posted February 16, 2010
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posted January 27, 2010
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posted January 19, 2010
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posted November 23, 2009
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been doing quite well until the end . . . this photo was taken just after we celebrated his 83rd birthday. The funeral was the following Friday, and the weekend was spent wrapping up details. My return flights to Philadelphia were cancelled for Tues/Wed, but I finally made it home Thursday. The snow on my hill was over my knees! Thank goodness I have thus far only gotten stuck in the driveway twice. It took over two hours just to open my snail mail. (I'd been able to keep up with most email on my iPhone, thank goodness!)
We have a new baby girl in Oklahoma! Another magnificent daughter out of our coal back Lady Stella Woldbrook and the incomparable 
have birthed a huacaya female so distinctive. She is both a beautiful brown and bright white, and we hope you'll stop in to see her if you're driving by on Highway 85. Her fiber is as dense as it is crimpy -- and wonderfully soft, to boot! Watch for weekly updates as she grows up. This is one girl to follow!  |
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Twenty miles outside Kanab UT, is a little-known national monument I visited with my Dad earlier this month. Known as "Pipe Springs" it is a home/fort built in the mid-1800s over a still-functioning clearwater spring. Also known as "Windsor Castle", because it was first occupied by the Windsor family, it was also the first telegraph station in Arizona. As a Tithing Ranch, it housed livestock given to the Mormon Church as their owners' 1/10th Church contribution. (Mormons still tithe today, but usually it is paid in money as opposed to crops or animals.) On this unique property they milked 100 cows a day and many thousands head of sheep and cattle grazed in thousands of surrounding acres of natural grasslands. While it is definitely off the proverbial beaten track, I highly recommend its being well worth a visit. Furnishings are all from the period and the surrounding areas -- and while occupants moved in and out every few years, much of the furniture is original to the Fort. Of course, I was especially fascinated by the working spinning wheel, hand carders and a terrific loom -- all were used by the families who worked there. The Windsors had 9 children, and all would have been very busy helping with passing travelers, making 40 pounds of cheese and 40 pounds of butter on alternating days. As a National Park it is well maintained by rangers and has a great gift shop with handmade Indian jewelry, rugs and all things uniquely western. I loved it!
Click here to view additional photos
They're really interesting!
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posted November 20, 2009
Cria Update
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Diamond Plantaganet |
We had another sad death last weekend. What a tough fall this has been! We had bred Chardonnay to Accoyo Plantel at Magical Farms last year and were so excited to get a Plantel cria. Hoping for a boy, we were delighted when Diamond Plantaganet arrived safe and sound in Virginia. He was amazing. But mom ended up with mastitis and though Vanessa was bottle-feeding him every couple of hours, the vet said it was a classic "failure to thrive" situation, and we lost him when he was just a few days old. Chardonnay cried for nearly three days. These situations are so difficult, and though we only had him briefly, he was a cute guy and will be missed.
On a more cheerful note, however, I was in Virginia for a brief visit and got to take some pictures of these adorable black-and-white babies: Hercules and Snow White. They have a ball together, and you can't help but smile when you get a chance to watch them play. And this bigger girl is none other than DIAMOND ACCOYO TRIFLE. Straight as an arrow, isn't she? She sometimes joins in the fun and then seems to think better of it (like she's outgrown being a baby!)
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Jicarilla and Hercules |
Diamond Accoyo Trifle |
This kitten is quite the attention getter. |
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posted November 4, 2009
Heroes & Heroines - part 3
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Giselle with cria Diamond Glinda close behind |
How about a heroine arriving in Oklahoma? All our suri herd is now at our Grand Lake property. DIAMOND GLINDA, a beautiful suri girl, was born on 30 October and was up and running almost immediately! This little girl is the spitting image of her mom, Giselle. That makes her a Houdini granddaughter! (He was a multi-champion “back in the day.”) This is Giselle’s first cria, and she is doing marvelously. Glinda's sire is our full Accoyo Sierra Bonita’s Accoyo Orion – and she is the first of his offspring on our ranch. (We went to see “Wicked” on Broadway on the 30th, so that probably influenced our naming decisions!)
posted November 3, 2009
Heroes & Heroines - part 2
Who is this lovely little beauty! DIAMOND PERUVIAN SNOW WHITE, the first cria we have out of our Studmaster™ Snuggler’s Accoyo Brioni. She is, of course, white as the driven snow, and her mom, full Peruvian Butter Cream, is very proud of her. She was born on 28 October, weighed in at a hefty 19.2 pounds and is growing like a weed. She is also at the Virginia Ranch – so try to stop by if you’re anywhere near Bath County and you’ll get to see two brand new crias for the price of one!
