Cole 120 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, Light, M (6) (Jude Anderson) 1 31700894 CCNF Vertigo Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 31813570 Heaven’s Hill Mercucio Asgard Acres Alpaca Farm; Carole & Joe Rost; Alma & Mike Gelorme

Heaven’s Hill Alpacas 121 – Light Huacaya Male Color Champion (44) (Jude Anderson) C 32043624 A.L. Paca’s All In Favor A.L. Paca’s Farms Doug & Denise Caldwell R 32004809 CCNF Invictus Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 122 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, WH, M (3) (Jude Anderson) 1 31879583 Claddagh’s Accoyo Brian Boru Claddagh Farm 2 32155143 Giovanini LoAlpacaLo Farm

Sarah & Carl Lamanna Micheal & Michelle LoPiccolo

123A - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, WH, M (13) (Jude Anderson) 1 31908382 TGF Supreme Odyssey Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro 2 31769730 VAC Supreme Ice Vermont Alpaca Company Brian & Bethany Cole 123B - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, WH, M (12) (Jude Anderson) 1 32004854 CCNF Bellagio Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 31173537 HRF Peruvian Gizmo Hickory Ridge Farm Alpacas Kaye Provost 124 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y, WH, M (7) (Jude Anderson) 1 31646437 TGF Sub-Conscious Hero Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro 2 31361514 VAC Beethoven’s Renegade Vermont Alpaca Company Brian & Bethany Cole

45 | Focus 2012

125 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, M, WH, M (3) (Jude Anderson) 1 30987821 CCNF Avenger Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 31315104 Snowshoe Aristides Snowshoe Farm, LLC Ron & Terry Miller 126 – White Huacaya Male Color Champion (38) (Jude Anderson) C 31646437 TGF Sub-Conscious Hero Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro R 31908382 TGF Supreme Odyssey Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro 400 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Grey, M (2) (Sharon Loner) 1 32103090 A.L. Paca’s Revered A.L. Paca’s Farms 2 32121384 Deacon Greys Smokerise Rosehaven Alpacas

Doug & Denise Caldwell Michele Armour & Rob Bruce

401 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, D/MRG, M (4) (Sharon Loner) 1 32170580 Caleb of Staghorn Valley Staghorn Valley Alpacas 2 32118612 A Paca Fun’s Smoke and Mirrors A Paca Fun Farm

Jerry Weisgrau & Judy Phaff Neil & Jo Padgett

402 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, LRG, M (6) (Sharon Loner) 1 31936064 Annual’s Bea-2 Bomber Cherry Run Farm, Alpaca Annual;

Alpine Alpacas 2 31755016 5C’s Contesto Cinco C’s Alpacas

Beth & Jeff Hull Chris & Carol Howard

403 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, DSG, M (6) (Sharon Loner) 1 31973120 General Robt E Lee Whistler’s Glen Alpacas; Coffee Pot Farm Bob & Kathy Arnold & Kathie Thompson 2 31882118 Hilltop’s Smoke Ring Hilltop Alpacas, LLC Scott & Kathy Young 404 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, M/LSG, M (10) (Sharon Loner) 1 32015102 Silver Saludo Long Acres Alpaca Farm Sarah & Michael Donahoe 2 32033205 High Peaks Reveille High Peaks Alpacas; Flying Pony Alpacas Deborah Potter & Robert Fish 405A - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, RG, M (5) (Sharon Loner) 1 31603836 Jeremiah’s Quatrain Coffee Pot Farm; Applewood Farm;

Whistler’s Glen; Tangled Oaks Alpacas 2 31449168 Jetson’s Sir William Long Lasting Alpaca Acres 405B - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, SG, M (4) (Sharon Loner) 1 31163071 Staghorn’s Summer Elixir Staghorn Valley Alpacas 2 31537612 Haze’s Jay Silverheels Sallie’s Fen Alpacas, Tamarack Meadow Farm;

