Humming Herald Spring 2013 by Ruby Herron

South Central Llama Association

Spring 2013 * Number 90

â&#x20AC;&#x153;for all your llama needs...... call Carolynâ&#x20AC;?

cmyers@lyntegar.com www.Llamathings.com

806.676.6659 Lakeview, TX 79239

Spring 2013 Contents General Interest

Llama Class................................................................................................. 7

A quarterly publication of the South Central Llama Association.

www.scla.us/scla.html

SCLA OFFICERS (Term 09/2011- 09/2013)

President: Sean Price • 281-830-2368 • figranch@flash.net Vice President: Christie Stewart • 972-476-1597 • christie.stewart@cmc.com Secretary: Mary Nell Doyle •940-488-3163 • mndoyle@marikollamas.com Treasurer: Bob Lyons • 210-497-3151 • boblyons1@satx.rr.com

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Region One: (Area codes: 210-361-512-737-830-956) Susan Leslie (09/2011-09/2014) (830)401-0819 leslielanellamas@gmail.com Region Two: (Area cades: 214-405-430-469-479-501-580903-918-972) Sharon Carrier (09/2010-09/2013) (972) 348-9151 dblcranch2645805@aol.com Region Three: (Area codes:254-325-432-682-817 806-940-915-505) Deborah Ignacio (09/2012- 09/2015) 817-454-8882 deborah.ignacio@yahoo.com Region Four: (Area codes: 281-318-409-504-713-832936-979-985) Robert Roe (2011-9/2013) 979-378-20759 cnrllamas@hotmail.com Director-At-Large: Jim Doyle (10/09-09/11) 940-482-3192: cell 940-391-1862 JDoyle@marikollamas.com

Fiber Guidelines................................................................................................9 Why USAHA Matters.......................................................................................12 Raising Liam....................................................................................................16 What We Learned At Summer Camp.............................................................20 Jim Graham Youth Scholarship.....................................................................22 How To Catch A Llama....................................................................................23 Sexual Awareness In Llamas.........................................................................26 Ask The CSU Vet.............................................................................................27 . Ft Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.......................................................................32 San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo..................................................................42

Always Inside

President’s Statement......................................................................................4 VP Views.................... .......................................................................................4 Editor’s Note.....................................................................................................5 New Members....................................................................................................5 Dates Ahead.......................................................................................................6 SCLA Library....................................................................................................51 Classifieds/Display Advertisers.....................................................................53 SCLA Membership Form.................................................................................54

SCLA COMMITTEES

Activities.................................................... No chair at this time Membership..............................................................Karen Conyngham Nomination . ............................Marcie Saska-Agnew-chairperson Property...............................................................Jessie Rierson Fund Raising..................................................................... Open Show............................Jim Doyle • Jessie Rierson • Bob Burton Fiber................................................................Margaret Schulze Youth................................................................ Christie Stewart Finance - Budget..............................Bob Lyons • Dan Johnson Librarian.............................................................Barbara Welch Conference................................................ No chair at this time National Lama Intervention & Rescue Coordination Council (IRC Council)...................................................Sandra Reynolds Scholarship........................................ .........Mary Nell Doyle - Chair .............................Susan Boblyanski, Adryce Mathisen, Brenda Gilmore SCLA Booth............................................... No chair at this time Web site......................................................... Sharon Bramblett By-Laws.................................Jim Doyle, Paul Walters, Bev Johnson

SHOWS - Thanks For Volunteering Your Time!

Bob Burton.....................................................State Fair of Texas-Dallas Jim Doyle............................Southwestern Livestock and Rodeo-Fort Worth Stephanie Clark.........................................West Texas Fair & Rodeo-Abilene Margaret and Kristi Schulze......................San Angelo Livestock Show- San Angelo Danette McCleary......................................Houston Livestock Show Ruby Herron and Robin Turell.........................Texas Classic- Conroe

EDITOR/DESIGN/LAYOUT

Ruby Herron 17102 Mueschke Rd., Cypress, TX 77433 713-249-8523 • HummingHerald@FigmentRanch.com

The views expressed herein are those of the authors. Before undertaking any new regime with your llamas, you should always consult with your veterinarian. Only they can tell you what is best for your situation. We invite submission for unpaid articles and photographs. Email to HummingHerald@FigmentRanch.com or mail to: Ruby Herron, c/o Humming Herald,17102 Mueschke Rd., Cypress,Tx., 77433

President’s Statement

VP Views Christie Stewart, Vice President

Sean Price, President

Hey guys. I hope your winter went well and you are ready for the Spring! This is the first issue of the Humming Herald online. As most of you know, we are putting the Humming Herald online due to the economic times. You all can help with this decrease in the SCLA funds by putting an ad in the Humming Herald. (They are very affordable!) PLEASE help support your organization since we no longer have the Ft. Worth Sale to add funds. Of course if any of you have an idea for a fund raiser for the SCLA, please let me know! With the warmer weather coming I wanted to remind each of you to make sure and schedule to get your llamas shorn NOW! WE ALL NEED OUR LLAMAS TO BE READY FOR THE WARMER WEATHER COMING! If you don’t have your usual shearer, please check the SCLA website at www.scla.us and find one. There are many listed, including yours truly! As always, if any of you have any concerns and/or problems, let me know. I hope to see you all at some of the shows or playdays! Sean 281-830-2368 sean@figmentranch.com

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

Dust off the shears and let’s get those llamas and alpacas ready for the summer. Yes, it is that time again. How the year has just flown by. It has been good seeing everyone at the shows. Until next time,

Christie Stewart SCLA VP

Editor’s Note

Hello Everyone.

