After a false start earlier in the year where insufficient members voted for the election to be valid a new vote was taken. The new members were announced on this site last week.

A meeting of the AOBA Board of Directors was held in Nashville this weekend and AOBA Board officers were elected for the year 2008 - 2009. The officers are as follows:

David Barboza, President
Tim McCarty, Vice President
Ian Watt, Secretary
Jerry Forstner, Treasurer

Retiring from the AOBA Board of Directors after two consecutive three year terms were Amy McCroskie and Steve Hull.
What perhaps isn't widely known, yet is that the last meeting of the old board approved an amendment to the effect that board members cannot also be judges and so David Barboza and Ian Watt when he qualifies as a judge will have to decide if they want to be on the board or if they want to judge alpacas.....

David decided to stay on the board and become the President...thus giving up his alpaca judging. Not quite sure when the judging has to stop as David is scheduled to judge our alpaca show Alpacamania 2008 in October so if he can't do it we will need to find an alternative PDQ....

For those of you who are wise enough to be learning all you can about EPDs here is some exciting news about Expected Progeny Differences....

Northwest Alpacas is offering two new educational programs to help you understand and use Expected Progeny Differences.
Participating in these programs will give you critical information on this important new tool that provides a means to accelerate the development of superior fiber bearing alpacas.

The All New EPD Seminar
This seminar will be held at Northwest Alpacas in Hillsboro, OR. Lunch is included.
Sat., August 2, 2008, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
Presented by Mike Safley and Fred Kraft, Northwest Alpacas
Understanding & Using the IAC’s Expected Progeny Difference Program

Price: $75

New 4-part EPD Webinar Series
This series is offered as a package of four two hour webinars. They are held on four consecutive Wednesdays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time. Price is $99 for the 4-part series.

Part 1:
Wed., July 23, 2008
Presented by Dr. Sarah Via, University of Maryland
Expected Progeny Differences and Their Use in Alpaca Breeding

Part 2:
Wed., July 30, 2008
Presented by Dr. David Notter, Virginia Tech
Implementation of Genetic Evaluation Methods for U.S. Alpacas

Part 3:
Wed., August 6, 2008
Presented by Adrian Stewart, Mulberry Alpacas
EPDs - A World View

Part 4:
Wed., August 13, 2008
Presented by Mike Safley, Northwest Alpacas
EPDs and the Ideal Alpaca Community

One of those rare occasions when we are off the alpaca farm at the weekend.



Today we are in downtown Portland for the annual Young Entrepreneurs Business Week.Or YEBW as it is known.

YEBW is a unique and inspiring one week summer camp for students, grades 9-12.

YEBW is about staying on a college campus immersed in running your own business, facing real challenges, setting real-life goals and preparing yourself for the future.
It’s intense and the students I spoke with all said it was great fun....

Check out the website and maybe get involved with a similar scheme in your area?

Today I am heading north to Portland with Jo.
We are going to do some non alpaca work in the green city. Did you know Portland is the greenest city in the USA? With San Fransisco in second place.

1. Portland, Oregon. 23.1
Electricity: 7.1 Transportation: 6.4 Green Living: 4.8 Recycling/Perspective: 4.8
America’s top green city has it all: Half its power comes from renewable sources, a quarter of the workforce commutes by bike, carpool or public transportation, and it has 35 buildings certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

2. San Francisco, California. 23.0
Electricity: 6.8 Transportation: 8.8 Green Living: 3.5 Recycling/Perspective: 3.9
See how San Francisco turns wasted roof space into power, here.

How the Rankings Work:
Raw data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Geographic Society’s Green Guide, which collected survey data and government statistics for American cities of over 100,000 people in more than 30 categories, including air quality, electricity use and transportation habits. We then compiled these statistics into four broad categories, each scored out of either 5 or 10 possible points. The sum of these four scores determines a city’s place in the rankings.

Electricity (E; 10 points): Cities score points for drawing their energy from renewable sources such as wind, solar, biomass and hydroelectric power, as well as for offering incentives for residents to invest in their own power sources, like roof-mounted solar panels.

Transportation (T; 10 points): High scores go to cities whose commuters take public transportation or carpool. Air quality also plays a role.

Green living (G; 5 points): Cities earn points for the number of buildings certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as for devoting area to green space, such as public parks and nature preserves.

Recycling and green perspective (R; 5 points): This measures how comprehensive a city’s recycling program is (if the city collects old electronics, for example) and how important its citizens consider environmental issues.

Want to read about more green cities? Then follow this link.

Having run irrigation on the newly mown hay field this week it soon became apparent that the irrigation ditches were in need of some TLC (tender loving care).

This morning we set about cleaning out the ditches and of course having run water all day Monday and Tuesday they were kind of wet and muddy...so it was very important not to let the tractor slip in while ploughing (plowing for my American readers) the ditches.

Just as you should never think about the bunker in golf - you should never think about the ditch.....as it will draw you in like a magnet..



