Seminars for both the experienced breeder and those new to the industry will be available. If you would like to receive a free shearing as part of our public demonstrations please contact Kathleen McCowan, Seminar chairperson at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Seminars and Speakers

New Exhibitor Talk
Join Lisa Theis of KT-Lee Ranch and Executive Show Services for tips on how to present your alpaca in the show ring. Lisa brings a wealth of background to share with those new to the ring and those who have been there before. Find out what the judge expects of you and your animal as well as tips on alpaca etiquette in the show ring.

“The Business Plan – Your bridge to financial success! “ Deanna Burnett Keener
Learn where to find resources, read financial documents and develop a specific business plan that will help you to finance your enterprise. The business plan lays out a path that allows investors to help you achieve success. Deanna guides you through the steps to creating the document that is at the center of every successful business venture.

“Marketing for farms - Define your target market and increase sales!” Deanna Burnett Keener
Marketing tailored for alpaca farmer. How do you differentiate yourself from other alpaca breeders? How can you add value to what you produce in the eyes of your customer? Deanna will walk you through the steps of niche marketing that helps you to reach out to the customer who needs what you have.

Tentative Seminar with Cheryl Gehly, Fleece Judge
Depending on time, Fleece Judge Cheryl Gehyly will present a one hour seminar on fleece – skirting, showing, working with the fleece plus question and answer time.  Since her availability is dependent on the length of the fleece show itself, we are unable to provide further details until the fleece show judging has been completed. Please watch for postings at the fairgrounds during the show. You will know right after we know!

Shearing Demonstrations: Shearing demonstrations will take place on Saturday and Sunday in the Town and Country building. Shearing – like sculpting – is a physical art that requires both training and talent. Enjoy a place to sit down and watch these professionals at work!

Tracy Moore from Outland Farm LLC joins us again to demonstrate the art of alpaca shearing. Tracy will be available during the show for additional shearings outside of her scheduled demonstration times on Saturday. Please contact her individually at the show if you wish to arrange for an individual shearing.

Shear Delight – DeAnna Pierick and Nancy Trautenberg of Shear Delight join us for the first time at Alpacapalooza to demonstrate alpaca shearing on Saturday afternoon and also on Sunday. Deanna and Nancy will be available to shear your animals at the show apart from the demonstration times. Please contact Deanna or Nancy individually for arrangements.“

“Buying Your First Alpaca” Barbara Banks – Apple Country Alpacas
What to look for, where to look for it, what to avoid! Barbara Banks shares her carefully considered approach to investing in the alpaca business. This talk is especially recommended for those new to the alpaca industry and those seeking to maximize their investment dollars.
 
“My Favorite Ornament” Elsa Leyden, Fiber Artist - Longbranch Fiber Farm
A wet felted ball decked out with copper wire, glass beads and charms creates a fabulous contrast of texture. The project combines felting with jewelry. What can you do with the fiber if you aren’t a spinner? Turn it into art! Join us for a demonstration of this fun project that lets you turn your extra fiber into a beautiful decorative piece for the home.

“The Art of Needle Felting” Elsa Leyden, Fiber Artist - Longbranch Fiber Farm
This demonstration is presented by fiber artist Elsa Leyden of Longbranch Fiber Farm.  This is a dry felting technique, no water needed! Using a single, barbed needle, attach raw fibers such as wool, alpaca or angora as though painting a surface. Fibers can be attached to any fabric; felt, fleece, wool or cotton. Build up surface texture and design on ready-to-wear, quilts, pillows, purses or wall hangings. Once you get a felting needle in your hand, you will want to needle felt designs on everything!

“The Art of Animal Photography – One picture is worth a thousand sales pitches” Bev Sparks – Animal Photographer
Bev’s specialty is working with animals in natural light settings to capture their personality on film. Her work in fine art dog photography was recently seen on the Oprah show and is currently displayed at Urban Dogs in Bellevue Square and Sound Mind and Body in Fremont. Bev brings her considerable skill in photography to share some techniques for capturing your alpaca on film and working with the photos to show your animal to best advantage.

“Neonatal Diseases – Treatment and Prevention" Dr. Stacey Byers - DVM
Just like other youngsters, crias are susceptible to a wide variety of diseases including sepsis, diarrhea, infectious agents (BVDV, E.mac, and more), skeletal abnormalities, and ill-thrift.  This session will provide information on a variety of medical conditions, how they can affect crias, and what owners can do to treat and prevent future problems.  Questions are welcome as Dr. Byers hopes for an interactive discussion.