This is the first issue of the Humming Herald online. I hope you all enjoy the flexibility of this issue! Since the Humming Herald is online now you will receive: • a link on your email that will take you directly to the magazine and you may go there as many times as you would like

New Members December 8, 2012 – February 19, 2013

Compiled by Karen Conyngham, Membership Secretary. Current member information is always available on the SCLA web site: http://www.scla.us SCLA Address: PO Box 163654, Austin, TX 78716

New Members:

• immediate website links that are in the issue so you can email directly to the person or business’

Sherry Colvin Runway Ranch 153 Shady Oaks Loop Cedar Creek, TX 78612-4834 (512) 656-7119 RunwayRanch@aol.com

• crisper pictures

Member Contact Updates:

• a full color magazine

New address, telephone and email address:

• AND you have the ability to print one page at a time or all the pages

Pat & Leon Smith This-n-That Llamas 1016 CR 275 Moulton, TX 77975-4897 leonsmith64@hotmail.com

The above items are also benefits to the businesses or shows that advertise! (And remember, the cost is very affordable!) I would like to invite you to advertise in the Humming Herald or just place your business card and help support your organization. (If you don’t have a business card, I will be more than happy to create one for you) No matter if the Humming Herald is online or printed, it still is one of the leading forms of llama information we have! In this day and time, we all have to adapt to computers. I want to help you make it easier. If any of you need a little “coaching” PLEASE don’t hesitate to contact me! Ruby 713-249-8523

(713) 254-5536

New email address: Kevin & Gayle Neusch

Kneusch@reagan.com

New telephone number only: Bob & Tammy Carroll

(903) 229-8029

Sharon & Larry Carrier

(972) 348-9151 - home

Diana Collins

(325) 716-3602

Lance & Michelle Lozano (214) 241-0584

SCLA has a new telephone number: (512) 328-8715

Dates Ahead Upcoming Llama Events

03 - 14-17, 2013 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Llama & Alpaca Show Reliant Arena, Hall A & B, Houston, TX ALSA Show Judges: Joy Bishop-Forshey & David Barboza Superintendent: Danette Marrs 05 - 05, 2013 2013 Ozark Llama Classic Mary Beeson beesongm@aol.com Mo. State Fair - 2503 W. 16th Street Sedalia, MO65301 417-234-9049 Info: http://www.ozarkllama.co Judge: Eran McCarty-Halter

417-234-9049

05 - 18-19, 2013 Lonestar Llama Showdown Belton, TX This is an ALSA & ILR-SD double show in Belton, TX Conveniently located right off Interstate 35. Judges are Mary Jo Miller (ALSA) & Pam Jensen (ILR-SD) Show Superintendents: Seth Onsager & Michael Benson The show will be double performance and double halter. Each judge will award a male and female Best of Show (total of 4). Each Best of Show Winner is guaranteed a minimum of $250 in prize money! We will kick off the weekend with a complimentary dinner Friday night. We guarantee a fun-filled weekend of friends and llamas! Visit http://www.thelonestarshowdown.com for more info, entry forms, and sponsorship info. 06 - 13, 2013 Camelid Owners Health Conference Corvallis, Oregon Held in conjunction with the Intl. Camelid Health Conference for veterinarians. Please watch the NWCF web site for details on conference topics, speakers and social activities. 6

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

The evening events will give owners the opportunity to mingle with the Australian Veterinary Group visitors and other national and international attendees at the ICHC. For more information, Contact: North West Camelid Foundation Glen Pfefferkorn, President 3472 S Via del Papagayo Green Valley, AZ 85622 (520) 437-2218 info@NWCamelidFoundation.org 7- 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14, 2013 International Camelid Health Conference Magruder Hall and Large Animal Hospital Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon This is the premier camelid health conference for veterinarians. It will be a joint effort of OSU Veterinary College, the Australian Veterinary Group, and the North West Camelid Foundation. Watch for details: http://oregonvma.org/international-camelid-health-conference and http://www.nwcamelidfoundation.org/index.html 08 - 4, 2013: Camelid Community 2013, Kansas City, Missouri Open to everyone in the l ama and alpaca community, this annual gathering focuses on challenges and opportunities in the camelid world. All l ama and alpaca organizations are encouraged to send a representative to this open forum, and interested individuals also are welcome. For registration information and agenda updates, contact Barb Baker (bebaker@ earthlink.net or 740-397-1736) or Sheila Fugina (bsfugina@frontier.com or 715-246-5837). Materials and reports from Camelid Community are available at www.icinfo.org (the website for the International Camelid Institute) in the Camelid Community section.

Llama Class By Linda Hayes Lama Linda Ranch Glenwood Springs, CO

Llama 101

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love llamas and I love to share them with others.â&#x20AC;?

it was quite a "hands on" learning experience. This last fall, I did exactly that by holding a "Fun With Llamas" The rest of the sessions met at the ranch with each person class through Colorado Mountain College. It was held (nine in all) getting to work one on one with the llama of on Saturdays for two hours at my ranch near Glenwood their choice. They were taught how to herd, catch and Springs, CO. halter them. Time was spent grooming, trimming toes and giving shots. Since it was fall, we didn't shear but It was a fun group of adults and vet tech students who were did do some touch up trimming to make everyone look interested in learning more about an animal most had better. never even touched. Our first meeting was in the classroom and went over the questions that every non llama Every work session had its fun part where llamas were person asks. "What's the difference between..." "What do walked, tested on obstacles and trained. Even the you do with ...?" "Will I get spit on?" and etc. We disllamas seemed to rally enjoy the sessions with their new cussed health issues and basic care. "persons". To break up the session everyone got to try tying the safety quick release knot. Only a couple were familiar with it so

To show what correct conformation looks like and to reinforce the fact that genetics does make a difference I had a 7

couple of my past customers bring some of their award-winning animals. We had several related bloodlines and multi generations on hand. Nancy Stover, Carbondale, CO brought a new cria which was the hit of the day. Susan Proctor, Carbondale, CO brought her champion gelding, Stormy and demon¬strated the correct way to negotiate the obstacles. The last day was spent taking the llamas on a short pack trip. When we missed the correct trail, one of the llamas started hum¬ming and carrying on. She had been there before and knew that the "stupid humans" were going the wrong way. Once we lis¬tened to her and changed directions, she quieted down. The college required that the students do a critique at the end of the course. Everyone said they enjoyed it and most asked that there be a follow up class. I have since heard from most of the students and they all want to come back. They say they will help shear, train and would love another hike. This was a good way to spread some posi¬tive PR for llamas and for me to share what I know with others. I think I had more fun than my students. I will definite¬ly do a follow up class. It's something I think a lot of the RMLA members could do in their neck of the woods. Give it a try.

