British Llama Society Member Survey 2017 Results
Members of the BLS were recently asked for their views on a variety of topics so that the Board Members could keep up to date with the needs and requirements of its members. Here are the results. You can still add to this survey by posting in your answers to the Membership Secretary (details on back page)
When you joined, did you receive the New Members Pack? 44 responses
36.4%
Yes No Can't remember
11.4%
52.3%
If so, did you find it useful? 23 responses
Yes No
100%
Could it be improved to make it more useful to new members in the future? 11 responses
• • •
• • • • •
We joined a long time ago so not sure what we received at the beginning As long as it has up to date info then pack is useful I already found it useful. Maybe a stud male section? Being new to the BLS, and relatively new to llamas, this is difficult for me to answer as it supplied me with a good broad range of information that was useful to me with my limited llama experience. I think too much information is likely to overwhelm people, yet too little clearly is no good either - it's about getting a good balance, and the membership pack I received seemed to do this well. Possibly Pack had all I need to know Magazine gives good updates just keep it updated It was fine I can’t recall what it was like when I joined but more recently I saw a members pack , maybe 4 years ago ?? and I would think it would be helpful to new or prospective owners . more about local groups/contacts
BLS Media Do you receive the Newsletter? (Recently it has been posted to the few members who are not on the internet). 44 responses
Yes No
100%
If so, do you find the Newsletter useful? 43 responses
Yes No
100%
Would you like to see other things covered in the Newsletter? If so, please tell us what you would like to see 10 responses
Breeder profiles • • • • • • • •
For Sale and Wanted all Llama Link content Articles to do with uses for the fibre, spinning services Etc. More on the training of llamas for packing and driving. Llama related events, news, goods I find that the newsletter is informative enough for my needs I think it should be used more widely and to reduce the number of llama link magazine to one special per year as it is so expensive to produce and mail out. As a means of communication, the newsletter is best. I think the Newsletter, Llama Link, Facebook and Website all need clearer clarification as to their respective roles. I am not convinced we need all 4, but if the consensus is that we do, then overlap and duplication need to be eradicated. The Newsletter is very useful Sometimes useful, not always
Would you be willing to contribute to the Newsletter? Please don’t be shy; let us know what you feel you could do, whether it is the contribution of an occasional health tip, taking over the distribution of this publication or something else that we haven’t yet thought of. 42 responses
42.9%
33.3%
Yes No Maybe
23.8%
If so in what way? 20 responses
• • • • • • • • • • • •
I already do with rehoming When I have a subject of interest to share with other owners, I did write one article a while ago. The occasional health & welfare issue and DEFRA info Photos Not sure. Perhaps a small article. Nothing specific yet We would like to send in photographs Photos - quirky llama moments no idea - again as a new member / llama owner my experience is limited, but always happy to consider contributing if a particular requirement is identified that I can help with I think that as I am not a breeder and only have a few Llamas and Alpacas as pets that I am not informed enough to make a useful contribution. think newsletter provides enough info Llama link is most informative Anything that can help after 20 years’ experience of breeding and trekking. I'm doing the newsletter I am secretary of the Bison Assoc.so one is always interested in what other assocs.get up to ! with photos to illustrate the news items I am happy to write articles and contribute to useful informed debate on just about any llama related topic. As chairman! If I have some information that would benefit members, I will be pleased to share this Article if anything interesting happens
BLS Media continued
Do you receive the Llama Link magazine? 44 responses
Yes No
100%
Are you happy receiving Llama Link through the post as a printed magazine, or would you prefer to be emailed a PDF version to read electronically? 43 responses
Through the post as a printed magazine Electronically as a PDF 11.6%
88.4%
Have we got the balance of the content right? 44 responses
Yes No
93.2%
Would you like/be willing to contribute to Llama Link? 42 responses
Yes No Maybe
52.4%
21.4%
26.2%
If so, in what respect? (Article, photos, etc.) 22 responses
• • • • • • • • • • •
Photos (5) Articles and photos (2) Possibly photos when they are meeting our thoroughbred horses and foals Photo's, treks, etc Not sure Articles/photos occasionally short article. current articles too long and technical Photos Etc Nothing specific yet Articles and/or photos. I can provide plenty of beautiful llama photos :) photos with a short blurb or possible short article of interest as per answer above. photos Same as above for Newsletter. Again, when I have either new information or a different approach to llama ownership that I think would be useful to share Again, articles if anything comes up