Limerick Heritage Alpacas 406 – Grey Huacaya Male Color Champion (37) (Sharon Loner) 1 32015102 Silver Saludo Long Acres Alpaca Farm 2 31936064 Annual’s Bea-2 Bomber Cherry Run Farm, Alpaca Annuals;

Alpine Alpacas

Kathie Thompson Michelle & Dan Long Jerry Weisgrau & Judy Phaff Jack Dibb & Nicola Blake; Angela & Kurt Bertram; Kate & Tim Whalen Sarah & Michael Donahoe Beth & Jeff Hull

411 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, Combined Mixed, M (5) (Sharon Loner) 1 31916639 AMAF Southern Comfort Autumn Mist Alpacas & Fiber Mill 2 31916622 AMAF Three Spotted Butt Autumn Mist Alpacas & Fiber Mill

Jeff & Leslie Jorritsma Jeff & Leslie Jorritsma

412 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, Combined Mixed, M (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 1410624 Nyala’s Perucoyo Elsinore Nyala Farm Alpacas

Ann and Andy Merriwether

130 - Huacaya, Judge’s Choice Male (228) (Jude Anderson) J 31347716 Beethoven’s Dorian Vermont Alpaca Company; Cagneys Way Brian & Bethany Cole; Keith & Sarah Sartorini

HUACAYA FEMALES 200 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Black , F (3) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32142921 Orlando’s Carly Cloud Cherry Run Farm & Alpine Alpacas 2 32103083 A.L. Paca’s Morissa A.L. Paca’s Farms

Beth & Jeff Hull and Nancy & Don Lake Doug & Denise Caldwell

201 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, TB, F (11) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32166453 Lmfi Peruvian Shadow Dancer Cabin View Alpacas 2 32043570 2AF Peruvian Patience Family Jewels Alpacas

Christine & David Houseworth Clint & Mary Roach

202 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, BB, F (7) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32003741 CCNF Tanzania Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 31438063 RV Maykabiddah Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC Bob Fish

Focus 2012 | 46

204 – Black Huacaya Female Color Champion (21) (Jill MacLeod) C 32003741 CCNF Tanzania Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz R 32142921 Orlando’s Carly Cloud Cherry Run Farm; Alpine Alpacas Beth & Jeff Hull and Nancy & Don Lake 205 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Brown, F (5) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32145694 HCFA Cinnamon Sylk Scenic Sky LLC 2 32103076 A.L. Paca’s Amber Haze A.L. Paca’s Farms 206 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, DB, F (6) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32040067 FRE Scarlet Begonia The Farm at Rainbow’s End 2 31856775 Huacho’s North Carolina Sallie’s Fen Alpacas;

Tamarack Meadow Farm 207 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, MB, F (5) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32002522 STF Sassafras Sugartown Farms 2 31435864 Winston’s Wildflower I Black Creek Alpacas

Jean McMurray Doug & Denise Caldwell Lori Walker Jack Dibb & Nicola Blake; Angela & Kurt Bertram

Timm and Helen Herman Michelle Wehr

208 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, LB, F (13) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32125177 Snowmass Victorian Majesty Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro 2 31425650 CCNF Ultraviolet Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 210 – Brown Huacaya Female Color Champion (29) (Jill MacLeod) C 32125177 Snowmass Victorian Majesty Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro R 32002522 STF Sassafras Sugartown Farms Timm and Helen Herman 212 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, DF, F (8) (Jill MacLeod) 1 31425698 CCNF Gabbana Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 31611923 HRF Peruvian Paisley Hickory Ridge Farm Alpacas Kaye Provost 213A - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, MF, F (12) (Jill MacLeod) 1 31901758 Sheer Bliss of 7SAF A.L. Paca’s Farms Doug & Denise Caldwell 2 31700580 CCNF La Vie En Rose Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 213B - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, MF, F (12) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32097931 TGF Pepper Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro 2 31908290 TGF Alpen Glow Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro 215 – Fawn Huacaya Female Color Champion (35) (Jill MacLeod) C 32097931 TGF Pepper Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro R 31901758 Sheer Bliss of 7SAF A.L. Paca’s Farms Doug & Denise Caldwell 216 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Light, F (3) (Jill MacLeod) 1 31814850 Wilmat’s Viviana Wilmat Alpacas 2 32374070 Khanquistador’s Damita Wilo Run Alpaca Farm Of Remsen