[Note: Linda Hayes was a long-time member of SCLA prior to her move to Colorado.] Reprinted from The Journal, newsletter of the Rocky Mtn. Llama & Alpaca Assoc.; Winter 2012.

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

Berry-Patch Llamas Steve & Joni Berry 3201 Weatherford Hwy ( 3 miles North of Granbury on Hwy 51 N) Granbury Texas 76049 817-279-6725 home/ 817-408-7030 cell Berry-patch@itexas.net

Saturday May 4th from 9:30 a.m.to 5 pm.

Lone Star ranch Exotic Imported Show Llamas, Texas Longhorns & Scottish Highland Cattle

Gorgeous Argentine

P.O. Box 1184,Durant , OK 74702 3477 Co. Rd. 338, Melissa, TX 75454 lonestarranchoktx@gmail.com

LlAmAs With rAre genetics

Ranch 580.745.9202 Ranch 469.742.0110 Fax 580.745.9292

12th ANNUAL LLAMA “OPEN” HOUSE Shearing day/ Sale Llamas/ Llama information Come Visit and let us “Summerize” your llamas We will have pet, show, guard llamas FOR SALE in a Pen Drinks & Hot Dogs – Llama Fun and Fellowship Additional Shear date at Berry-Patch May 19th 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm Please call us with any questions. I request if you are coming with 5 or more llamas to call or email so we don’t get backed up and I can try and work in herds to keep trailers and llamas moving and cool. We will SHEAR, worm, trim toenails, cut fighting teeth (if needed) Call for additional times or dates if unable to attend. Due to rising FUEL cost trips to your location will be by mileage charges and additional to you. If it is raining PLEASE CALL first, I cannot shear wet llamas. “We shear to Please”—Call or email for your shearing appointments.

BLUEBONNET HILL LLAMAS Bob & Joan Lyons San Antonio, Texas 210.497.3151

Why USAHA Matters

to help keep the ILR’s seat on the USAHA Board of Directors. The annual USAHA dues are $600, which includes the USAHA dues of the ILR representative. Your help is needed now, more than ever, to assure that the ILR can pay the annual dues and continue our presence at USAHA. A yearly donation from each of the active llama associations will be used to pay the USAHA dues and build up the fund. Karen donates her personal expenses to attend the annual meeting of USAHA which are about $1,000 per year. Please send your contribution, payable to the ILR, to: Intl. Lama Registry, Attn. Jan Wassink, PO Box 8, Kalispell, MT 59903 with a note on the memo line that the contribution is in support of USAHA. Donations will be used solely for the Government Relations account.

By Karen Conyngham, ILR representative to USAHA 2004-date In 1988 the Intl. Llama Assoc. sent a representative to the US Animal Health Assoc. (USAHA) as part of USAHA’s Allied Industry group. Dr. LaRue Johnson made a comprehensive presentation the then newly renamed Committee on Infectious Diseases of Cattle, Bison and Llama (now the Committee on Infectious Diseases of Cattle, Bison and Camelids - to be fully inclusive). When the ILA folded in the late 1990s, the Intl. Lama Registry made the commitment to continue the llama industry’s membership in USAHA. This representation has been continuous for the past 24 years. An ILR Government Relations Fund was established, and still exists; to help finance USAHA related expenses. Financial support from the llama community is crucial to help maintain the USAHA membership. The ILR needs the financial support of all llama groups and owners 12

These are some of the major accomplishments that have benefited the llama community over the past 24 years. * In 1989 there was a concern about the importation of South American camelids from countries harboring foot and mouth disease (FMD)

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

in cattle, sheep and swine. At the 1989 meeting of the USAHA at Las Vegas, Nevada, a contingent of ILA members attended to voice concerns about importation with¬out more knowledge about FMD potential in camelids. USDA allowed importation to continue after several years of studying camelid’s apparent low susceptibility to FMD. * In 1993, the ILA recognized the vital need for uniformity in state entry regulations and appointed a committee to draft a model regulation for the management of llama and alpaca movement between states. The committee carried out the task, and the second Lama Assembly approved the model regulations early in 1994. That document was submitted to the Cattle, Bison and Llama Committee of USAHA and a resolution was passed by that committee and approved by the Executive committee in November 1994. Subsequently the document was forwarded to all state veterinarians and appropriate governmental agencies. * In 2002, the aftermath of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)

outbreak in the UK, there was widespread fear among owners that camelids would automatically be slaughtered within any disease zone if the U.S. were to experience FMD. After many discussions (most held during USAHA meetings), the Animal Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a decision memo to the Deputy Administrator stating that in the event of a US FMD outbreak, camelids within any affected area would be tested for FMD infection. If all camelids test negative, they would be maintained under strict movement restrictions and intense surveillance (including all tests deemed appropriate by the Nat. Veterinary Services Lab) for at least 28 days after poten-tial exposure to the virus has ended. However if after initial testing camelids are found to be infected with FMD, those animals would be destroyed. This memo may be revised depending on the evaluation of new data relevant to an FMD outbreak in the future. Note that USDA’s intent in 2013 would be to vaccinate food production animals such as cattle and pigs, in order to more quickly contain any outbreak. * From 2004 to 2006, animal identification was the hot topic at USAHA. Camelids had a USDA working group under the initial National Animal Identification System and provided APHIS

with extensive information on camelids, their diseases, current methods of ID and patterns of movement within the US. The livestock industry in general rejected the NAIS, so in 2007 APHIS changed the focus of animal id to food production animals. Camelids were deemed traceable given our use of Certificates of Veterinary Inspection and the fact that many alpacas and llamas are already identified with microchips. Camelids are not included under the Animal Traceability rule that will take effect in early March 2013. * In 2005, the Standards of Care Committee presented their finished brochure at the summer Camelid Community meeting in Kansas City. This excellent publication was distributed to members of the Animal Welfare Committee and to all state veterinarians at the annual USAHA meeting in the fall of 2006. A presentation explaining the Standards was also made to the Infectious Diseases of Cattle, Bison & Camelids Committee where it was warmly received. As further background, the following article was originally published in 2002 in the ILReport Winter issue (vol. 7, #1) under the title “Regulatory Agencies do have an Impact on Llama and Alpaca Industries” by Dr. Murray Fowler (see: http://www.lamaregistry. com/forms/2002jan.pdf).

