Course Description:

Find out how to compete and succeed in the 2008 alpaca market. How to Buy, Breed, and Succeed in the Alpaca Business will arm both existing and prospective alpaca breeders with training and knowledge to select alpacas, read pedigrees, and use genetic science to develop alpacas with high current market value. This seminar also helps to focus breeders on the most effective ways to market their alpacas.

FRIDAY EVENING

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Dinner

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

  I. Introduction

    A. The alpaca market in the United States, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, England, France, Italy,

    The Netherlands, Japan, Australia, South Africa and what this means to you and your success

    B. Alpacas are a business, not an investment

     1. Require animal husbandry skills
     2. An understanding of livestock breeding and selection theory
     3. Sound business planning
     4. Breeding for economic gain in both the animal and their fiber

    C. Who is alpacas.com

    D. Importance of Quality Stud males!

SATURDAY

8:00 - 8:30 a.m. - Continental breakfast

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

  II. The Alpaca Business -- Successful Business Plans

    A. Farm Plan

     1. Huacaya vs. Suri
     2. Color vs. White
     3. Choosing your farm's market niche

       a. Show animals
       b. Price point
       c. Crossbred suris
       d. Production females
       e. Stud males

     4. When to purchase a stud male

10:30 - 11:00 a.m. - Break

11:00 - 12:30 a.m.

  III. Selecting, Purchasing, and Breeding Alpacas for your Herd

    A. Using Genetics to Improve Your Herd
    B. Phenotypic selection strategies
    C. Selection indexes
    D. Identifying genotype vs. phenotype

1. Progeny testing

2. Analyzing pedigree

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Lunch

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

  IV. Alpaca Selection Training

    A. Identify positive and negative conformation traits
    B. Identifying alpaca type
    C. Identify positive and negative fleece traits
       

1. Histograms

2. Crimp

3. Luster

4. Lock

5. Density

6. Coverage

  V.  Classic Livestock Breeding Sytems

    A. Random mating

    B. Mating like to like by phenotype

    C. Mating like to like by pedigree

    D. Mating unlike to unlike by phenotype

    E. Mating unlike to unlike by pedigree

3:00 - 3:30 p.m. - Break

3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

  VI. Hands on Alpaca Selection and Farm Tour

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. - Dinner

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

  VII. The Spin on Alpaca Fiber

    A. Alpaca Fiber
    B. Fiber Structure
    C. Handle and Softness
    D. Guard Hair
    E. Crimp Frequency

    F. Crimp Character

    G. Suri Lock Style

7:30 - 8:30

  VIII. Hands on Fiber Quiz

SUNDAY

8:00 - 8:30 a.m. - Continental breakfast

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

  IX. Alpaca Business / Farm Planning

    A. Business Herd Forecast
    B. Farm Budget Forecast
    C. Business Goals
    D. The First Purchase
    E. Tweaking the Formula

    F. Turbo charging the Income

    G. Alpaca Income Sources

  X. Constructing and Individual Business Herd Developement Plan

    A. Business Plan Handout

    B. Alpaca Business Planner

    C. Price Range

    D. Quality

    E. Marketability

    F. Using consultants

    G. Information / research

(Submit your plan at www.alpacas.com and Fred will complete your 10 year projection)

10:30 - 11:00 a.m. - Break

11:00 - 12:30 p.m.

  XI. Marketing Your Herd

    A. Why talk Marketing
    B. Creation of Leads
    C. Identify your market
    D. Purchase Habits
    E. Demographic

    F. How to execute the plan

    G. Creating a sales network "The Ideal Alpaca Community"

12:30 p.m. - Lunch

Mike and Fred will be available for one on one sessions all afternoon.