Charlotte Druschel Jim Williams

217A - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, LF, F (9) (Jill MacLeod) 1 31806978 Para Siempre Princess A.L. Paca’s Farms 2 31769723 VAC’s Sugar Pie Honey Bunch Vermont Alpaca Company

Doug & Denise Caldwell Brian & Bethany Cole

217B - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, LF, F (9) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32097993 TGF Anna Bella Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC Bob Fish 2 32067378 CFI Peruvian Makita Canterbury Farms Genine & Al Bednarski 218 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, BG, F (8) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32124774 Snowmass Oh Be Joyful Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro 2 31769662 VAC’s Symphonic Belle Vermont Alpaca Company Brian & Bethany Cole 219 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, Light, F (3) (Jill MacLeod) 1 31350297 Bentwood’s Accoyo Esta Bentwood Alpacas 2 30510258 Siolada Sunset Ridge Alpacas

Suzanne and Mark Drumm John & Vicki Askew

220– Light Huacaya Female Color Champion (29) (Jill MacLeod) C 32124774 Snowmass Oh Be Joyful Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro R 32097993 TGF Anna Bella Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC Bob Fish 221 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, WH, F (3) (Jill MacLeod) 1 31969017 KCF Sophia De La Rosa Kendall Creek Farms Alpacas 2 32155129 SAGEHILLFARMS Elphaba Sage Hill Farms Alpacas

Chris and Lori Works Bonney Hettinger

47 | Focus 2012

222A - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, WH, F (11) (Jill MacLeod) 1 32003765 CCNF Lisbeth Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 31370554 AMAF In The Spotlight Autumn Mist Alpacas & Fiber Mill Jeff & Leslie Jorritsma 222B - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, WH, F (11) (Jill MacLeod) 1 31900782 LAAF Paladin’s Belladin Long Acres Alpaca Farm Sarah & Michael Donahoe 2 32097788 Ambrosi Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro 223 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, WH, F (2) (Jill MacLeod) 1 30976955 Sabre’s Chianna Sunset Ridge Alpacas John & Vicki Askew 2 31890748 Foxrun Farms Linnet Foxrun Farms Alpacas Dick & Debbie McCoy 224– White Huacaya Female Color Champion (27) (Jill MacLeod) C 32003765 CCNF Lisbeth Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz R 31900782 LAAF Paladin’s Belladin Long Acres Alpaca Farm Sarah & Michael Donahoe 393 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Grey, F (5) (Sharon Loner) 1 31969055 KCF Caribbean Spice Kendall Creek Farms Alpacas 2 32148831 Salmon River Vapor Revolution Salmon River Alpacas

Chris and Lori Works Chris & Jody Hatch

394 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, DRG, F (4) (Sharon Loner) 1 31209885 Nyala’s Peruvian Cinnabon Nyala Farm Alpacas 2 31969154 KCF Electra Kendall Creek Farms Alpacas

Ann and Andy Merriwether Chris and Lori Works

395 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, M/LRG, F (3) (Sharon Loner) 1 31927581 Rosehaven’s Peruvian Blush Rosehaven Alpacas Michele Armour & Rob Bruce 2 31996440 HL Accoya Lady Autumn Highland Alpaca; Harvest Lane Alpacas Fay Steving 396 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, DSG, F (3) (Sharon Loner) 1 31702652 A.L. Paca’s Arose from Revolution A.L. Paca’s Farms 2 32142525 STF Silver Skye Sugartown Farms

