Alpaca shows are held year round and nationwide. There are different levels ranging from I through V. The quantity of alpacas competing determines the show level. You can find these shows by visiting Alpaca Nation and/or Alpaca Info. Alpacas can compete in full fleece (judged 50 percent on conformation and 50 percent on fleece), shorn (alpaca has less than 2 in. of fiber and judged strictly on conformation), composite (the alpaca has less than 2 in. of fiber, but the owner brings in the shorn fleece to be evaluated as if it was on the alpaca), and/or fleece blanket only.
Taking your alpacas to compete is exciting. The excitement comes from the anticipation of seeing your alpaca win first place and then possibly color champion. This, of course, would confirm your breeding strategies. Most shows award up to fifth or sixth place. If an alpaca is awarded a ribbon the judge will give their opinion as to why one placed over the next. This is a great learning tool to take home. You can evaluate your own alpacas and see how to implement the traits the judge praised into your own herd.
Shows are also great places to network and make long lasting relationships. Most shows are free to the public. There is the potential of meeting your next customer by simply saying hello to the person walking by your stall. Besides meeting customers you can also make some important business contacts. Alpaca breeders come from all over to attend shows. It is possible to strike a relationship with another ranch that has a different breeding schedule than yourself. What this means is that you can send your herdsire to their ranch during your off season for more visibility and usage. Then they too could do the same by sending their herdsire to your ranch during their off season. This is a win-win situation for both ranches and all that is needed is to pay for the transportation of the herdsires. This is just one example of what can be done with other ranches.
Alpaca shows can also add value to your alpacas. When marketing your alpacas for sale you can list the shows they attended and the awards they won. This will help the customer to understand how you came up with your selling or breeding price. Professional photographers are usually at the show waiting to take pictures of you with your winning alpaca for a fee. These pictures can be used in promotional material.
Getting ready for shows can be stressful. Having a list of items to bring should greatly reduce the stress and fear of leaving something behind. Here is a recommended list:
Plenty of shows also hold free seminars. For people doing research on alpacas going to a show is not only a good time, but also informative. An alpaca show is an experience that should not be missed.
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