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Diamond Peruvian Snow White Snuggler’s Accoyo Brioni x Peruvian Butter Cream |
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posted November 2, 2009
Heroes & Heroines - part 1
Our “Heroes & Heroines” have started to arrive. We’ll take them one at a time to space out the fun! First we have DIAMOND HERCULES, born at the Virginia Ranch on 23 October. He weighed 14.2 lbs. and is a delicious True Black. How Halloween-appropriate is that?! His mother is none other than Enchantment’s Tinnie, a multi-show winner in her own right and great mom who produces champions time after time. His sire is full Accoyo Jedi’s Accoyo Triumph (white) – which of course makes him a 1/2 Accoyo True Black! There are not that many males out there with that unique combination. His fiber was almost 3” long when he was born! That’s how we like ‘em!
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Diamond Hercules Accoyo Jedi's Accoyo Triumph x Enchantment's Tinnie |
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posted October 23, 2009
Alpaca Auctions - Sellers Beware!
We got a flyer in the mail today for a fall alpaca auction for a group who will remain nameless. I was really sick when I saw all the alpacas listed in the flyer and know what is going to happen to them at this auction. There are at least four complete dispersions of alpaca herds -- and then animals from at least four Wisconsin farms, New Jersey, Texas, Ohio, Oregon, and Colorado . . . . we have definitely "been there, done that." We put some great girls in this auction last spring. They were wonderful girls, each bred back to a full Accoyo (some huacaya, some suri). We took our best blue ribbon winners home with us. . . . the other girls, dare I even say it: one sold for $250, one for $475. The costs to travel there, sit all day with NO people who even came around to look at the alpacas . . . we lost a sizeable sum -- It was nowhere near even break even. There were maybe 20 bidders at that remote location, and some lovely alpacas went for $50. That is NOT a typo. If you are looking for alpacas, I'm sure there will be some very lucky bidders and some DESPERATE sellers. I don't know how these sales can continue to be held twice annually, year after year. It would be interesting to hear if anyone has ever had a positive experience here. It was a real disaster for us. Sellers: Beware!
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posted October 16, 2009
A (Trumpet) Blast from the Past
As a long-time fan of Blood, Sweat & Tears, I was excited to journey to Tarrytown, NY this week to actually see them perform! They were at the historic Tarrytown Music Hall, which is experiencing a real resurgence and is in the process of restoration. It was tremendous! I took son Wilson with me, who has become a fan (all on his own!) some 40 years after I first discovered them for myself. Original member Steve Katz was there (and sang "Some Times in Winter" much to my delight!) and did harmonica work, as well. Though none of the other musicians from my day were there, each was phenomenal and the music sounded just like it should! I was afraid they wouldn't be the "same" without David Clayton Thomas, but it was an Outstanding Evening!
posted October 6, 2009
Destiny
Well, a week ago we lost Destiny's baby. It was heartbreaking. She started to have her beautiful 16# male and it scared her witless. She started running around the pasture, not knowing what to do or how to respond to this "thing" happening to her. By the time Bucky got her calmed down and into the barn, the baby was half in, half out, and he had to help her deliver. But the cria didn't make it. It would have been Brioni's first cria and our first of the "Literature" crias. Bucky said he had wonderful crimp and 3" fiber that was beautiful -- and even covered his toes. Very sad. Hopefully things will look up and we'll have another new baby soon.
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posted September 28, 2009
Another Reason to Love Alpaca
If you haven't seen the new 16-month calendar available now from reknown knitting designer Helen Hamann, you are missing out. With her
keen eye for details and expert use of color in her own line of alpaca
yarn, detailed instructions for each design-of-the-month can then be
downloaded from the internet. We are carrying both calendars and yarn
at our farm stores. Kudos on this exciting new venture! She also has
individual patterns and/or kits available. The tough part is which
one to start on first.
Here are just a few of the 16 gorgeous designs you can download from the internet with the purchase of the 2010 Calendar of Patterns by Helen Hamann.