A portion of this article appears below and has been edited to bring it up to date with the addition of comments by Karen Conyngham. ABOUT THE USAHA By Dr.Murray Fowler

It is my general impression that most camelid owners know little of the activities of the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), and what is more, many don't really care. This is unfortunate because the llama and alpaca industries have a lot at stake relative to interrelationships with other animal industries and government regulatory agencies. The following are some thoughts about these interrelationships and a brief history of USAHA and camelids. The first cooperative meeting between livestock industries and government agencies took place in 1897, over a hundred years ago. What is the USAHA, and what does it do? The mission statement of USAHA provides 13

an overview: "The mission of the USAHA is to be a forum for communication and coordination among State and Federal governments, universities, industry and other groups on issues of animal health and disease control, animal welfare, food safety and public health. It serves as a clearing-house for new information and methods, which may be incorporated into laws, regulations, policy, and programs. It acts to develop solutions to animal health-related issues based on science, new information and methods, public policy risk/ benefit analysis and the ability to develop consensus for changing laws, regulations, policies and programs." The nuts and bolts work of USAHA is carried out by 32 committees, each with officers and members who work between annual meetings and at the annual meeting to develop resolutions for presentation to the board of directors for final action. Committees on which delegates from the llama and alpaca industries have served include Brucellosis, Infectious Diseases of Cattle, Bison and Camelids; Johne's Disease; Livestock Identification; Tuberculosis; Wildlife Diseases, and Animal Welfare. Other committees, which from time to time may be of interest to camelid owners, include Rabies; Captive Wildlife and 14

Alternative Livestock; Bluetongue and Related Orbiviruses and the Committee on Foreign and Emerging Diseases. Camelid Industry Involvement in USAHA The alpaca and llama industries should be represented at USAHA and the current representatives are Dr. Pat Long of Oregon who is currently on the USAHA Board on behalf of the Alpaca Owners & Breeders Assoc. and Karen Conyngham of Texas who currently represents the Intl. Lama Registry. The following or similar goals should guide those who have responsibility to see that the camelid industry is represented at the USAHA annual meeting. 1. Become conversant with USAHA policies and methods of doing business. Read the constitution and bylaws of USAHA. Scan the last issue of the USAHA proceedings to understand the scope of USAHA. The past proceedings contain the USAHA bylaws and administrative policies and are available on the USAHA web site (http://www. usaha/org/) at this link: http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/Proceedings/USAHAProceedings2011-115th.pdf The proceedings contain abstracts of presentations made at each

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

of the USAHA committees and also any special meetings/symposiums held concurrently with USAHA. 2. Work in concert on issues of mutual concern. The AOBA and ILR representatives consistently work together throughout the year on camelid health topics. 3. Participate in committee activities by becoming a member of selected committees, being informed of the camelid industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understanding of issues; providing input to committees on how the industry views a matter; vote on committee issues. The AOBA and ILR representatives are active, voting members of several committees and have made presentations at past meetings. We monitor all committee agendas to watch for discussion topics that may affect camelids. For example, when the BVDV issue was of great concern to camelid owners, a distinguished researcher, Dr. Julia Ridpath, who is already a member of the Committee on Infectious Diseases of Cattle, Bison and Camelids, was most willing to address the impact of this disease on camelids and reports on her continuing research of this issue at each meeting. Current focus is on genetic resistance to BVD; no federal regulation of the disease is ex-

pected since BVD is not a USDA program disease. The level of BVD in camelids is in decline. Committees not only address ongoing disease research but are proactive, monitoring emerging diseases at the global level, i.e. Rift Valley Fever (RVF) which definitely affects camelids and Schmallenberg virus which is currently active in Europe affecting cattle, sheep and goats; both are vector-borne and could affect the US. USDA/ARS is working on a field deployable and high throughput PCR assay for RVF and will let us know when researchers need camelid blood samples for testing. Animal welfare issues are also closely monitored. 4. Cultivate rapport with other industries. As members of the BOD, the AOBA and ILR representatives are automatically members of the USAHA District At-Large which consists of all the 35 Allied Industry representatives, most of which are from other livestock producer groups like the National Cattlemens Beef Assoc., National Pork Producers, American Veterinary Medical Assoc., etc. We have a specific meeting time at USAHA for discussion of issues of concern to all allied industy representatives.

camelid matters in a cooperative rather than a confrontational manner. This is important and the camelid industry representatives have very good contacts within USDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and at the annual USAHA meetings we can readily talk with any of the 50 state veterinarians and their staff. Canadian animal health officials also attend USAHA and we have worked together on border issues in the past. 6. Get acquainted with officers, committee chairs, regulatory officials and as many people as you can, to foster cordial relationships. There is a lot of time between official meetings to accomplish this. Again, the camelid industry representatives and industry members who come to USAHA attend the social functions at the annual meeting as well as scheduled committee meetings. Everyone at USAHA meetings is friendly and many are interested to learn more

about camelids. The meetings are a great place to meet researchers and to discuss subject areas that could impact camelid health and wellbeing. 7. Report back to the industry on topics discussed and acted upon. Both representatives provide USAHA meeting reports to their respective organizations. Karen also sends a copy of her report to all the members of the Newsletter Exchange for publication in the regional llama/alpaca group newsletters. We are always seeking interested members of the camelid community to come to the USAHA annual meeting to view the process first-hand. The meetings move around the country; the 2013 meeting will be in San Diego, CA October 17-23 at the Town and Country Hotel. The USAHA web site will contain more details as the meeting date approaches. http://www.usaha.org/