What changes would you like to see made to the website? For example, a revamp of the home page, photographs and the menu structure, more general information about llamas, or more about what is going on in the society 20 responses
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Less Peruvian llama photos Happy with it as it is, please do not change just for the sake of as so many WS do.....so confusing for the members It’s a shame the first picture you see when opening up the web site is an alpaca! Last time I looked at it there seemed to be improvements; it's not somewhere I go a great deal, so it's hard to comment. More about what is going on in the society and what the board is doing behind the scenes more attractive home page photos Any extra information about Llamas is welcome. Don't look at website Easier menu system with sub-menus, all logical. it is very text heavy currently - not that this is a bad thing - but it could be offset with some more images to counterbalance this. Also a more modern design - larger font size, phone / tablet friendly, etc. I would like to see more general information on llamas. Can't think of anything find it useful enough Definitely needs a more up to date look and as much info as possible regarding llama ownership and breeding. I don't visit the website often n/a Complete re-vamp, please. Simplification of site navigation. I offered a proposed structure in detail to Caroline last November More general info. Sometimes vet items mean nothing to your bog-standard llama keeper. A complete revamp is needed to make it easier to navigate and to direct members to the most useful areas Easier format for llamas for sale, i.e. not all individual windows
The new website will continue to have a password protected Members Only area. Is this something you use? Why/Why not? 30 responses
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Yes (3) Sometimes (2) No. Don't find content useful and hassle logging in Perhaps leave it unprotected? More openness preferable At my age (late 70s) I have difficulty remembering my name let alone passwords ! Never actually thought of it rarely use as too much time spent on theinternet already If I have a specific issue would use I didn't realise it existed. No - too busy to actively search for stuff Probably not. The closed FB group will be enough for me. yes - good idea No Haven't used it Facebook is a good place to stay in touch with other members Is it necessary as many members now use BLS Facebook page? yes, No No. I tend to forget my login and then can’t find what I want ! There should be a password protected Members Only area. Probably not - use the Facebook page Don't use. I use this occasionally, and it is useful. The forum has been overtaken by the Facebook page but if it was easier to access than the various threads could end up being more useful than the Facebook page. Do not really use the computer Very seldom I do No- I don't tend to use chat areas and the like and don't know if there's anything else on there that would be useful, given I get all the above info
Do you have any views on what information it should contain? For example, a revamp of the online forum to make it easier to use. 14 respons es
• • • • • • • • •
•
•
No (2) I'm not a forum sort of person. Ease of use, I'm sure, is key to its usefulness. Up to date Agreed an archive of previous versions of llama link / newsletter would be a good resource. I like the forum - even if not as widely used anymore due to the Facebook page it is still a good resource of info to reference past articles etc. don't have any views at the moment all good for me Don’t use it so can’t comment. The problem with forums is that anyone can put forward methods that others would find totally unacceptable. The good thing about the internet is that it gives everyone a voice. The bad thing is that it gives everyone a voice. never use it The online forum will only work if we get messaged in some way because otherwise who would log in on a regular basis just to check on it ? If somebody needs advice asap, they are more likely to get help on the Facebook page. I would really like to see the llama registry online,like the Lareu register , and the BAS , Members of Lareu can update and register their own births deaths and transfers, ( they have no fees, but we could still charge for this ) I revert to my comments above. The need for clarification of roles and avoidance of ambiguity, duplication and overlap. I have also suggested what information it should contain with the aim of becoming an authoritative, informed, voice/forum, etc. on all matters llama to educate, support/share knowledge, increase interest, etc. The BLS Facebook page has directed more people in that direction. I would rather people used the website Members area as the quality contained there will be better. The Members area is well set out directing users to participate in sections under headings for Chat, Health, Llama Care, Meetings, etc. Facebook is a useful tool for urgent messaging, but most content is just chat. The Facebook Members page needs to be precisely that, and only members should have access.