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| Rainbow Cardigan |
Urban Nomad |
Horizontal Cabled Pullover |
Vogue Evening Dress |
posted September 24, 2009
Weekend in Maine
Creativity and imagination are alive and well in the towns and villages across America. I spent this weekend in Farmington, Maine and got to attend their annual Fair, the 169th time these farmers and crafts people have gotten together to showcase their produce and handiwork. It was an amazing event. From canned goods, fresh vegetables, quilting, art, knitted/crocheted sweaters and hats, woodwork and more. . . You could see the long cold winters are put to good use by these Mainers. Made me want to find a comfy chair and get busy with my personal stash of alpaca yarn!
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posted September 10, 2009
Breaking Free
Diamond Triple C Ranch says “NO” to shows and auctions
I feel liberated – more relaxed and carefree than I have in recent memory. For the last seven years, autumn has meant a flurry of paperwork and check-writing. Get the yearlings entered into all the best shows. Decide on a farm display, make stall reservations and reserve hotel rooms; place expensive ads for maximum impact. Stretch the budget beyond capacity for sponsor recognition. Deadline upon deadline. Traveling papers for all entrants, show after show, health requirements for state upon state. Enter your best show-winners into the “right” auctions: write appealing descriptions, submit very specific photos and stats, and then wait to see if you’ve been accepted. Sign contracts. We’ve done it all. The money wafts out your barn windows as easily as your alpacas graze contentedly in your pastures.
The economic situation worsens and belts tighten. But still you make sure the cream-of-the-crop entrants make their rounds and arrive home, hopefully with glittering awards in tow. Competition after competition. We’ve been there.
Last season was especially intense. It was discouraging when many top awards were won repeatedly by the same Big Name Farms. Those of us not in “The Club” for whatever reason continued to hope (or pretend) that the judges were truly objective, their sole decision the very be-all, end-all of ”who’s the best” the determining factor in the worth and quality of our alpacas. We somehow managed to bring home our share! But we are finally ready to admit that the Emperor is definitely not wearing clothes. After hearing some judges talk off-handedly, even candidly, about needing to be “consistent” it is apparent that at least some of them track who’s been winning, and they make sure they continue winning. The abysmal National Show judging was the last straw.
Either you’re in The Club or you’re not. Sure – dangle the hope, the possibility of winning, collect the outrageous fees, and then make sure judging is consistent. (And you thought the judges in Olympic skating events were biased.)
We have come face-to-face with what we probably knew for some time now: our alpacas’ worth could never be determined by a single judge at a single show, no matter how much we spend on entering and traveling and picking out strand after strand of errant hay from his/her beautiful lustrous, crimpy or locked fiber.
This year we are staying home. Home where our animals are content, where the joy of farming lured us in the first place. Our bottom-line finances finally dictated we couldn’t keep up the pace, and in so doing the shackles of having to compete gave way. How did we get sidetracked into a spending a small – well, actually not-so-small – fortune on trotting them around to find whose animal was better . . . only to find that the system is intrinsically flawed and winning on those points has little true meaning.
The truth is that our herd DOES have all the right pedigrees, great fiber and conformation – but we were never in The Club. We put our best show- and championship-winning group in the top auctions, breathing a huge sigh of relief that they were “accepted” and were supposed to count ourselves fortunate that our alpaca could be #70-whatever in the lineup. Then we could wait in anticipation while a room full of “bidders” shmoozed and drank and paid no real attention. Finally, we could shell out another couple thousand dollars when Cindy Champion failed to sell. It took us way too long to figure it out. But we finally did.
September arrives and our farm is calm and enjoyable. Crias pronk and yearlings cush and graze at their leisure. We are with our alpacas, working with the luscious fiber that drew us to them in the first place, not agonizing because our amazing white female was shown the gate with hardly a second glance because of the small brown spot on her side. (And yes, we have heard that judges wouldn’t do that.)
The truth is: We Love Spots. We love the surprise in each new arrival, the diversity, the splendid, natural masterpieces that stand gloriously in our fields. We understand that spinners could care less how much crimp there is or if legs had some minor deviation or if the color wasn’t quite consistent throughout the fleece. (And yet in the next breath we were out there on the Circuit, competing as if their opinions really mattered!) But until the system changes – if it ever does – we’re happy at home. We work with our alpacas because we treasure our herd. We spin their exceptionally fine, delicious fiber and enjoy the oo’s and aah’s of visitors to our farm who visit because we are there on weekends instead of driving mile after mile to get to the next event. Auction fees are now invested in our herd instead of lining someone else’s pockets.