5. Educate regulatory officials on 15

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

Jim Graham Youth Scholarship The current guidelines for the Jim Graham Youth Scholarship allow $500.00 per semester (2 semesters running concurrently) for a total value of $1,000.00. Jim Graham Youth Scholarship: Application Process 1 .The applicant must be a high school senior (or just graduated in the current calendar year) 2. The applicant must be a current associate youth member of SCLA or their immediate family (parent) must be a current adult member of SCLA. 3. The written application submittal before July 12 of each calendar year must include: A: A written one-page essay describing their background with lamas, where they plan to attend college and their anticipated degree program. B: A self-photograph. C: A photocopy of their high school transcript. D: Two (2) letters of recommendation from teachers, community leaders or club sponsors. Letters of recommendation may be mailed separately but all parts of the application must be received by the deadline date. The mailing address for all required parts of the application is: SCLA Jim Graham Youth Scholarship Committee P.O. Box 163654 Austin, Texas 78716-3654 The winner of the scholarship will be announced in the fall issue of the Humming Herald. Jim Graham Youth Scholarship: Winner 1. Provide the SCLA treasurer and the SCLA scholarship committee chairman your choice institution information. Website: http://www.scla.us will provide the contact data for the treasurer and scholarship committee under â&#x20AC;&#x153;SCLA Infoâ&#x20AC;?. 2. All monies will be sent to the registrar (financial aid office) of the college chosen. 3. The awarded winner must provide a copy of their grades to the SCLA scholarship committee chairman and the SCLA treasurer at the end of the first semester. This action will verity a passing average is being maintained in order to qualify for the second semester award. 4. The recipient must be a current member of SCLA or their immediate family (parent) must be a current adult member of SCLA for the duration of the scholarship. Current membership will be verified. SCLA dues are payable on or before January 31 st of each year.

Figment Ranch Llamas

Since 1988 Specializing in performance animals. We breed pets, show, guard and just-for-fun llamas. Members of SCLA-ALSA-ILR

17102 Mueschke Rd Cypress, Tx 77433 281-351-1820 Home

www.FigmentRanch.com figranch@flash.net Ruby Herron Robin Turell Sean Price

713-249-8523 713-249-3893 281-830-2368

Diamond D Llamas Rick & Darlene Matthiesen 259 PR 3512 Hondo, TX 78861 Home: 830.741.7023 email: diamonddllamas@gmail.com www.diamonddllamas.com

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

Chuk & Vicki Guzman Southern G Llamas 740 Bear Creek Rd LaGrange, Texas 78945

979.242.3858

Triple V Ranch Rick & Sharon VanHooser 600 Red Top Road Poolville, Texas 76487

817-596-9644

E-mail: Sharonav@peoplepc.com t Quarter Horses t Llamas t Miniature Donkeys t t Miniature Horses t Dwarf/Pigmy Goats

Sexual Awareness in Llamas By Ron Baird

Ron has been the Chair of the RMLA Research Committee for many years. He has represented RMLA on issues concerning lama health and other issues such as Johne's Disease, Viral Vesicular Stomatitis, choanal atresia and interstate transportation of lamas. All of us who have bred llamas and alpacas know the females are induced ovulators...they can get pregnant at any time of the year, unlike sheep, horses and cattle that ovulate on a regular cycle that is quite predictable. While it does not seem there is much research being conducted on lamas in this economy, the University of Saskatchewan maintains a llama (yes, two ll's) Research Herd and recently announced a major breakthrough discovery, as reported by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (08-20-12) and Science News (09-22-12). There is a molecule in semen of the machos called Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). When NGF is received by the female llama, it kick-starts release of the egg and vitalized pregnancy protective hormones in the female. The protein is also found in human semen. A team co-led by Gregg Adams of the university discovered that it does not require a macho to be present to induce a female to ovulate. The team collected sperm from five male llamas, filtered out the sperm, injected increasingly pure portions of NGF into female llamas' legs. They ovulated. While it has been known NGF is produced by nerve cells to tell neighboring cells to grow, this discovery found that semen NGF goes all the way through the blood stream into the brain, where it delivers a message to "get busy cranking out more hormones." Called "...a blockbuster paper" by reproductive biologist Bruce Murphy of the University of Montreal and hailed by Raj Duggavathi of McGill University who said "If we find the NGF is also effective in women (the human kind) it will obviously have huge implications for treating male infertility conditions." In fact, Adams' team plans to investigate NGF's role in human reproduction to determine if the protein is connected to fertility in people as well as llamas. Dan Bernard of McGill University, a reproductive biologist stated that it's not clear yet if NGF is also important for people, "It's still early, I think the fact that they've identified the protein will put this work on the map." It is anticipated this initial research will provide fertile ground from many researchers in the reproductive field. In addition to tweaking ovulation timing NGF could also promote growth of the pregnancy-protecting corpus luteum. It is known, from the University of Sasketchewan work, that NGF nurtured growth of the little yellow gland in the ovary of llamas called the corpus luteum. Adams' team will also be examining this in its human studies, which might lead to, or reveal, a meth-odology that could help prevent miscarriages. One more beautiful example of how llamas are indeed helping humans in their everyday life! But, isn't this really more than you wanted to know!! Reprinted from The Journal, newsletter of the Rocky Mtn. Llama & Alpaca Assoc.; Winter 2012.

