World Alpaca Conference
The search for the golden fl eece More than 300 entries, almost half of which were from overseas, competed to win the prestigious golden fl eece award. Supreme champion huacaya was awarded to Snowmass Elite Legend’s Crystal (Snowmass Alpacas USA). The fl eece was awarded 95 points in total, achieving a full 20 point score for fi neness and handle. White fl eece judge Rob Bettinson said that the winner was exceptional in consistency. “This is the fi rst time I’ve awarded over 90 points and it’s a good marker for where we need to be heading in the UK.” Supreme champion suri was awarded to
Pinkney Angelica, owned by Margeret Steinschaden-Silver, Pinkney Alpacas. The fl eece was awarded 90.5 points in
total – 19.5 for fi neness and handle, nine for uniformity of micron and eight for length. Judge Mary-Jo Smith said that the suri
entries were outstanding. “The winner is quite exceptional in weight and lustre and this is an exciting indication of the quality we are now producing in the UK.” Breeder Margaret was delighted with the result. “This
fl eece is from a homebred animal so I’m very happy. And it’s a particularly great result for the UK at an international show.”
PHOTOS © Becky Winter
SPAIN Nigel Cobb, gave an overview of the picture in Spain. “Unemployment is
high in Spain and it has a large European Union debt, so the alpaca industry is struggling to fi nd its feet in the country.” There is, however, a Society and an interest – mainly expats – and a small population of 500 animals. “There is also a newsletter and an embryonic registry, a quality of animals and people with an interest in breeding and making the fl eece work,” said Nigel.
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Silke and Mike Herrling, Germany. “We have a herd of 130 alpacas so we’re quite a large breeder in our own country. It’s very interesting to see the distinct differences between alpaca farming in the UK and Germany. We have very different practices, for example, we take all of our animals inside every night, so it’s been very interesting to discuss our methods with breeders from across the world.”
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