Doug & Denise Caldwell Timm and Helen Herman

397 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, M/LSG, F (9) (Sharon Loner) 1 32189964 FAV Centaur’s Rocio Finca Alta Vista LLC 2 31927369 Circe of Rosehaven Rosehaven Alpacas

Alan Clark & Hernan Torres Michele Armour & Rob Bruce

398 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, 2Y+, Grey, F (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31691345 Patagonia’s Arctic Rose A.L. Paca’s Farms

Doug & Denise Caldwell

399– Grey Huacaya Female Color Champion (25) (Sharon Loner) 1 31691345 Patagonia’s Arctic Rose A.L. Paca’s Farms 2 32189964 FAV Centaur’s Rocio Finca Alta Vista LLC

Doug & Denise Caldwell Alan Clark & Hernan Torres

407 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, J, Combined Mixed, F (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 32155037 FPA Nevaeh Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC

Bob Fish

408 - Huacaya, Full Fleece, Y, Combined Mixed, F (5) (Sharon Loner) 1 31710824 Revolution’s Jessa Maple View Farm Alpacas 2 31844635 Allin Wasa’s Peruvian Eywa Family Jewels Alpacas

Ed & Debbie Bratton Clint & Mary Roach

228 - Huacaya, Judge’s Choice Female (172) (Jude Anderson) J 32125177 Snowmass Victorian Majesty Tripping Gnome Farm LLC Ryen & Ursula Munro

OPTIONAL HALTER - HUACAYA 131 - Huacaya, Bred & Owned, Y, M (5) (Jude Anderson, Sharon Loner, Jill MacLeod) 1 32004809 CCNF Invictus Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 31596510 Nature’s Reserve Bon Garcon Nature’s Reserve Janet Threshman 229 - Huacaya, Bred & Owned, Y, F (8) (Jude Anderson, Sharon Loner, Jill MacLeod) 1 32003765 CCNF Lisbeth Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Ian & Jennifer Lutz 2 32002522 STF Sassafras Sugartown Farms Timm and Helen Herman 132 - Huacaya, Get of Sire (2) (Jude Anderson, Sharon Loner, Jill MacLeod) 1 30379527 Sheer Galaxy A.L. Paca’s Farms 2 30503663 NM Beethoven Vermont Alpaca Company

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Doug & Denise Caldwell Brian & Bethany Cole

230 - Huacaya, Produce of Dam (3) (Jude Anderson, Sharon Loner, Jill MacLeod) 1 800690 XAN Emigre A.L. Paca’s Farms 2 1262902 Alma Park Antoinette Negra Indian Trail Farms

Doug & Denise Caldwell Larry & Donna Williams

133 - Huacaya, Breeders Best Three (2) (Jude Anderson, Sharon Loner, Jill MacLeod) 1 A.L. Paca’s Farms A.L. Paca’s Farms 2 31537612 Sallie’s Fen Alpacas Sallie’s Fen Alpacas

Doug & Denise Caldwell Jack Dibb & Nicola Blake

SURI MALES 361 - Suri, Full Fleece, Y, Combined Dark, M (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31701587 Castle Heights King Castle Heights Alpacas

Clifford Smith

363 - Suri, Full Fleece, 2Y+, Combined Dark, M (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31513654 Brooklyn’s Balboa’s Rocky Brooklyn Alpacas

Phil & Shelly Aron

365 - Suri, Full Fleece, Y, Fawn, M (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31815956 Baker’s King of Peru Baker’s Alpaca Patch

Robert H. Baker

373 - Suri, Full Fleece, Y, WH, M (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31536608 Superstar Accoyo Azzaro Of Hillside Hillside Alpacas