Are we still in the alpaca business? You bet we are! If you’re looking for exceptional alpacas, look no further. But prices will be reasonable because we aren’t supporting someone else’s auction habit. Watch for more details in blogs to come.
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posted September 8, 2009
Labor Day Weekend in Payson, UT
I spent the weekend at Golden Onion Days in Payson, UT. This is the largest Labor Day celebration in the state of Utah and is in its 80th year. As always, it's a mix of the flower and art show, the community theatre production, a parade and festivities, fireworks and the band concert in the park. I loved it. It's an annual event I try not to miss!
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View of the Utah valley |
My dad and I took a ride up the Payson Canyon Loop. What beautiful scenery. At the summit (over 8000 feet) you get a fantastic view of the Utah valley. A gorgeous sight!
I have four great great grandparents who were instrumental in founding Payson in the mid 1800s sent by the great colonizer Brigham Young. So my heritage roots in Payson run very deep. And I got to spend all Saturday with my daughter and husband. All the makings of a #1 weekend. . . . Top it off with BYU's 14-13 win over Oklahoma last night, I'm a Happy Camper!
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posted August 24, 2009
Where did the month go?
Here it is August 24 -- and it is still raining. Our grass is very green -- so unlike it usually is at this time of late summer. All the weeding was finished before this latest deluge, but with so much water, weeds will no doubt be taking over everything in sight once the sun finally comes out.
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Wilson, Steve and Gwen Coltrin with 6-time color champion Enchantment's Monjeau.
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We got nine pregnant moms successfully moved from Oklahoma to Virginia this week, and our herdsire extraordinaire Monjeau is also a resident of Virginia now. He and his six grey color championships are available now for drive-by breedings at just $1000. All you have to do is call Vanessa at 540 968 0529 to get your appointment set up.
We're now just 9 weeks away from our first expected fall births. The theme for 2009/10 will be "Famous Characters from Literature" -- and we couldn't be more excited! We expect more than 30 cria to be born at both ranches this season.
posted August 4, 2009
If it's August, it must be . . .
Raining! It's been such a wet summer in Pennsylvania! On one hand, this is very positive because:
- it means the grass and gardens stay emerald green without hand-watering
- no worries about sunburns
- weeds pull out easier because the ground is softer
- "inside" work doesn't make you feel guilty
On the other hand, this is not really good because:
- rapid rains wash away mulch in beds AND gravel on driveways
- pets track in muddy paws
- it doesn't really feel like summer
- having a barbeque is almost impossible
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| The rainbows end at DTC ranch in Millboro, VA |
So, what to do? Enjoy every minute! Rain or shine, you don't have to bundle up to go out, cold sodas still taste fantastic, and feet can wear sandals so toes get lots of air. Our alpacas love wet weather, and frankly, so do I. Bake some cookies.
posted July 27, 2009
It's a Girl!
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| Diamond Tiramisu |
Well, Sena (who was overdue by more than 7 weeks) finally had her baby -- a true black, curly-curly female we have named Diamond Tiramisu (Suzy for short). She weighed in at a whopping 18 lbs 8 oz -- and already is more than 22 pounds at a week old today. You can see by her photos how dark she really is . . . . what a great conclusion to our year of "Just Dessert" crias! The older babies (mostly juvies) will be stunners for the show team -- and we have more than we can show ourselves. Come take a look at them in OK and make your selection! They're available at a great price!
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posted July 20, 2009
Adorable Show Alpacas Available
We have a bumper crop of spectacular babies -- well, they're not really "babies" any more, but we call them the babies -- that would make spectacular show alpacas. And because we have so many, we are making them available! That's right: they're for sale. We just have too many to show ourselves this fall.
Part of our "Just Dessert" group, some of them include:
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| Diamond Biscotti |
Diamond Boston Cream |
Diamond Snickerdoodle |
Diamond Peruvian Churro |
Anyway, they are cute as anything, fiber-full and conformational dream kids. Stop by our OK Ranch and take a look. They're going fast! There was never a better time to get into alpacas . . . So follow our motto and "Eat Dessert First!"