I jumped off - but I think there was little chance it would roll over, still...better safe than sorry.

Of course Macario thought it was hilarious and only stopped laughing when I tried to take his picture...



The tractor was rescued by the Expedition which when in 4 wheel drive low ratio will pull just about anything... a lesson learnt.

On those rare occasions when there isn't anything urgent or important and you get the chance to hang out with some of the alpacas then you remember why you were taken under their spell in the first place.



Even though there is masses of fresh grass the alpacas always like to chow down on some hay at the end of the day and working on the basis that a little of what you fancy does you good I make sure they can get hay if they want it.





In fact this alpaca is so special she may just tempt me into the show ring later this year.....time will tell....what am I saying...when am I ever going to have time to do halter training.....??

Yes folks opportunity knocks for someone with marketing skills. The following position is now available if you are interested in Marketing Alpacas

AOBA has over 4,000 members and a budget of just under $4,000,000. AOBA is currently seeking a Manager of Marketing & Fund Raising Operations. This position will be responsible for all corporate and industry marketing and communication activities plus fund raising initiatives. This individual will workclosely with the Executive Director to develop strategy and execute programs. Support is also provided by a Marketing Committee composed of member volunteers and outside support organizations.

Manage the association's marketing operations, with regards to existing programs, advertising, future programs in adherence to annual budget.
Develop, implement, and facilitate an annual marketing communications plan including a proposed marketing budget for the Association.
Direct and coordinate to the extent necessary external ad agencies, public relations groups and/or consultants. ·
Ensure all marketing and communication activities are executed consistent with the associations brand positioning and guidelines. ·
Develop and oversee the Associations volunteer marketing committee.
Develop, implement and monitor fund raising efforts for assisting association current and future programs.
Develop and administer a fund raising database as well as development of a potential sponsor database.
Assist in the company’s RFP (request for proposal) process including writing proposals for new business opportunities and participate in planning and presentation sessions to the Board and members.
Participate in the research; identification and planning of new association initiatives and opportunities.

The position reports directly to the Executive Director. In addition, position will participate in presenting proposals to the AOBA Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in marketing and fund raising as well as have a strong understanding of the creative process. A minimum of five to seven years experience in a managerial role in marketing and fund raising operations is required. A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field of concentration –Business to Business Marketing and/or Marketing Communications preferred.

We also will look for a track record of success in managing marketing programs and the ability to meet deadlines within budget. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must.

The association is web oriented and knowledge of mainstream graphics software, web technologies and Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications should be shown.
Qualified applicants, please mail resume and salary requirement to:
Executive Director
Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association
5000 Linbar Drive, Suite 297
Nashville, TN 37211 Phone: 615-834-4195 Fax: 615-834-4196
Email: Gordon@aobamail.com

Well that's tough because the shovelling stays - but the wheel barrow can be upgraded!
I had this great e-mail today from a company in Florida who for $1200 will sell you a power barrow. This thing will haul 650 lbs up a very steep hill.....Which is about the amount of poop alpacas 300 alpacas deposit each day. So I think we can confidently say this little baby will handle whatever you have.



I believe it only comes in Canary Yellow - so look on the bright side (pun intended) there is no chance of losing it on a foggy day. Check it out when you get a few moments.

Moving on slightly we now have the AOBA election results.......

The two open Board positions are filled by the following individuals:
• Jess Bowers, Acres of Love Alpaca Ranch, Owasso, OK
• Ian Watt, Alpacas of Carrickalinga, Morrow Bay, CA

Despite the fact that the Ideal Alpaca Community are already publishing EPD's for alpacas in North America the ARI have just established a committee to investigate EPD's. Which by my estimate puts them about 5 years behind the IAC - which as any alpaca breeder knows is five breeding cycles and that is a huge genetic improvement that can be gained (or lost by waiting).

Here is what the ARI board had to say to its members:

Estimated Progeny Differences (EPDs) are being discussed more frequently within the alpaca community these days. EPD programs are used in many, if not most, of the world's livestock industries to assist breeders with improving their herds. The basis of every EPD program is a focus on measurable traits and the recording of selected measurements for related animals. Once enough measurements have been gathered, statistical analysis is used to create predictions that allow breeders to determine which animals are more successfully producing the desired traits.
As announced in February following input from members for our strategic plan, ARI has been investigating the possible implementation of such a program. It was important that we first determine the resources necessary to accomplish such a task. Now, we move on to determining the specific interest in this service and what needs to be included. In order to accomplish this, the ARI Board is pleased to announce the establishment of an ad hoc EPD (Estimated Progeny Difference) Development Committee to evaluate and develop a plan for an EPD program for ARI member use.