BLS Media continued
Are you a member of the Members’ only Facebook Group? 44 responses
Yes No
52.3%
47.7%
If so, how often do you visit the Facebook group 24 responses
33.3%
Daily Weekly Less often
45.8% 20.8%
If so, do you post questions or comments onto the page and do you find the replies from other members helpful? 23 responses
34.8%
26.1%
34.8%
Yes No Sometimes Maybe
BLS Public Facebook page (for non-members)
Do you know about the public Facebook page and have you ever visited it? 41 responses
Yes No
63.4%
36.6%
If so, do you have any comments about it? 10 responses
• • • •
• • •
It doesn't pop up on my feed very often, and not easy to post on I put up with computers, but I don't engage if I don't have to. Don't like Facebook It doesn't do anything for me since I have the closed FB group. Whilst it is good to have the separate private members Facebook page, this does have the effect of making the public page very quiet and low on traffic. To a non-member, it must appear that the BLS doesn't really have much of a presence on Facebook due to lack of activity. Might be worth drumming up activity for the public page - not really sure how - perhaps via an existing BLS person acting as a 'public liaison officer' type role who could generate interest by posting regular articles / pictures / anything to stimulate interest and discussion. No comments all good sometimes entertaining no Very inactive,not very interactive, very slow to pick up on breaking news and posts that are performing well elsewhere,so they have missed the wave by the time they go on it ! Dare I say too much trivia and ill-informed comments/advice. Rarely visit now
Registration
If you own llamas which are not registered, why is this? Other reason (please state)
6
4
2
0
Too expensive
Haven’t got round to it
Other reason (please state)
If 'other', please state your reasons 6 responses
• • • •
•
A couple of babies still need registering Rescue Llamas All my llamas are registered They are guanacos, non-breeding The certificate doesn’t reflect the strong genetics of some of my llamas because they are imports, so they are identified as "parents unknown" simply because they are only registered in Europe and not with the BLS. Vivienne and I have tried to see a bit of a way round this, otherwise it's like being labelled as illegitimate!! As the register is not in the public domain, it has little benefit,but as it has relevance in terms of btb I have made a good resolution to bring my registrations up to date ! When we bought my original llama, she did not seem to be registered and when she had her cria do not think the stud male was registered.
Regulatory issues
Are you happy with and the information that has been disseminated? Do you feel you have you been kept adequately informed? 44 responses
Yes No Maybe
93.2%
Do you feel the compensation proposed by DEFRA in the event of loss of your camelids due to TB is adequate? 41 responses
41.5%
51.2%
Yes No I don't know anything about DEFRA compesation; please provide me with details Maybe
Are there any other pressing national issues on which you feel your Board should be lobbying? (Please specify) 8 responses
• • •
• •
• •
Response to post Brexit new agricultural grants and subsidies. could mean opportunities for conservation grazing grants for camelids Controlling the spread of TB in the wildlife TB vaccination Although I do not claim to be an expert by any means on the topic, the whole TB situation seems completely ludicrous to me. Why are we talking about compensation and culling when we should be pursuing vaccines and immunisation? I appreciate the issue is wider than just the BLS and camelid owners, but as a society can the BLS not present an alternative vision to DEFRA and the government that views camelids not just as 'stock animals' or 'resources' equal to a financial number, but as very close friends and companions. If a member of my family got ill with a disease I wouldn't expect everyone to say 'oh well, let's cull them and we'll compensate you financially to make up for your loss' so why should it be any different with my llamas (or any other animal for that matter). I appreciate the situation is much more complex than that with political and industry influences / interests at stake, but from a BLS perspective why are we not pushing back and saying this simply isn't good enough? I understand the hesitation for not introducing a vaccine in the beef market, but surely this does not apply to camelids since we do not eat them in this country! Can the BLS not initiate its own research into camelid TB immunisation / vaccination? I expect the costs would be astronomical but even if it were set up as some form of charity that could accept donations surely it is worth pursuing rather than sitting on our hands with our fingers crossed hoping our animals do not succumb? There must be other societies and special interest groups that would be interested in working with us and contributing towards this very important cause? From what I can tell the only reason the government / industry isn't looking at immunisation / vaccination is for political and business reasons. These are reasons the BLS should not be concerned with - we should be concerned with animal welfare and therefore should not just toe the line - time to at least try to present a different vision for the future of TB in this country. I'm aware this may appear idealistic and most probably ill-informed - happy to be corrected or told why these thoughts are completely unrealistic - maybe an idea for a future llama link article from someone who understands the issues better than myself? :) I think the work done with DEFRA is brilliant and difficult. I applaud all those who participate. In terms of contiguous tb testing I wonder if we should ask the leading camelid vets to head up a petition/appeal to the APHA to drop the comparative double injection to the armpits in favour of a single tuberculin primer given elsewhere , thus saving government money , unnecessary stress to the camelid , and unnecessary risk to the handler . Not currently but I do feel the Society fails to engage its wider membership. Several times in the past I have alerted the Society to members with specialist expertise that would support its cause but found they were never contacted. Culling of TB INFECTED badgers. Allow farmers to get visiting badgers tested and to cull them if positive and on their land. If elsewhere, land owner to allow cull or prevent badgers accessing land with livestock.