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posted July 10, 2009
Overdue Alpacas
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| Enchantment's Sena |
Sena is now overdue by more than six weeks. This is the fourth alpaca mom who has gone way past her due date this year. Chiclet had her baby more than two months beyond when she should have delivered, but her baby was born healthy and strong. It was not inordinately large. We've talked to a few other breeders whose bred females have recently delivered cria well after their due dates. It sure makes you wonder why these things happen. Our Sena is the most award-winning alpaca on our ranch. She was a champion on four different occasions prior to remaining home to breed, and we are counting the minutes till this baby arrives. She is getting remarkably large, and of course "twins" comes to mind. That would really be something. We had a suri mom who gave birth to twins about three years ago, but one was born dead and the other lived only a short while. Twins and alpacas are extremely unusual, but Sena is getting as big as a horse (figuratively speaking) . . . so the best we can do is to watch and wait -- as patiently as we can. Pictures will be in order as soon as the happy moment arrives!
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posted July 1, 2009
Birthdays and New Beginnings
Today is my Mom's birthday! Though she is no longer with us, many things she taught me are rock-solid in my brain. How to properly stir Jell-o, for one -- or the best recipe for Circus Popcorn or No-Bake Oatmeal Cookies. Yum. I can practically taste them. My daughter is expecting a baby of her own in the new year. Hopefully she will pass on these important traditions to her daughter (or son). Spending any time with our 15 (and counting) grandchildren and watching their enthusiasm brimming with every breath reminds me that time is fleeting, and it often rushes by in a whir without even noticing. My maternal grandmother passed away when she was my age. So every minute counts! That is my new mantra: Make Every Minute Count. Live your dream, and make time for what you really like to do. I heard someone on the radio this week quote someone else whose name I missed: "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." Of many passions embraced through more than five decades of my life, one remains unfulfilled. I want to have a fantastic yarn store. A yarn store that people dream of walking into. One that makes you want to look at everything and then be motivated to find time to produce something glorious. Where finished hand-crafted sweaters, jackets and beaded shawls that bring appreciative "ahhhs" hang enticingly from wooden beamed ceilings. That people want to visit if only to feel the beauty of art made with needles or hook -- or wheel. Hand work for me is truly an effort of relaxation, yet a yearning desire to become a spinner extraordinaire is ever more compelling . . . gnawing at my heart so that even contemplating putting my bare feet back on simple treadles makes me smile. Watch out, world! This grandma is getting geared up to spin to soaring heights. And I get to do it with alpaca fiber from my own beautiful herd. That's a New Beginning to celebrate!
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posted June 30, 2009
Alpaca Owners Wanted - Do You Qualify?
Ever scan the "help wanted" ads? How about "opportunity" flyers? How about hunting for greener pastures? Well, we've got some great alpacas who are looking for interested, caring owners! These girls are beautiful, show winners, bred, and anxious to find new homes. Because we are not selling via an auction, prices are neither inflated nor rock-bottom. We can tailor a package that would fit your needs perfectly! Their heritages are exceptional, and we want to see them loved and appreciated.
If you fit into any of the following categories, you might be who we're looking for:
• Retired, but a little restless?
• Love the outdoors?
• Have some unused meadows or pastures?
• Tired of milking cows?
• Always wanted to learn to spin (not the "exercise" kind)?
• Like to knit for your grandchildren?
• Feel burned out in a 9 to 5 office job?
• Your 401(k) has lost a ton of money - is there a better investment out there?
• Like to look at barns and always wanted to have one?
Sound like fun? It is. The deals have never been better. We'd love to talk to you about alpaca ownership. It might be right for YOU!
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| Diamond Cotillion |
Diamond Giselle |
Diamond Peanut Butter Fudge Parfait |
Diamond Belle Notte |
posted June 26, 2009
Alpaca Auctions and Fairness Awareness
Vacation time gives you moments of filtering through volumes of mental files and examining one or two more closely. Having lived through a couple of seriously disappointing auctions this spring, I'm thinking there should be a Consignor's Bill of Rights to more evenly level the playing field between what the persons or group staging the auction makes and what the person(s) who owns, transports, feeds, cleans up after, trains, shows, cares for, and ultimately consigns to a particular auction:
1. An auctioneer is hired, essentially, by the consignors who pay his/her salary. Thus, the consignors should set minimums, rules, and tone of the auction -- not the other way around.
. . . . . . .
2. If the auction "holders" are going to be paid (in addition to a hefty consignment fee) a healthy "buy back" whether that alpaca sells or not, what possible financial incentive do they have to make certain the alpaca sells? You guessed it: NONE. Consignors are being burdened with not only not selling the alpaca they brought to sell, but have to come up with even more cash. There is absolutely no fairness in that.
