Next step for Desert Mountain Alpaca Ranch:
Tom and I have been in the alpaca industry for seven years now. We have come a long way over the years. Our breeding program has improved awarding us with champion alpacas, blue ribbon winning alpacas, and other ribbon winning alpacas. We are proud to say that we have sold quite a few of our ribbon winners who have gone on to ribbon at other shows as well or produce ribbon winners for their new owners.
Tom and I have also hosted seminars to help new and existing alpaca owners to become successful in their operations. This is quite rewarding in itself, especially to hear the feedback after we held the seminar.
Each year Tom and I are very active in the shows. I try to volunteer where possible in both halter and fleece shows. Of course I recommend any person interested in alpacas to do just the same. Not only do you get the opportunity to network with other alpaca ranchers but the knowledge gained at the job is sometimes invaluable. One example I can relate is when I volunteered at the fleece show. I was so impressed at how willing the judge was to answer questions and reveal what it is they are looking for in the fleeces. This helped me tremendously in my skirting efforts and also improved my placements at the show.
So why am I telling you all this? Well I feel it is necessary to continue growing and with that I have made the decision to take the next step and submit my resume to AOBA to become an apprentice fleece judge. If I am accepted then I will go to the clinic this August and will have to qualify. If I pass the qualification then I stay the extra 3 days for the clinic where I will have to pass a test or tests. After that I should be on my way to become an apprentice fleece judge where I will have to work on so many fleeces before I can become a full fleece judge.
I’m very excited at this point. I simply love the alpacas, their fleeces, and the industry as a whole. Tom and I have made many good friends and look forward to learning more and growing with the alpaca industry. Wish me luck!