BLS Activities Trekking
Is this something you would like to see resurrected and to take part in? 42 responses
Yes
If so, do you have suggestions of suitable venues/locations? 13 responses
• • • • •
• •
• • • •
My llama is now too old, but until this year we have organised two mini treks a year. would like trek at AGM rather than talks if some spare llamas provided. invite local media to take part for publicity Scotland!! Cannock Chase, Delamere Forest. Wales I would be interested, but (and I suspect many other would feel the same) it depends on location. Living Way Out West, east England is a bit far for us to travel. We would likely attend an event in the west country (or even better Wales) During our early years of llama ownership, we joined in everything and organised treks locally and around the country with other members. By meeting other owners, we learnt a great deal, good advice on training and husbandry and also talked to those whose animals were appalling just to make sure we did not use their methods! It seems to be that members are more reluctant to take their llamas out and about these days and I wonder if it is because they do not have transport or maybe they just can’t get them in a trailer or lead them? A great pity as after an outing most llamas are easier to handle; they love it. We operate a closed herd to protect our commercial trekking from TB, and any other disease so are no longer able to offer treks here at Catanger. sadly no Why not just ask established trekking outfits , like for example Golden Valley , to host them , using their own llamas , then there is no biosecurity issue and no transporting. They did this for us one Christmas, and it was great fun ! Visiting members could pay for their own trek , and/or the BLS could decide if they want to subsidise that , or just let the BLS pay the host for putting on the event ?? I found the Member's Day at Watertown Llamas a few years back interesting, informative and affable. I think similar could be organised elsewhere including the North of England. would be worried about TB Any pleasant area with good access and parking plus safe trekking. Windsor park sounds good. Ridgeway near here- I could ask for some good "private" parking where I used to stable. Or could combined with a pub lunch could identify some bridleways near here and find out about parking n heathland. But I could only offer two llamas to those without.
Formal shows
Have you ever attended either of these shows? Which? Have you taken your camelids or just attended without animals? 45 responses
Yes No
56.8%
43.2%
Are they something you would like BLS to continue to organise? 40 responses
40%
Yes No Maybe
60%
If yes would you be prepared to show your llamas at these venues 38 responses
21.1% 55.3%
23.7%
Yes No Maybe
If yes, for which reasons? For example to compete, See other llamas or mix socially with fellow llama owners 12 responses
• • • • • •
• •
Promotion for my herd, but did think there was at least one other show with llamas compete Experience for us and our llamas The above Both All of those reasons. I've been to the Newbury Show both with and without animals. All of the above dates have clashed with other events so not been able to attend hope to in future Social yes also to demonstrate that a breeding standard is desirable So many questions so not sure which ones you want answers to !! I have only been to Somerset and only as a supporter, not with llamas. It's against my biosecurity policy, and I have no transport . I admire those who do take the trouble to go, however. It is nice for the public to meet llamas and discover that they don't spit !! To compete and see other llamas and meet up with like minded llama people plus showing off to the public! All the above, plus to show animals to the general public It's nice to socialise.