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3. The effort put forth by the auctioneer to promote and sell one alpaca in an auction should be the same for one animal as for another.
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4. Auctions that have 80+ alpacas definitely reach a saturation point of total disinterest by at least #50. The only reason they include 30 more animals is to have 30 more consignment fees -- and, more likely than not -- 30 more buy backs.
. . . . .
5. ARI certificates should not be signed and turned over to an auction group in advance of the auction so they can be held "hostage".
. . . . . . .
6. No consignor should ever be subjected to supplemental rules the day before the sale. Being informed there will be a minimum bid or similar surprises is unethical and should have been disclosed at the inception of the Consignor Agreement.
. . . . . . .
7. Alpaca owners need to stand up to the system currently in place and assert their rights. We are being walked -- no -- stomped on with the current auction system and continuing to consign our animals, only to pad the pockets of auction-holders. We, for one, will not apply for such treatment again. Until things change, we see no reason to fund someone else's party, held at our personal expense.
We'd be very interested in your thoughts, comments and experiences.
Send us your comments
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posted June 25, 2009
Desert Colors Inspire Yarn Selections
Having observed a lion's share of desert views driving hour after hour through Arizona and New Mexico, I'm even more convinced that nature provides us with the best color palette imaginable. Though alpaca dyes beautifully, I'm personally most fond of the colors as they grow and are shorn from these wonderful creatures. For those who choose to dye, using nature (and the subdued hues produced from the various herbs, plants, or earth) yields the next best thing. I've never considered myself overly "green", but the unique, vastly different beauties of the world surrounding us cannot be equaled.
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posted June 24, 2009
The Art of Navajo Weaving
When you think of the western United States, you picture deserts and red rocks, the Grand Canyon and Indian crafts. That's what I did today, traveling from southern Utah to Glen Canyon Dam to watching a Navajo craftswoman weave a magnificent rug. She told us it would take her six months, 40 hours a week, to complete this splendid work of art. The Navajos weave very differently -- they use no loom, and have the various yarn colors at the top of their project. Then they manually thread the various colors through by hand -- no shuttle or mechanism involved. I wish I could have had her in the photo, but it was 5 o'clock and quitting time. It looks like even expert weavers sometimes watch the clock!
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Beautiful southern Utah |
Glen Canyon Dam: can you help but think of James Bond?? | Navajo rug weaving in process: no pattern or loom is used! |
posted June 23, 2009
A Well-made Barn
I have developed a real fascination with barns. There us just something about a well-made barn that is very grounding, on many levels. Visited a replica of a pioneer barn today just east of Salt Lake City that was constructed using authentic pioneer tools and methods. Stalls were creative and simple; walls would not keep out much cold but would be better than a shed. We sometimes spend way too much in terms of modernization when a utilitarian barn would do. Our alpacas would feel right at home in this one!
Interior shot
looking out.
Nailed at ends to vertical posts; bars cross in middle forming an "x".
Hinges, handle and nails all handmade in blacksmith shop! How inviting!
posted June 22, 2009
Judging AOBA Nationals
As we reflect on the AOBA Nationals, we had several unfortunate judging experiences which left us with a bad taste. For example, We were right there when the class was being walked into the ring, but because we were not in our "correct position" were denied admittance and not permitted to show. But a couple of classes later another alpaca was permitted into the ring after the class had completely entered (the judge held the judging until it arrived) and in fact that animal was awarded first place. Same judge--absolutely different "rules".
What about the judge who barely touched our beautiful white female because she had a small fawn spot in her white blanket? And to add insult to injury, we were given a disdainful "look" and a negative shake of the head as if to say, "Why did you even bring this lousy imperfect alpaca into my show ring?" We pay to bring our alpacas and should receive a fair, IMPARTIAL chance. Otherwise, why bother to show at all?
Obviously this is an active issue because at most shows we had to sign a form that said we had no business relationship with the judges at that particular show. That is a start--but no such form was required at AOBA. And from what we heard from other breeders and our own personal experiences, the AOBA judging was severely lacking.
Because these prominent farms are winning many many ribbons at each event we attended, they should be unafraid to have their alpaca judged on its own. The white lab coat idea is a very simple way to level the field. Who could oppose that in deference to fairness?
It costs the same to enter an alpaca show whether you are a small farm, big farm, famous farm or starter farm. Let's level the playing field somehow because the judges in some shows are seriously implementing their own judging rules -- not those of AOBA.