| Symposium Seminar Descriptions |
| Speakers and topics are subject to change. |
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Alpaca Neonatal Health Seminars
Dr. LaRue Johnson |
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Dr. LaRue Johnson has conducted 116 camelid neonatal
classes, more than any other veterinarian. For this
Symposium, Dr. Johnson will conduct lectures on Saturday
on various reproductive and neonatal related topics and
then on Sunday, there will be a series of "wet labs"
with deceased crias (see write up below). The Saturday
lectures will be open to all Symposium attendees, while
participation in the Sunday wet labs will be limited.
The Saturday seminars will be broken down into 4
ninety minute sessions covering the following topics:
- Session 1: Reproductive anatomy, physiology and
breeding options
- Session 2: Pregnancy diagnosis, third trimester
care and normal birthing
- Session 3: Dystocia and obstetrical procedures
- Session 4: Neonatal considerations
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Neonatal Dystocia Labs
Dr. LaRue Johnson |
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Dr. LaRue Johnson, with assistance from several veterinarians, will conduct a series of four
"wet labs" on Sunday. The lab uses real (deceased) crias in uterine simulators to teach breeders
how to identify and correct dystocias. Due to the nature of the lab, the number of participants
will be limited and MUST be registered in advance (there can be no substitutions). Wet lab
registrants will be limited to one attendee per farm and preference will be given to Empire
members and people who contributed crias to the seminar. If the wet labs do not fill up under
this criteria, it will be opened to people on the wet lab wait list.
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Camelid Emerging Diseases and E Mac
Dr. Chris Cebra, DVM, Oregon State University |
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Dr. Cebra will provide owners and breeders with an overview of emerging diseases that
he is seeing in camelids and will cover his work on Eimeria Macusaniensis (e mac),
a potentially deadly coccidia. |
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Questions and Answers with Dr. Cebra
Dr. Chris Cebra, DVM, Oregon State University |
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The seminar will be an open forum where owners/breeders can ask Dr. Cebra questions on camelid health issues.
Here is a chance for some "free" vet advice! |
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Color Genetics for Alpaca Breeders
Dr. Andy Merriwether, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology and Biology, Binghamton University |
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Workshop will cover the basics of color genetics as it applies to alpacas. This is designed for
alpaca breeders, so no previous knowledge of genetics is assumed. The goal is for you to be able
to leave the session able to make informed decisions so you can maximize the odds of making the
cria colors you desire and avoid those you don't wish to make. Bring copies of your ARIs of
animals you want to ask questions about.
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Genetics of Domestication and Diseases of Camelids
Dr. Andy Merriwether, Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology and Biology, Binghamton University |
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Workshop will cover how, when and where camelids were first domesticated and
the genetics of the North American alpaca herd. The major diseases of camelids
will be discussed, the genetic bases for each disease and recommendations for
breeders who have had defective cria.
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Skirting and Preparing Your Fleece for Show or Mill
Wini Labrecque, Fiber Professional & Textile Artist, Star Weaver Farm |
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Fleece as it is removed from the alpaca must be picked and skirted before sending it to a show or
processing mill. Join Wini for hands-on demonstration and discussion of this often misunderstood
task. Learn to identify neck side, tail side, belly fiber, second cuts and more. We will look at
the fleece as it might be judged and see what a judge might see and go over the showing requirements
as published in the AOBA Show Rules Book. Review proper rolling and bagging of your fleece for
show or storage. Discussion of tools and types of skirting tables will also be included. Bring
your questions, tips, and techniques to share.
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Understanding Fiber Processing and Types of Yarn
Wini Labrecque, Fiber Professional & Textile Artist, Star Weaver Farm |
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Processing your fleece into roving or yarn is becoming more and more popular for individual farms.
Mini mills are popping up everywhere. This seminar will discuss the process your fleece goes
through at a mill to become finished yarn as well as the different possibilities available to you
for yarn structure. The seminar will review what is required from you to get the best product
back from the mill. Samples will be displayed to help with the hands on feel of the yarn processed.
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Living with Parasites: The Dangers of Overpopulation vs. The Costs of Control
Dr. Christine Camann, DVM, Ruminant Health Services |
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Dr. Camann will discuss the risks and benefits of various strategies for the prevention, diagnosis,
monitoring and treatment of intestinal parasitism in alpacas in the northeastern United States.
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Cutting Through the Clutter: Insider Tips for
Helping Your Ad to GET NOTICED
Dave Belt, Editor: Alpacas Magazine |
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Many new or prospective alpaca business people (whether involved with livestock, fiber arts,
or both) appreciate having a few helpful hints on how to make their print-media ads stand out.
This presentation starts with the basics: what are the different types of advertising
("Bandwagon," "Plain Folks," "Testimonial," etc.), as well as the basic "Persuasive Appeals"
(i.e., to make money, to be healthy, popular, take advantage of opportunities, etc).
Then Mr. Belt walks the audience through some practical hints on how to take the
"book knowledge" and apply it toward creating a winning ad campaign suited to their individual
goals and personalities.
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Ad Workshop
Dave Belt, Editor: Alpacas Magazine |
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This workshop will be a hands-on exercise where Dave and other symposium participants will review
your ad and offer their honest critique of it. This is an excellent opportunity to have an ad
professional and other alpaca breeders give their opinions on your ad and provide helpful
suggestions on how to make it more effective. Participants should bring their ads to the seminar
where we will copy them to transparencies and display the ad on the screen for all to review.
Participants may also submit their ads anonymously, with the names blocked out, in case they
prefer to have their ad reviewed without their farm name attached to it. Prior attendance at
Mr. Belt's "Cutting Through the Clutter" presentation would be helpful, but not required.
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Beginning Fiber
Diana Timmerman, Aussie Acres Alpacas & AOBA Judge |
What is Alpaca Fiber?
How is Huacaya and Suri fiber different?
Learn correct terminology and how to identify fleece characteristics. Let's learn some of the basics of what makes
"good fiber".
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Advanced Fiber
Diana Timmerman, Aussie Acres Alpacas & AOBA Judge |
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What’s really important in the fiber industry? Do you really understand histograms and how to use that information to better your fiber production in your herd?
What data should you keep and what does it tell you?
Does herd health impact fiber characteristics?
How do you test, evaluate, and grade your alpaca’s fiber?
Learn to make the most out of your alpaca fiber production. After all, fiber is the alpaca breeders' end product!
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Relevant Tax Issues for Alpaca Breeders & Owners
Richard Dickinson, CPA |
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Richard Dickinson will be discussing the various organizational structures that an alpaca
farm could choose and the resulting tax benefits. These structures will include sole proprietorships,
incorporations, Limited Liability Companies and Limited Liability Partnerships and Sub Chapter Status
for corporations. In addition to the activity of farming, gift shop set up will also be discussed to
include sales tax liability and bookkeeping and inventory issues. Time will be allotted for questions
and answers.
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