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

Ask the CSU Vets

By Kathy Stanko and the Colorado State Univ. Camelid Vets & Interns

Hi All! We have some very interesting questions in this issue. Enjoy. Question: I have a weight management question. Our llamas can spend time in their 'day pen' where there is nothing to eat except the hay that we feed AND they can spend time out in their pasture where they can also run around to play and eat. We like them to have time in their pasture each day = freedom! So to my question: are their any guidelines as to how many hours on pasture is equivalent to eating a flake of hay? Response from Dr. Jessica Collier, DVM, Livestock Intern: While every animal enjoys some pasture time, it is always important to make sure that they are maintaining a proper weight. It's great to hear that you are conscientious of how much food your animals are eating. The question of how much pasture time equals hay consumption is a good one, however, there is no single answer. Unfortunately, there are too many variables involved to easily solve this equation! For starters, what kind of hay are you feeding and how large are your flakes? Alfalfa is considerably more energy dense and heavier than a flake of grass hay or oat hay. What is the size

and body condition of the camelid in question? One might be more inclined to limit the pasture time or place a grazing muzzle on an overweight animal. Alternatively, an underweight animal could benefit from extra feeding time out in the pasture. The caloric output of individual animals also comes into play. Crias and lactating animals will be expending much more energy than an older animal. The average adult camelid will generally eat 1.5-2% of its body weight in dry matter intake per day. Another important question: how lush is the pasture that your animals are grazing on? Forage density in Rocky Mountain pasture is very different than in the Pacific Northwest, Plains States, or the East Coast! Also, pasture density and quality in the intermountain area can vary tremendously based on the amount of irrigation available. So, unfortunately, there is no simple way to say how many hours of grazing is equivalent to a specific amount of dry hay intake. Most importantly, you should monitor your animal's body condition or body weight individually and allow them pasture access accordingly. Too much time on good pasture may result in weight gains, but too much time on poor pasture could result in weight loss if supplemental hay is not present in the pasture. Question: My husband and I have a mobile shearing service. We have reÂŹturning clients and new ones every year. I have clients who 27

insist on leaving at least an inch of fiber. I have heard, they'll be too cold, they'll get sunburned, flies bother them, they're too old, it won't grow fast enough... and more. I also have clients that want them sheared to the skin (like sheep!). I try to sway my clients to have it taken down to the 1/4 inch that my blades leave but I also have to respect what the customer wants. I would appreciate some points to make that will help my clients understand the importance of leaving a little fiber on. I also want to know what can be used to help the lighter colored llamas not get sunÂŹburned. Response from Dr. Sarah Raabis, DVM, Livestock Intern: The staple length of fiber at shearing is ultimately up to the owner's preference and aesthetics. However, it is important to consider the environmental conditions and fiber characteristics at shearing. If shearing at the end of the year (Fall or early Winter), it is important to leave a longer staple length (3/4 inch) to enÂŹsure the animal will grow out enough fiber to maintain body temperature during the colder months. If shearing in the spring, a shorter staple length (1/4 inch) will most likely grow out in time for the winter season. And yes, sunburn is a risk for lighter colored llamas and alpacas. Preventing sunburn is an important farm management task. Animals should always have access to shade while outside and lighter colored animals may need to be kept in a well-ventilated barn while the sun is strongest (10:00 am - 2:00 pm). It is prefer28

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

able to leave greater than 1/4 inch of staple length on animals with a lighter fiber color, as the fiber will help protect the skin from sun damage. This also may be more important for older animals that may grow fiber out slower and need more staple length to protect against the sun and colder temperatures. Question: Do llamas blink? How do llamas blink? We have heard that horses are afraid of llamas because they don't blink. But when I watch mine carefully, they do seem to blink. Response from Dr. Andi Lear, DVM, Livestock Resident: Llamas do in fact blink. The basic action of blinking is caused by the function of the facial nerve, cranial nerve number 7, which originates from the brain stem. This nerve innervates the eyelids and tear ducts of the eyes as well as muscles around the muzzle, lips, and ears. Blinking is a very important process that we take for granted. It is required to allow tear distribution across the eye surface as well as help remove foreign debris from the eye when needed. One of the most important functions of blinking is to prevent trauma to the eye by protecting the easily damaged cornea, the surface of the eye. This importance is most evident with the menance response, a blink response that animals and humans learn to do when something moves towards the eye. This response can be demonstrated when you flash your hand in front of your animal's eyes. Blinking can be impaired primarily from facial

nerve dysfunction. This can be caused by damage to the facial nerve from reasons such as trauma or middle and inner ear infections. Impaired blinking can result in additional problems such as chronic dry eyes or corneal ulcers (damage to the surface of the eye). Other signs of facial nerve dysfunction include a deviated muzzle, droopy ears, and lack of tear production. As far as why some horses are afraid of llamas, it is an unknown mystery. A nonofficial poll of the equine clinicians at Colorado State University

Veterinary Teaching Hospital speculated llamas' strange movement, different smell, and unusual vocalization compared to what horses are accustomed. But one thing is for sure, horses are not afraid of llamas because they do not blink. If you have a question, please submit it to Kathy at turkeytrots2@gmail.com. I recently heard from Dr. Callan at CSU that our questions are becoming quite challenging!!!! Yea to us for keeping them on their toes. Reprinted from The Journal, newsletter of the Rocky Mtn. Llama & Alpaca Assoc.; Winter 2012.

Clipper sales repair serviCe - parts Blade sharpening Most Brands

and

Models

Brownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clipper serviCe

217-414-8126

Jay C. Brown 1119 South 4th Street Springfield, il 62703 29

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

RANCHES Texas & Colorado

Suri, Silky, & Argentine Llamas 512-751-5363 www.sapavecoranch.com

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

Thank you for being part of the 2013 San Angelo Llama Show. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have had a show without you. The San Angelo Stock Show Assoc. and I would like to congratulate each of you on your outstanding animals that you brought. Thanks again to the Wilson County 4-H for a awesome dinner on Friday night. God Bless and hope to see you in 2014! Diana

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

I am so proud of Darby Shae Jones! She showed at the San Angelo Stock Show with Tex (the alpaca) and took Reserv Champion in Senior Performance. Woohoo!........Tami Jones