If yes, would you need any help or assistance to take part? 18 responses
Yes No
61.1%
38.9%
If you would not attend any shows, please provide your reason20 15
Venues are not con…
Too expensive
Time of year is inco…
You’ve never taken…
Members’ Day
Have you ever attended one? 44 responses
47.7%
Yes No
52.3%
If yes, was there one you particularly enjoyed and why? 14 responses
• • • • • • • • • • •
Annie - for company and Robert and Amanda was great venue, Tim and Terry for cart driving Meeting other owners I have only attended one because it was nearby. When a vet is present to advise on a particular issue @ also Q & A sessions Catanger husbandry Mary near Towcester Meeting other members and seeing what happens at other trekking venues I think these days can be valuable to new owners or prospective owners. Most members want access to ask a vet questions more than anything else. the one at Annie Austin's, lots of hands on llama stuff Golden Valley because it involved lots of llamas !! Also Tim and Terrys but it was very cold which spoilt it a bit for me , so would suggest stick to summer ! Watertown Llamas because it was informative, diverse in topics covered and affable hands on husbandry Not fair to respond since I am one of the organisers All BLS events and Members' Days have been excellent
Would you like to attend more Members’ Days? 41 responses
46.3%
Yes No Maybe
14.6%
39%
How far would you be prepared to travel? 27 responses
3 3 (11.1%) 2 (7.4%) 2 1 (3.71%(3 ) .7% ) 1 (3.71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).7%) 1 (3.71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).71%(3).7% 1
0 100 miles
3 hours drive 150 miles
40 miles
60 miles
Difficult to say.… An hour
It would depen…
I travelled 4 ho…
Wales is definit…
Not far!
depends
Would you be prepared to attend if this event was extended to a two-day event with more talks, demonstrations, evening meal and the AGM? 41 responses 48.8%
Yes No Maybe
Have you taken part in any BLS regional events organised by your Coordinator? If yes, please say when and where. 15 responses
• • • • • • • • •
No (3) Not recently as there haven't been any, but we used to have great socials at different members houses in the late 1990s / early 2000 Treks in Nottinghamshire Watertown several times Not aware of any Attended an open day at Annie Austin in Devon Herefordshire treks and events at Robert Dewar's and by Yvonne in prior years. Yes, many treks and BLS show held here in the past. open days at Annie's Historically yes , usually involving lunch at a members house , In all my years in BLS never once heard of anything the NW Regional Coordinator has done (and we have had 3 in that time!) Not my coordinator, but Brian Horton's treks in Notts Also other trek experiences in the West Midlands
Do you have any ideas for other social activities? 9 responses
• •
• • • • •
Annual area get together for pub supper and llama chat or even Sunday afternoon tea Always open to social activities, though with working full time, running a personal business and running a smallholding, time and money are always in short supply so unlikely to be in a position to attend regularly - suspect others are in the same boat. Happy to listen to suggestions though, and clearly the less travel involved, the more likely we would be to attend Not at the moment maybe a fun show for members in the future Why not simply social re lunch or dinner? No Increase online activities that everyone can join in with. Maybe something to coincide with other Camelid or Agricultural event I would like to see what the members want. Simple pub nights might be nice, but realise we're probably too spread out
BLS llama chute
Did you know this? 44 responses
Yes No 13.6%
86.4%
Are you interested in making use of it 40 responses
Yes No 75%
25%
Dung!
