SHOWING
SHOWING FOR SUCCESS
BAS judge Barbara Hetherington, Beck Brow Alpacas, outlines why the UK’s show circuit is crucial to the future prosperity of the UK alpaca community and how show ring assessment drives ongoing improvement in the national herd.
I
t has felt so good to get back in the show ring this autumn after two years of cancellations due to the pandemic. Firstly, I had the pleasure of judging the YAG halter show, followed by exhibiting at the Northern, Midlands and NEBAG Shows. After so many rule changes I think we all had to temper our excitement until the dawn of each show, when we were sure things could go ahead.
It was very evident, from the three shows that we attended, that breeders had not only missed the social side of showing, but had also missed having their alpacas assessed and compared to those belonging to others. The detailed oral reasoning from the judges makes showing alpacas very informative and can be an aid when making breeding/purchasing decisions. This aspect of evaluating and comparing herd improvement is a big part of showing and has been a loss for the industry. We are extremely fortunate in the UK to have so many halter shows (both spring and autumn) and for these to cover a wide geographical area. The regional shows are a real credit to all the volunteers who give up vast amounts of time to ensure that the shows represent BAS and the alpaca industry so well. These events would not be possible without their dedication, and of course, the generosity of the sponsors and those entering the show.
Healthy market
It would be easy to think that showing alpacas is only of interest and value to those who actually take part. Often we hear that showing only represents 22 Alpaca #90 YEARBOOK
a small number of BAS members, but of course the shows are crucial if the alpaca industry is to prosper – should there be no credible show circuit, then this would impact on all alpaca owners, both pet and commercial. Most importantly, it is the show circuit that keeps the market value of those top quality alpacas buoyant. Without the accolades for breeding increasingly improved alpacas, and the desire for many to win those accolades, the market would be much less competitive at the top. This higher value for the sought after show quality alpacas of course cascades down, helping everyone whatever their goals of ownership. We are one of only a few farms who have a herd size big enough to provide us with an income through breeding alone. However, our breeding numbers do make it necessary for us both to be employed fulltime on the farm. With relatively small numbers (when compared to most sheep and cattle farms) prices for the top quality show stock does need to be at a certain level to fund the business. This then enables us to provide non-show stock at competitive prices, be that for pets or for trekking and therapy businesses. We also provide starter herds of pet quality females for those not wishing to show. Importantly, it is our experience gained from caring for hundreds of alpacas over the years that means we can provide expert support with health and welfare issues. Of course the show circuit reflects the qualities the fleece industry requires and thus is a driving force in improving our national herd. It is vital that we breed alpacas with continually improving fleece qualities (ultimately this is
