ABOUT THE SPEAKERS AND SEMINARS

Morgen Flynn – Dynasplint Systems Veterinary Division Managing Director

Morgen Flynn has pioneered dynamic splinting for the correction of joint abnormalities and injuries in alpacas and has studied extensively the causes and prevention of the conditions she treats. The discomfort associated with angular limb deformities can negatively impact reproduction, fiber quality and even quality of life. Learn to diagnose an angular limb deformity, how can you avoid them and how can they be corrected before irreversible damage is done.

Julie Wassom – Grand Champion Marketing

How do you successfully market your farm, sell alpacas and breedings, and provide exceptional customer care when the economy is stressed, your overhead is increasing, and the consumer confidence is shaky at best? Julie Wassom, known as The Alpaca Marketing Lady, has been an alpaca industry marketing and sales trainer and consultant since 1994. She is author of the Alpaca Marketing Success Library of resources for alpaca breeders. In this seminar, she will teach you must-do actions to cost-efficiently target buyers, build solid positioning, increase your perceived value and generate qualified inquiries during challenging economic times.

Mary Reed – Chagrin Valley Alpacas

Mary Reed, owner of Chagrin Valley Alpacas in Ohio, has been breeding alpacas since 1991, with the majority of her foundation females carefully researched and purchased at auctions. An ALSA judge for over ten years, she is now a frequent auction attendee, consultant, and pedigree reader. In this seminar she gives you an experienced perspective on why an auction is often the best place to buy an alpaca, how to prepare yourself to take advantage of this great opportunity to make a smart buy, and which steps you need to complete before you leave the auction. This is the perfect pre-auction day seminar to learn what homework to do ahead of time, how to preview alpacas before the auction, and what to do at the auction to make sure you make a better buy!

Diana Timmerman – AOBA Certified Halter/Fiber/Performance Judge

Diana Timmerman and her husband, Tim, started Aussie Acres Alpacas in Colorado in 1994. Diana is certified as an AOBA and IAJS Judge.  She has been actively judging since 2002.  She also is the owner of ABFS, The Alpaca Breeder’s Fiber School. In Diana’s seminar, Ask the Judge, you will have the opportunity to learn the characteristics judges are looking for and how ranking decisions are made. In Alpaca Selection Tips, you will learn the specific characteristics to evaluate as you preview alpacas available at auctions and in all buying situations. Diana will be available after her seminars to help you select auction animals to take your breeding program to the next level.

Linda Glass, CPA – Business Tax Adviser
and Linda Berry Walker – WoodsEdge Wools Farm, LLC

Linda Glass, CPA, has distinguished herself as a tax advisor who provides personal attention to the needs of small businesses, farms, individuals and estates. Walk away from this seminar informed about 2008 Economic Stimulus Package benefits for alpaca breeders that you may not know existed. Learn about Section 179 increases and allowances that can mean extra dollars to alpaca owners. Understand the significant advantage of these tax benefits to those getting started in the alpaca business.

Linda Berry Walker, President of WoodsEdge Wools Farm, LLC in New Jersey has been raising alpacas since 1989. Today Linda and her son Brent operate a large breeding farm and event company. Over the years they have built top quality herds and an impressive infrastructure with five major barns, a 20,000 square foot event venue, and 23 pastures utilizing the benefits of "incentive" legislation. Linda's presentation will help you maximize the current Economic Stimulus Package benefits, and understand how to build your herd and infrastructure the smart way! Once you understand the unique benefits available in 2008 you'll be bidding at the auction!
 

Murray Fowler, DVM – Professor Emeritus, University of California Veterniary School

Dr. Murray Fowler, DVM spent three years in an equine practice in Southern California prior to joining the faculty of the Veterinary School at the University of California, Davis in 1958.  After 10 years of teaching in the area of large animal medicine and surgery, he was asked to develop a program in Zoological Medicine, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. He is the editor, author or co-author of 18 books.  The second edition of his book on the Medicine and Surgery of South American Camelids is now in print. He is Professor Emeritus of the University of California, Dr. Fowler now devotes his time to writing, editing and speaking at conferences around the world.