Do you clear up dung – if so, how often? How thoroughly? 42 responses
Daily and thoroughly Daily but not that thoroughly
9.5%
Weekly and thoroughly
19%
Weekly but not that thoroughly Every couple of weeks and thoroughly
7.1%
Every couple of weeks but not that t… Less often and thoroughly
16.7%
Less often but not that thoroughly
28.6%
1/2
Do you harrow? – if so, how often? 30 responses
7 (23.3%)
6
4 (13.3%) 4 2 (6.7%) 2
0
1 )(3.3% 1 )(3.3% 1 )(3.3%) 1 (3.3%
1 (3.3% 1 )(3.3% 1 )(3.3%)
2 x year Annually No 3/4 times per year Broke ankle not abl…
2 (6.7%) 1 (3.3% 1 )(3.3% 1 )(3.3% 1 )(3.3% 1 )(3.3%)
1 (3.3% 1 )(3.3% 1 )(3.3%
When they change f… once or twice a year Sometimes Yes, once or twice a… twic…
What is your stocking rate? (llamas per acre) 38 responses
4 (10.5%)
5 (13.2%)
4
Do you do faecal egg counts to see if you need to worm? If so, what are your usual results? 31 responses
10 10 (32.3%)
5
1 (3.2% )
1 (3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.21%()3.2 %
0 Juist sent off sa… Use samples thr… Yes - usually low Yes, usually low… low Not routinely. La… We test regularl… Yes, clear/low Yes; last count…
no
yes - no wor…
Do you rest your fields? If so, can you provide details? 35 responses
6 6 (17.1%) 4 2 (5.7%) 2
(2).19% (2).9 %)1 (2.19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).9 %)1 (2.19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).19% (2).9 1 (2.19%
0 2 acres divided into…
Not yet but I will wh… We rotate the fields… Yes. Circulate the ll… sadly not enough a… No Rotate fields have… Yes the animals are… Yes. We do stock r… yes - earl…
Finally, we would welcome members’ views on anything you think would help the BLS board serve you better and in so doing grow/retain membership.
Would you like to tell us about any other issues of interest? 7 responses
• • • • • •
•
•
While I love my llamas and care for them, their main role is to eat the grass that the horses do not eat ( and to entertain the local Brownie pack, etc. ). Would like articles on crafts using our fleeces. Probably just a 'new llama owner' question, but I would be interested in learning more on shearing and how different owners do this (in a chute, binding llama to the floor(!), halter and lead - any other? Conformation and phenotype are crucial to good breeding and very little interest have been shown in this by breeders and other members. A breed society should make this a top issue . No I think it was me who instigated this consultation with members since I recognise the questions and it was last summer I made the suggestion. I firmly believe that there has to be regular engagement so that members are aware of what the Board is doing for them and take on board some of the member's ideas. It is also a useful way of building up data sets re. good practices of husbandry, diseases levels, feeding habits, etc. In being brutally honest, like a number of other llama keepers I greatly respect who are not members, I find it infuriating to hear the views of novices with virtually no experience sometimes pontificating about llamas and eulogising to the already long time converted community about what they are like and the joys of keeping them. This they informed me was the reason behind why they as long-standing llama breeders left the Society when it first broke away from the Camelid Association. I think the alpaca community, in general, are much better informed (from reading their literature and the research that goes on) and we should aim to work more closely with them on common fronts. There is not the commercial interest in llamas to support research, nor equivalent keeper base/experience to draw upon. This doesn't mean I don't believe alpaca folk are missing a trick for not having llamas instead!. None
As a voluntary body, we are always on the lookout for members to help long-term or via short-term co-option to undertake specific tasks. Currently, we are in search of someone with marketing skills to help us grow llama ownership and membership through our publications, someone with design skills to help re style our brochure, and a new Membership Secretary. If you are in a position to help we would love to hear from you via our Chairman, Tim Crowfoot (timcrowfoot@btinternet.com)
Any additional comments 11 responses
•
I am afraid I am not a very useful member of your society, but just an animal lover who appreciates these alert and attractive creatures.
•
There's a typo (you) in regulatory issues.
•
Love the Llama link and the fact the society is geared to the amateur owner
•
Some of the above questions are very difficult to answer without a long explanation so I have left them blank ! None at the moment Thank you to everyone who has kept the society going over the years. It has provided me with a much-appreciated 'llama family'.
• •
When we were breeding llamas, it would have been useful to have had access to the herd register. The Pygmy Goat Club has the facility to look up on line any goats and their progeny. This is a very useful tool
•
Love the calendars ;)
•
Cannot help much at the moment due to family commitments and too much to deal with
•
Both my husband and I have served on the board and worked very hard for the Society in the past. I know how much work goes into this and what a thankless task it is. Everyong is ready to make suggestions but not willing to put their time where their opinions are.
•
Thank you for taking the time and energy to follow this up
•
Any overall feedback
•
Thank you for all your help and advice.
•
See above
•
keep up the good work!
•
The magazine is very useful look forward to reading it but I think money could be saved by printing of less expensive material –do we need heavy duty cover or internal pages
•
Breed societies used to be the only place to get information; the internet has changed this forever as now everyone is an expert.