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

SCLA Library

Barbara Welch, Librarian

(830) 885-2388 • dbldare@gvtc.com

Books A Guide to Raising Llamas – Gale Birutta (10132) A Well Trained Llama – By Paul & Betty Barkman (10167) Along Came a Llama -- Welsh farmer adds a llama to her farm (10041) ALSA Llama Judging Clinic (10098) Aunt Millie’s Guide to Llama Fiber - By Mike Brown (10166) Body Scoring Llamas & Alpacas, by Bob Beede, DVM (10128) Before and After Llamas -- humor (10086) Building Small Barns, Sheds and Shelters -- Monte Burche (10116) Camel's Zoo Book 2 -- children (10023) Caring for Llamas, A Health and Management Guide (10043) Caring for Llamas and Alpacas - 2nd. ed. (10043) Evaluating a Llama Pack for Comfort and Function (10122) Fifty Things to Do With a Llama by B. James (10147) Felt making Techniques & Projects by I. Evers (10149) Handbook for Llamas -- first aid (10017) Hands On Spinning -- Lee Raven (10107) Harley – by Star Livingston Illustrated by Molly Bang (10173) Heat Stress; Prevention & Management, by Myra Freeman -- (10130) I Care About My Animals – animal rights guide (10124) If I was a Llama -- children (10112) Llamas & Alpacas as a Metaphor for Life - by Marty McGee – (10148) Llama & Alpaca Neonatal Care, by B. Smith, DVM; K. Timm, DVM; P. Long, DVM. -- (10131) Llama Babies -- Up, Dry & Nursing -- Anderson (10133) Llama Driving – By Ron Shinnick (10169) Llama Nutrition Clinic Notes -- LaRue Johnson, DVM (10138) Llama Packing for Youth, by the ILA Youth Committee -- (10129) Llama Training on Your Own – Helen Bodington (10168) Living with Llamas -- Rosana Hart (10020) Llamas Can Beat the Heat -- Texas cooling techniques (10035) Llama Medicine and Surgery -- Texas A&M (10022) Llama Medicine, Veterinary Clinics of North America -- (10082) Llama Training, Who's in Charge -- (10027) Llamas: Their Personality and Expressions -- (10114) Llama Tricks -- Step by Step Method -- by Linda Hayes -- 10142 Leaders Manual for 4-H Llama Activities (10156) Love a Llama -- children (10097) Making the Most of Your Llama – By Linda Beattie (10165)

Medicine & Surgery of South American Camelids -Fowler (10135) Medicine & Surgery of South American Camelids – 2nd ed., (10153) Packing with Llamas -- (10048) Raising Llamas in Alberta, Why Are They So Popular? -- (10123) Roberts Rules of Order (10152) Ruminations from the Back Forty - by John Mallon (10178) SCLA 1992 Conference -- ring binder (10104) SCLA 1993 Conference -- ring binder (10079) SCLA 1994 Conference -- ring binder (10100) SCLA 1995 Conference – ring binder (10080) SCLA 1996 Conference – ring binder (10130) SCLA 1998 Conference – ring binder (10150) SCLA 2000 Conference – ring binder, (10163) Scraping Heaven - by Cindy Ross, donated by Teresa King (10179) Secrets of the Andes (10040) So You Share Your Life with a Llama - by Susan Peterson (10177) Speechless Brothers (10106) Spinning Llama & Alpaca -- by Chris Switzer (10134) Spinning Llama & Alpaca 2nd Edition – By Chris Switzer (10171) The Camelid Companion (Handling and Training your Alpacas and Llamas) – by Marty McGee Bennett (10172) The Field Guide ... In Search of the Ideal Llama – conformation info (10113) The TTEAM Approach -- McGee (10117) The (Mis)adventures of the Llamas at Hunter Hill – Hubbard, Ryberg (10174) Today and Tomorrow Llama Investment Analysis --1990 (10047) Turning Wool into a Cottage Industry -- (10042) The Waldo Chronicles -- a training log -- (10129) Veterinary Llama Field Manual - By Norman Evans (10145) Youth Llama Project -- 4H guidebooks (10045) 4H Instructions -- SCLA (10118) Packing with Llamas 4th edition - Stanlynn Daugherty (10161) Notes from Dr. Norman Evans' llama conference on 4/1/2000 (10164) 3rd Annual Camelid Health Program - Ohio State University (10170)

Newsletters and Magazines

SCLA Humming Herald Red Hot Llamas -- Smithsonian 8/94 (10101) Newsletters from other llama associations

Video Tapes

All About Llamas I -- Llama Basics (10007) All About Llamas II, Breeding, Birthing and Newborns -- (10008) Animals on the Farm -- Video aimed at children/4-H clubs - (10134) Basic T.T. E.A.M. with Llamas - by Marty McGee (10005) Camelid Handling Secrets Volume 1 Medical Management - (10025) Click & Reward -- Training Video -- (10141) Click and Reward – Vol. II –(10159) The Competitive Edge in the Showring -- ALSA guidelines (10073) Felt Making by Hand -- Basic Process -- Vickrey (10143) Fences, Barns and Feeders (10085) Five Star Llama Packing (10001) Grooming and Basic Training -- SCLA (10063) How to Use the Kwick and Slick Grooming Tool – (10160) ILA Marketing Video (10111) In Search of the Ideal Llama -- conformation (10095) Inside 4-H Llamas – By ILA (10155) Llama Reproduction -- Part I & II (10009/10) Llama Training with Bobra Goldsmith -- (10003) Mallon Method, The - Difficult to Halter (10180) Mallon Method, The -- The First 24 Hours (10125) Mallon Method, The -- Halter Training Basics (10140) Rolfing a Llama -- (10103) SCLA 1995 Ft Worth Sale -- (10108/09) SCLA 1994 Conference Awards -- (10102) SCLA 1998 Conference Videos (two) – (10151) SCLA Seminar -- (Jensen) heat stress, nail trimming (10011) Spinning Wool, Basics and Beyond -- by P Zawistoski (10139) Step by Step Shearing -- for alpacas and llamas (10126) Texas A & M Seminar -- (Fowler) infectious disease & heat stress (10013) Teaching Your Llama to Pack – Marty McGee with Stanley Daugherty –video – TWO COPIES: --(10158) Texas Country Reporter – featuring John & Linda Keltgen (10157) Training Llamas to Drive -- (10044) Treasures of the Andes -- PBS (10090) "Treating" your Llama Kindly -- handling techniques with Dr. LaRue Johnson and Marty Mcgee (10128) TTEAM Approach to Herd Management -- McGee (10070) Vermonters Just Like to Felt Hats – video (10154) What Do You Do with a Llama? -- photography, Ley (10119) Why llamas? -- (10014) Wonderful World of Llama Wool, The -- McGee (10121) Working In the Round Pen (3 tapes) John Mallon - 10124 52