Wendy Schwab

375 - Suri, Full Fleece, 2Y, WH, M (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31114240 Barbados of Caribbean Alpacas Caribbean Alpacas Donna Smith 378 - Suri, Full Fleece 3-11, Y, Grey, M (2) (Sharon Loner) 1 32160161 Brooklyn’s Silver Flash Brooklyn Alpacas Phil & Shelly Aron 2 31114233 Trinidad of Caribbean Alpacas Caribbean Alpacas Donna Smith 379 - Suri, Full Fleece, 2Y+, Grey, M (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 30661806 Prince Of Castle Heights Castle Heights Alpacas

Clifford Smith

SURI FEMALES 334 - Suri, Full Fleece, Y, Combined Dark, F (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31815901 Emory Greer Baker’s Alpaca Patch

Robert H. Baker

335 - Suri, Full Fleece 3-11, Y, Combined Dark, F (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 32160130 Brooklyn’s Fantasy Dream Brooklyn Alpacas

Phil & Shelly Aron

338 - Suri, Full Fleece, Y, Fawn, F (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31815925 Barbara D Baker’s Alpaca Patch

Robert H. Baker

346 - Suri, Full Fleece, Y, WH, F (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31815932 Just Call Me Angel in the Morning

Richard & Sue Veverka

Eagle’s Landing Alpacas

355 - Suri, Full Fleece 3-11, Y, Combined Mixed, F (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31356534 Brooklyn’s Bridget Brooklyn Alpacas

Phil & Shelly Aron

358 - Suri, Shorn, Y, F (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31815918 Gracie Lee

Baker’s Alpaca Patch

Robert H. Baker

Castle Heights Alpacas

Clifford Smith

OPTIONAL HALTER - SURI 389 - Suri, Bred & Owned, Y, M (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 31701587 Castle Heights King

49 | Focus 2012

PERFORMANCE 300– Sub-Junior, Obstacle (2) (Sharon Loner) 1 6 Emma Wade 1 8 Ty Zych

AREA Cria-tions Alpaca Farm Tanner Z Farm

301– Junior, Obstacle (7) (Sharon Loner) 1 11 Avery Tompkins 2 12 Serena Harrington 3 10 Grace Harrington 4 9 Megan Tyler 5 11 Amelia Huba 6 11 Mary Texierra

Nyala Farm Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas AREA Cria-tions Alpaca Farm Song Meadows Alpacas Song Meadows Alpacas

302- Intermediate, Obstacle (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 13 Rachel Perry

Nyala Farm Alpacas

304– Adult Obstacle (6) (Sharon Loner) 1 1410624 Nyala’s Perucoyo Elsinore Nyala Farm Alpacas 2 31949989 Zorro’s Doodlechip O’ the Old Block Sallie’s Fen Alpacas 3 32187571 Matteo’s Peruvian Keyser OakHill Alpacas 4 31537612 Haze’s Jay Silverheels Sallie’s Fen, Tamarack Meadow Farm;

Limerick Heritage 5 31331630 Lone Spruce Woodstock Dante Lone Spruce Alpacas 6 32097610 Nyala’s Accoyanza Vernal Equinox Nyala Farm Alpacas 306– Junior, Public Relations (7) (Sharon Loner) 11 Mary Texierra 1 11 Avery Tompkins 2 9 Alexandria Wade 3 12 Serena Harrington 4 11 Amelia Huba 5 10 Grace Harrington 6 9 Megan Tyler

Ann and Andy Merriwether Jack Dibb & Nicola Blake; Kate & Tim Whalen Joyce Calderwood Jack Dibb & Nicola Blake, Angela & Kurt Bertram; Kate & Tim Whalen Jeanne R Angell Ann and Andy Merriwether

Song Meadows Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas AREA Cria-tions Alpaca Farm Nyala Farm Alpacas Song Meadows Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas AREA Cria-tions Alpaca Farm

307- Intermediate, Public Relations (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 13 Rachel Perry Nyala Farm Alpacas 309– Adult Public Relations (6) (Sharon Loner) 1 31537612 Haze’s Jay Silverheels Sallie’s Fen, Tamarack Meadow Farm;

