Alpaca Journal

By Mike Safley

The 2005 Alpaca Show season started off with a bang, not your typical pyrotechnic bang, but the type that comes with change and the disruption of business as usual.  The fuse was a series of new show rules that address the issue of grooming alpacas.  Grooming is out and natural paddock condition is in: The fat is in the fire.

The grooming of alpacas in the United States dates back to the very first alpaca show in Grass Valley, California.  The rules against grooming are rather recent and have generally occurred in reaction to the practice of show fitting that has become a high art among some exhibitors.  This persistent practice of preparing show alpacas brought us to the point where something needed to be done.

To illustrate this need, I will tell you about a rather ugly incident that began at the Kentucky Classic in Louisville, Kentucky and continued on to the North American Alpaca Show in Springfield, Massachusetts—but not yet.  The new anti-grooming rules that have caused all of the consternation are no small matter—we are talking about playing by the rules versus cheating.  Should we groom our alpacas like show poodles or present them as production quality livestock where our focus is superior selection and genetic gain? Read more

Related links:

Cheating at Shows by Jude Anderson

Showing Suri Alpacas by Maggie Krieger

Hair Shine: An Analytically Elusive Phenomenon? by F.-J. Wortmann, E. Schulze, B. Bourceau

By Jude Anderson

            This article was crafted by senior AOBA judge, Jude Anderson, from the contents of several exhibitors meetings at major alpaca shows held in 2005. Jude makes clear why grooming is against the AOBA rules and that this practice will no longer be tolerated. I could not say it better than Jude did when she opened her piece with the following paragraph:

            “A ‘Culture of Cheating’ has now become endemic in AOBA alpaca shows, whether it’s in the trimming and blocking of huacayas or the stripping, shampooing or luster enhancement of suris. AOBA judges now find themselves in the position of being the “Grooming Police” rather than having the satisfaction of being able to judge every animal on its merits and place them accordingly. I’d like to demonstrate how cheating negatively permeates every aspect of the alpaca industry.” Read the entire article.

Related links:

Alpaca Shows: The Blame Game or Fair and Friendly Competition by Mike Safley

Showing Suri Alpacas by Maggie Krieger

Hair Shine: An Analytically Elusive Phenomenon? by F.-J. Wortmann, E. Schulze, B. Bourceau

By Maggie Krieger

            Maggie Krieger is a senior AOBA alpaca judge, the president of the Alpaca Judging School of the Altiplano, the Alpaca Breeders Fiber School, and the author of numerous articles and books. Maggie’s article is a must read for anyone serious about showing suri. The last few paragraphs of this piece touch on the subject of alpaca grooming which is the primary theme of this edition of the “Alpaca Journal.” To read the article click here.

Related links:

Alpaca Shows: The Blame Game or Fair and Friendly Competition by Mike Safley

Cheating at Shows: How it Affects the Whole Alpaca Industry by Jude Anderson

Hair Shine: An Analytically Elusive Phenomenon? By F.-J. Wortmann, E. Schulze, B. Bourceau

By F.-J. Wortmann, E. Schulze, B. Bourceau

            Breeders who add artificial luster to suris are a hot topic on the show circuit. This article discusses how the affect of consumer products on hair sheen can be measured using a “gloss index.” Suri breeders will be interested to see how scientists can actually measure luster. Can a “lust-o-meter” be far behind?

Read this article

Related links:

Alpaca Shows: The Blame Game or Fair and Friendly Competition by Mike Safley

Showing Suri Alpacas by Maggie Krieger

Cheating at Shows: How it Affects the Whole Alpaca Industry by Jude Anderson

By Francis Rainsford

            Francis Rainsford is the president of the International Alpaca Association which is headquartered in Arequipa, Peru. This article, which is also found in the Spring, 2005 issue of “Wild Fibers Magazine”, opens with the following ominous warning about the quality of Peruvian alpaca clip:

“Mounting concern is being expressed in Peru over the steady increase of coarser alpaca fibre (31 microns+) whilst the production of finer, and more commercial, qualities (20 to 26 microns) is diminishing by comparison. Further, the coarser qualities are noted for more kemp and general hairiness giving them an unattractive comfort factor for apparel.” Click here to read the entire article.

By Linda Cortright

            This article is another of the delightful pieces to be found in Wild Fibers Magazine. The article begins with the following paragraph:

“In the ever-growing lexicon of oxymorons, including such timeless favorites as military intelligence and happy marriage, one glaring omission from the list is gentleman farmer. That curious blend of refined comportment, coupled with sweaty overalls and calloused hands, seems as incongruous as a gold-plated manure spreader parked next to an antique Bugatti. And if I am wrong in this assertion, then perhaps my understanding of either “gentleman” or “farmer” is somehow lacking.”  Click here to read the entire article.

By Linda Cortright

            Linda Cortright is editor of Wild Fibers Magazine. I recommend this magazine to all alpaca breeders.  It is loaded with interesting articles, such as Read Before You Breed, which is Linda’s review of my book, Alpacas: Synthesis of a Miracle. I have linked three of these articles in this issue of the “Alpaca Journal”.

            I also want to let you know that I am running low on copies of the book, so if you have been thinking about purchasing it and have not, you may want to act now. To order, click here.