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

Working with Difficult Llamas....by Ken Ploeser, (10162)

DVDs

Llama Talk -- Cathy Spalding, Gentle Spirit Llama Training with Bobra Goldsmith Running of the Llamas: a documentary by Heidi Freier c. 2008 (10200) Spinning Luxury Fibers (3 DVD set) Judith MacKenzie Spinning Wool, Basics and Beyond -- by P Zawistoski Mallon Method, The -- Difficult to Halter Mallon Method, The -- The First 24 Hours Mallon Method, The -- Halter Training Basics Vermonters Just Like to Felt Hats -- The Herd of Northern Vermonters Wonderful World of Llama Wool, The -- McGee Working In the Round Pen (3 DVD set) John Mallon

Equipment Tooth-A-Matic rental $20 plus deposit SCLA members can check out items by emailing or calling Barbara Welch, Books may be kept for one month and video tapes for two weeks. Items are mailed at SCLA's expense. You pay the return postage. Please return to: Barbara Welch 12830 Rebecca Creek Rd. Spring Branch TX 78070 Email Barbara at dbldare@gvtc.com or phone: 830-885-2388.

Updated June 2011

SCLA members can check out items by emailing or calling Barbara Welch. Books may be kept for one month and video tapes for two weeks. Items are mailed at SCLA’s expense. You pay the return postage. Please return to: 12830 Rebecca Creek Rd. Spring Branch, TX 78070-6308

Display Advertisers The Lonestar Llama Showdown.......................... Front Cover Red River Llamas/Llama Things............... Inside Front Cove Live Oak Pet Services.......................................................... .25 Brown’s Clipper Service...................................................... 29 Ozark Llama Classic............................................................. 30 Red River Llamas/Llama Things......................... Back Cover

Advertising Rates Payment will reserve your placement and will be accepted for up to four consecutive issues. Please include $7.00 for each “loose” photo accompanying your ad. Please do not submit ink jet printouts of photos as the quality is sub-standard.

Member Rates:

Front Cover...................... $125.00 Inside Covers.......................$80.00 Back Cover..........................$90.00 Full Page..............................$65.00 Half Page.............................$55.00 Quarter Page........................$45.00 Business Card......................$30.00 Insert Your Flyer.................$75.00 Classifieds.................25¢ per word ($ 3.50 minimum)

Non-Member Rates:

Front Cover...................... $175.00 Inside Covers.......................$95.00 Back Cover....................... $105.00 Full Page..............................$75.00 Half Page.............................$65.00 Quarter Page........................$55.00 Business Card......................$35.00 Insert Your Flyer.................$85.00 Classifieds.................40¢ per word ($ 5.00 minimum)

Humming Herald Deadlines

Specifications Print Ready Ads: Acceptable print ready ad formats are files at 300 dpi as a Press Quality PDF, TIF, EPS or PSD file. Please zip or stuff your file for faster email transmission. Digital Photo Submission: When taking digital photos, it is always best to set your camera to its highest settings, which will give you the least amount of pictures on your memory card. Email the photo - in its original condition - to hummingherald@figmentranch.com for review. If your photo is not of the proper resolution, you will be notified. Full Page Ad: Half Page Ad: Quarter Page Ad: Business Card Ad:

7.5” x 10” 7.5” x 4.725” 3.62” x 4.725” 3.62” x 2.25”

Spring...........................February 1 Summer............................... May 1 Fall...................................August 1 Winter........................ November 1 Mail Print-Ready Copy to: Ruby Herron 17102 Mueschke RD Cypress, TX 77433

Contact her with questions at 713-249-8523 or figranch@flash.net Additional copies of the Humming Herald are available at a cost of $5.00 each plus $2.25 per copy for shipping. Copies must be ordered by deadline date. Send check, made payable to SCLA at the address above.

Membership Application Form

South Central Llama Association (www.scla.us) Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Ranch Name:______________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________________ City:_________________________________________ State:____________ Zip___________________________ Phone : ( ______) _____________________ Email:_____________________________________________ _____Please DO NOT print my name in the Membership Directory (handed out to the public) Annual Membership Fee: $40.00 per household. All memberships expire January 31st of each year. $20.00 for first-time members who join after July 1. Please mail a copy of this membership form with your check (payable to SCLA) to: SCLA MEMBERSHIP P.O. Box 163654 Austin, TX 78716

Associate Youth Membership Application Form South Central Llama Association (www.scla.us)

Youth Name:_______________________________________________________________________ Ranch Name:_______________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________ City:__________________________________ State:________________ Zip___________________ Phone : ( ______)_______________________

Email:_____________________________________

Date of Birth______________________________ Name & Address of Adult Sponsor: ____________________________________________________________________________________ _____Please DO NOT print my name in the Membership Directory (handed out to the public) Youth Associate Memberships are non-voting and expire December 31st of each year. Annual Membership Fee: $10.00 per youth, ages 5-19. $5.00 for first-time members who join after July 1. Please mail a copy of this membership form with your check (payable to SCLA) to: SCLA Membership P.O. Box 163654 Austin, TX 78716

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

Only if we can learn to work together will we realize our strength in numbers. Free your mind and think. Figment Ranch

â&#x20AC;&#x153;for all your llama needs...... call Carolynâ&#x20AC;?

cmyers@lyntegar.com www.Llamathings.com

Humming Herald Newsletter Spring 2013

806.676.6659 Lakeview, TX 79239