Limerick Heritage 2 1410624 Nyala’s Perucoyo Elsinore Nyala Farm Alpacas 3 31949989 Zorro’s Doodlechip O’ the Old Block Sallie’s Fen Alpacas 4 32187571 Matteo’s Peruvian Keyser OakHill Alpacas 5 32097702 Nyala’s Perucoyo Nickelback Nyala Farm Alpacas 6 31331630 Lone Spruce Woodstock Dante Lone Spruce Alpacas 310– Sub-Junior, Gamblers Choice (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 8 Ty Zych Tanner Z Farm 311– Junior, Gamblers Choice (5) (Sharon Loner) 1 12 Serena Harrington 2 10 Grace Harrington 3 11 Avery Tompkins 4 11 Amelia Huba 5 11 Mary Texierra

Nyala Farm Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas Song Meadows Alpacas Song Meadows Alpacas

312– Intermediate, Gamblers Choice (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 13 Rachel Perry Nyala Farm Alpacas 315– Sub-Junior, Egg and Spoon (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 8 Ty Zych Tanner Z Farm

Focus 2012 | 50

Jack Dibb & Nicola Blake, Angela & Kurt Bertram; Kate & Tim Whalen Ann and Andy Merriwether Jack Dibb & Nicola Blake Joyce Calderwood Ann and Andy Merriwether Jeanne R Angell

316– Junior, Egg and Spoon (7) (Sharon Loner) 1 11 Avery Tompkins 2 9 Alexandria Wade 3 12 Serena Harrington 4 11 Amelia Huba 5 11 Mary Texierra 6 10 Grace Harrington

Nyala Farm Alpacas AREA Cria-tions Alpaca Farm Nyala Farm Alpacas Song Meadows Alpacas Song Meadows Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas

317– Intermediate, Egg and Spoon (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 13 Rachel Perry Nyala Farm Alpacas 319– Sub-Junior, Costume (2) (Sharon Loner) 1 6 Emma Wade 1 8 Ty Zych

AREA Cria-tions Alpaca Farm Tanner Z Farm

320– Junior, Costume (5) (Sharon Loner) 1 9 Alexandria Wade 2 12 Serena Harrington 3 9 Megan Tyler 4 10 Grace Harrington 5 11 Avery Tompkins

AREA Cria-tions Alpaca Farm Nyala Farm Alpacas AREA Cria-tions Alpaca Farm Nyala Farm Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas

321- Intermediate, Costume (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 13 Rachel Perry

Nyala Farm Alpacas

327– Sub-Junior, Showmanship (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 8 Ty Zych Tanner Z Farm 328– Junior, Showmanship (7) (Sharon Loner) 1 11 Samantha Smith 2 11 Alexis Smith 3 12 Serena Harrington 4 10 Grace Harrington 5 11 Avery Tompkins 6 9 Megan Tyler

Caribbean Alpacas Caribbean Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas AREA Cria-tions Alpaca Farm

329- Intermediate, Showmanship (1) (Sharon Loner) 1 13 Rachel Perry Nyala Farm Alpacas 331– Adult Showmanship (3) (Sharon Loner) 1 32097702 Nyala’s Perucoyo Nickelback 2 31537612 Haze’s Jay Silverheels

Nyala Farm Alpacas

Ann and Andy Merriwether

Sallie’s Fen, Tamarack Meadow Farm; Limerick Heritage Jack Dibb & Nicola Blake, Angela & Kurt Bertram; Kate & Tim

Whalen

3 31331630

Lone Spruce Woodstock Dante

332– Junior Youth Champion (5) (Sharon Loner) C 11 Avery Tompkins R 12 Serena Harrington