The ARI EPD Development Committee has a mission to:
• Create a Member Survey to establish member needs and interest in an EPD system
• Educate members regarding the purpose, usefulness and methods of an EPD system
• Outline a potential EPD program for alpacas
• Provide the ARI Board with a recommendation on moving forward and an implementation plan

The committee members are Dr. Wayne Jarvis, Dr. Dick Walker, Mr. David Barboza, and from the ARI Board Ms. Deb Hill, Mr. Wayne Robinson and Dr. Shauna Brummet who will chair the committee. The committee will draw on the advice of key scientific and livestock industry experts as needed to assist in the evaluation and development of an EPD system for alpacas.

Using this advice in conjunction with the comments from the membership, the committee will make a recommendation to the Board.

We look forward to engaging the ARI Membership in this very important industry development.
Sincerely,
ARI Board of Directors
Bruce Beatty, Shauna Brummet, Donna Christley, Lucy Farrar,
Deb Hill, Jim King, and Wayne Robinson

To my mind this is a bit like asking people if they want antibiotics - its a no brainer of course breeders want an EPD programme to improve the quality of their alpaca stock. The question is given that the IAC system is up and running and is free to join When will the ARI system be ready? And how much will it cost?

Time will tell. Meanwhile you can visit the EPD Library to learn about EPD programmes in other industries and alpaca EPD programmes in Australia and Canada.

We currently have a young girl staying with us from the UK called Immogen and while she is with us it is her 19th birthday - to celebrate we all headed out to nearby Historic Jacksonville and took a tour of the town using Segway people movers....



I have always thought Segways looked a bit "nerdy" but they are great fun and if you ever get the chance I urge you to have a go.....

Isn't it always the way you watch and wait then as soon as you go into town for an hour or so the mun delivers her new cria. Its almost like they stand there waiting for you to go.

By the time we arrived home the baby was safely delivered and on his feet and Southern Cross had passed the placenta intact. The new boy was feeding just fine and enjoying the summer sunshine.



Southern Cross is black with a white beard and she was mated to Juan Pablo who is pure white so I was hoping for a white girl...in my wildest dreams... What actually arrived is a lovely brown boy with a white beard...fascinating really as that is just the same color pattern as Latte who is another Southern Cross progeny. Who was sired by El Toro (from Chile) so no genetic connection to Juan Pablo.

The new arrival is feeding at regular intervals and we have given his navel a good spraying so all is well on the alpaca farm ....... as always the remainder of the herd are fascinated by new arrivals.

At long last the replacement part for the irrigation is at Ewin Irrigation - the solid 5/8ths diameter plastic shaft has now been replaced by one of solid machined steel. the part was replaced under warranty thank the Lord - because the shipping alione ws $80 !!

Talk about industrial strength...the new part went on quite well and I even managed to discover more about the irrigation wheel - which I thought I knew like the back of my hand.

The irrigation is now running again and not before time it has been so dry and hot and we have been able to irrigate for over a week now.

Alpaca cria watch continues and Southern Cross looks like she is about ready to deliver judging by her size and behavior - tomorrow could be the big day.

We are still on cria watch for a new arrival courtesy of Southern Cross.
You can of course never be truly be certain with the breeding dates and we always err on the side of safety and use the earliest possible date of conception in order to accurate predict the birth date.

Juan Pablo is a full Accoyo grandson of the great Vengador who was one of the foundation male at Pacific Crest Alpacas and who sired hundreds of blue ribbon and championship offspring alpacas.

Juan Pablo has classic Accoyo type, is extremely dense, and has beautiful crimpy, soft handling fleece measuring 21.4 microns at three years of age. His grandsire on the Dam’s side is Accoyo’s King.

Southern Cross is a very ordinary black female alpaca so we will see what emerges.........

No news on the alpaca front I thought our alpaca Southern Cross was going to have a cria this morning but it turned out to be a false alarm. Still the day is not over yet and my alpacas pay scant regard to the rule about always birthing before noon.

I am assuming the female alpacas Latte is now pregnant to Conman. But will do one more spit test before doing an ultrasound exam. In fact I will probably get the vet to bring the ultrasound when she comes to examine Southern Crosses new cria and draw blood for IgG testing which ensures the new alpacas immune system is up to scratch and of course a few drops of blood for the ARI DNA testing and registration.

The hay is now all dry and yesterday afternoon we got it baled.

News from Peru: In the first half of the year alpaca fiber exports from Arequipa increased 30 percent, compared to the same period in 2007, totaling sales of 800 million dollars, the president of the Peruvian Institute of Alpaca and Camelids (IPAC), Mauricio Chirinos Chirinos, stated today..

Alpaca fiber exports and Value Added products such as garments and accessories are the main items exported to Asia. The European market is another main consumer, Chirinos said.

Alpaca fiber volume exports are expected to increase 12 percent by the end of the year based on the interest of Asians and Europeans in garments made with this material. The APEC meeting held in Arequipa allowed other Asian and European countries to get to know alpaca fiber, its production and processing, resulting in an increase in demand.”

Meanwhile back in sunny southern Oregon the fruit trees are all starting to produce fruits which is something of a miracle given my past experience with fruit growing.