Lone Spruce Alpacas

Jeanne R Angell

Nyala Farm Alpacas Nyala Farm Alpacas

51 | Focus 2012

THANK YOU TO OUR

Empire Alpaca Ext ravaganza SPONSORS Diamond Cocktail Party Sponsor: A.L.Paca’s Farms 10136 Smith Road Weedsport, NY www.bymyalpaca.com Diamond Coffee Sponsor: Rosehaven Alpacas 540 County Road 164 Callicoon, NY www.rosehavenalpacas.com Platinum Sponsors: Cas-Cad-Nac Farm, LLC Perkinsville, VT www.alpacaexcellence.com Flying Pony Alpacas, LLC 1496 Orchard Lane Boyertown, PA www.flyingponyalpacas.com Tripping Gnome Farm, LLC 64 Lupine Lane Freeport, ME www.trippinggnomefarm.com Gold Sponsors: APaca Fun Farm 16707 Thurston Road Dickerson, MD www.apacafunfarm.com Classic Alpaca 441 Carbondale Road Clarks Summit, PA www.classicalpaca.com Sugartown Farms 6277 Sugartown Road Ellicottville, NY www.sugartownfarms.com The Farm at Rainbow’s End 92 Old Beaver Run Road Lafayette, NJ www.thefarmatrainbowsend.com Silver Sponsors: Cabin View Alpacas 9435 Congress Street Ext Trumansburg, NY www.cabinviewalpacas.com Copper Star Alpaca Farm 132 Carson Road Millerton, NY www.copperstaralpacafarm.com Long Acres Alpaca Farm 9703 Blue Spring Road Mercersburg, PA www.longacresalpacafarm.com Nether Walnut Hill Alpacas 4516 DeNeef Road Lyons, NY www.netherwalnuthill.com Vermont Alpaca Company 18 Justin Morrill Highway South Strafford VT www.vermontalpacaco.com Bronze Sponsors: Cagney’s Way Alpacas PO Box 617 Bangall, NY www.cagneyswayalpacas.com Patchwork Meadow Alpacas 151 South Buel Road Canajoharie, NY www.patchworkmeadowalpacas.com

Focus 2012 | 52

Sallie’s Fen Alpacas & Sallie’s fen Fibers, LLC 186 Swain Road Barrington, NH www.sfalpacas.com Song Meadows Alpacas 5197 DeWitt Road Skaneateles, NY www.songmeadows.com Staghorn Valley Alpacas 3992 Schoharie Turnpike Delanson, NY www.staghornvalley.com Championship Sponsors: Cinco C’s Alpacas 198 Sartwell Creek Road Port Allegany, PA www.cincocsalpacas.com Jay Mountain Alpacas 284 Glen Road Jay, NY www.jaymtnalpacas.com K-Ran Alpacas 11579 Wessie Road Prattsburgh, NY www.k-ranalpacas.com Spruce Ridge Farm 434 Route 13 Old Chatham, NY www.spruceridgefarm.com Business Sponsors: Bel Canto Farm 331 Buck Hill Road Trumansburg, NY www.belcantofarm.com Crosswind Farm Alpacas 262 Gillespie St Pine Bush, NY www.crosswindfarmalpacas.com Indian Trail Farms 1652 County Hwy 10 East Meredith, NY www.indiantrailfarms.com Marble River Alpacas 127 County Route 39 Chateaugay, NY www.marbleriveralpacas.com Sage Hill Farms Alpacas 111 Ridge Road Wellsburg, NY www.sagehillfarmsalpacas.com Salmon River Alpacas 184 Co. Rt. 41A Pulaski, NY www.salmonriveralpacas.com Snowshoe Farm, LLC 520 The Great Rd Peacham, VT www.snowshoefarm.com Youth Performance Sponsor: Tanner Z Farm 4069 Tanner Road Syracuse, NY Cart Sponsor: Shalimar Alpacas 164 East Ridge Road Warwick, NY www.shalimaralpacas.com

Empire Alpaca Extravaganza

Photo Contest Judge’s Choice Winner Photographer: Andee Fagan, Arrow Acres Farm, LLC ‘The Alpaca & The Praying Mantis’